Shipping tortoises

[Fangorn]

So, let's say you find an adult tortoise that you are very interested in but it's in a different part of the country and the seller says local pickup only, no shipping. Would it be ethically questionable to have a person local to that area pick it up and ship it to you? Maybe my question really is, do most sellers say no shipping because they think it won't be good for the tortoise or because it is a hassle?

 

[zovick]

So, let's say you find an adult tortoise that you are very interested in but it's in a different part of the country and the seller says local pickup only, no shipping. Would it be ethically questionable to have a person local to that area pick it up and ship it to you? Maybe my question really is, do most sellers say no shipping because they think it won't be good for the tortoise or because it is a hassle?

Both of those reasons are often given. It is probably about a 50/50 split.

 

[Tom]

So, let's say you find an adult tortoise that you are very interested in but it's in a different part of the country and the seller says local pickup only, no shipping. Would it be ethically questionable to have a person local to that area pick it up and ship it to you? Maybe my question really is, do most sellers say no shipping because they think it won't be good for the tortoise or because it is a hassle?

Ask the seller why not. If their reason is because it's a hassle, then they should have no issue with someone else responsibly and carefully doing the work and shipping it to you. If they have some sort of moral dilemma about it, then you will have to decide which way you are comfortable going.