Aren’t Turtles Illegal?

Introduction

There are a number of common misconceptions regarding the legality of pet turtles in British Columbia, especially concerning Red-eared Slider Turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). While some turtle species are indeed illegal to keep as pets in the province, others—including Red-eared Sliders—are permitted under specific regulations. Misunderstandings of the law surrounding pet turtles can lead to unnecessary fear, pet abandonment and unintentional legal violations.

Five Common Misconceptions

Misconception #1: It is illegal to keep turtles as pets.
Misconception #2: It is illegal to keep Red-eared Sliders as pets.
Misconception #3: It is illegal to transport pet turtles to the vet.
Misconception #4: It is legal to catch and rehome feral turtles.
Misconception #5: Turtles are wild animals and should not be kept as pets.

Misconception #1: It is illegal to keep turtles as pets.

The turtles which are illegal to possess in BC include those designated as wildlife in the BC Wildlife Act (BCWA) (Schedule A) and those listed as extirpated, endangered, threatened or special concern in the Species at Risk Act (SARA) (Schedule 1). Species which were obtained unlawfully outside of the province are prohibited under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). It is also illegal to commercially trade or possess species classified as threatened with extinction by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (Appendix I). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prohibits the import of any turtle species or their eggs for commercial purposes due to the risk of Salmonella and proper documentation is required to bring any kind of turtle into the country. Finally, it is important to check your local bylaws before adopting a pet turtle because municipalities or regional districts may have their own regulations.

• Scroll down to see the list of prohibited species below.

Misconception #2: It is illegal to keep Red-eared Sliders as pets.

The keeping and rehoming of captive-bred (not wild-caught) Pond Sliders (Trachemys scripta)—including Red-eared Sliders—is permitted in accordance with the BCWA (BCWA General Regulation: Division 17.04). However, buying, selling, trading or gaining from their distribution would be considered wildlife trafficking and is not permitted (BCWA: Section 22). It is against the law to release pets into the wild or to allow their escape (BCWA: Sections 76-77). Releasing pet turtles into the wild is illegal, irresponsible and cruel—and can have serious ecological consequences.

Misconception #3: It is illegal to transport pet turtles to the vet.

If your turtle requires veterinary care, you are encouraged to take your turtle to the vet. While the transportation of wildlife is generally prohibited (BCWA: Section 37), you are permitted to travel with turtles that are legally in your possession (within the province)—even if they are classified as wildlife. The BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCAA) requires guardians to provide adequate care for their pets including medical attention when necessary (Section 9.1). During transportation, your turtle must be properly contained to prevent unsafe operation of the vehicle, injury or escape (PCAA: Section 9.3). Having your turtle examined by a veterinarian is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

Misconception #4: It is legal to catch and rehome feral turtles.

If an exotic turtle is found loose, it may be captured and killed by government officials (BCWA: Section 79). If feral specimens (listed under Schedule C of the BCWA) are caught by anyone else, they cannot be rescued or rehomed legally and must be euthanized (in a humane and lawful manner), taken to a place where they will be euthanized (such as a veterinarian) or surrendered to the government within 24 hours (BCWA Designation and Exemption Regulation: Section 3.1). Any attempt to catch wildlife (including exotic turtles) without appropriate permissions is an offence (BCWA: Section 29).

Misconception #5: Turtles are wild animals and should not be kept as pets.

Unfortunately, reptile owners are faced with much discrimination. It is not advisable to keep any wild-caught animals as pets. However, many reptiles—including Red-eared Sliders—have been bred in captivity for many generations and are fully domesticated. Captive-bred turtles are good pets for individuals who are committed to taking proper care of them. Potential problems can arise with all kinds of pets and are usually the result of irresponsible pet ownership. It is the owner’s duty to care for their pet appropriately, comply with relevant laws, and fully understand what is involved before adopting any animal.

Recommendations

We recommend that the sale of captive-bred (not wild-caught) adult Slider Turtles (T. scripta) should be allowed in BC, while the sale of hatchlings and juveniles should remain prohibited. This species remains the most common pet turtle in the province and worldwide. Currently, organizations or pet stores in BC that rehome pet turtles are forced to operate at a loss to ensure those turtles are properly cared for. When it is difficult for owners to rehome their turtles, they are more likely to release them into the wild. Historically, young turtles were frequently sold at low prices alongside undersized aquariums. As the turtles grew, their owners often became overwhelmed as the novelty wore off. If turtles had to be raised to adulthood before sale, it would increase the cost, encouraging more responsible purchases and better preparation—including appropriate housing from the start. People who make a larger financial investment in their pets are generally more committed to their long-term care. Pet turtles are already widespread and will continue to be popular regardless of the legal framework. A regulated and responsible approach to the sale of adult, captive-bred turtles—which restricts commercial exploitation and prioritizes education over prohibition—would help protect both animal welfare and the environment.

• For up-to-date information, pet owners should consult official government websites and local authorities to ensure compliance with current regulations and best practices.

Prohibited Turtle Species

BC Wildlife Act

• Pond Turtles (Emydidae spp.) (except for captive T. scripta)
• Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae spp.)
• Soft-shelled Turtles (Trionychidae spp.)

CITES-Appendix-I-listed Species
(not including species also listed in the BCWA)

• Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae spp.)
• Big-headed Turtles (Platysternidae spp.)
• Western Swamp Turtles (Pseudemydura umbrina)
• Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis)
• Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska)
• Red-crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga)
• Bourret’s Box Turtle (Cuora bourreti)
• Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons)
• Southern Vietnamese Box Turtle (Cuora picturata)
• Black Pond Turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii)
• Vietnamese Pond Turtle (Mauremys annamensis)
• Tricarinate Hill Turtle (Melanochelys tricarinata)
• Burmese Eyed Turtle (Morenia ocellata)
• Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta)
• Cora Mud Turtle (Kinosternon cora)
• Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti)
• Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)
• Angonoka Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)
• Galápagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis niger)
• Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)
• Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynotan)
• Bolson Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus)
• Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
• Geometric Tortoise (Psammobates geometricus)
• Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides)
• Flat-backed Spider Tortoise (Pyxis planicauda)
• Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)

Species at Risk Act
(not including species also listed in the BCWA or CITES Appx-I)

• Eastern Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus)