Where should I get a turtle from, PetSmart or Petco?

[PlanetGio]

Where should I get a turtle from, PetSmart or Petco? I heard that animals get abused in PetSmart I don't know if it is true but I was just wondering which one would be better to get a turtle. I am trying to get a red eared slider by the way.

 

[Yvonne G]

RES are the feral cat of turtles. There are so many of them that it's hard for rescues to find homes for them. Why buy one when you can get one for free from a rescue?

You can't lump all Petsmarts or all Petco under one umbrella. Each store cares for their animals the way they feel the animal should be cared for. It depends upon the manager and worker bees in each store.

https://www.facebook.com/SoutheastGeorgiaTortoiseRescue/
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaReptileSociety/
http://www.tortoise.com/turtle-rescue-centers-in-usa.html

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Ever consider getting one from a reptile show? I like them because I stand at least a slightly better chance of being able to ask questions from someone who's knowledgeable and not JUST out to make a sale.

 

[Loohan]

No.
(In response to OP)

 

[PlanetGio]

No.
(In response to OP)

?

 

[Loohan]

?

I mean neither.

 

[Tom]

I would't buy from either one. If you want a RES, check with those links from Yvonne. They will be happy to give you as many as you want for free.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

RES are everywhere in the U.S because of owners throwing them out into the "wild".
I'd also recommend a rescue. Also, a larger turtle is usually a sturdier turtle. Easier to care for and less fragile.
So it's a win-win

 

[vladimir]

Another vote for rescuing one. Our RES is a rescue we got in 2008, and he's awesome.