Keeping a turtle as a pet is a significant, long-term commitment. Wild turtles should never be taken home as pets. Be sure that you buy your turtle from a reputable breeder.
Remember, turtles can live a long time – up to 80 years for some species, even over 100 for others! Be sure that you are ready for that kind of commitment. You may need to put the animal in your will. Please research the diet, habitat, and light requirements for the species that you are considering keeping as a pet. For most species, an aquarium is not sufficient. They will also need a larger habitat as they continue to grow.
NEVER release a pet turtle into the wild. Turtles kept in captivity may not have the important nutrients or skills to survive through the cold winter. In addition, your pet turtle may not be a species native to your area and should not interbreed with wild turtles. Captive turtles may also carry diseases or parasites that the local population is not used to dealing with and could significantly damage the local population. For these reasons, it is very important that if you no longer want your pet turtle and do not know where it was captured, you should try to find a capable new owner. For help, contact a local herpetology society, rescue, zoo, or wildlife rehabber. Your state’s department of wildlife web page is a usually a great place to find lists of certified rehabbers.