PetSmart Turtles: Do They Still Sell Them?

PetSmart no longer sells turtles or tortoises, marking the end of a product category that had been part of many stores for years.

You won’t find live turtles at PetSmart anymore, the retailer still offers nearly everything you need to care for one. From aquariums and filters to UVB lighting, food, and basking docks, PetSmart remains a popular destination for turtle supplies.

In this guide, we’ll explain why the company stopped selling turtles, where you can responsibly get one instead, and what you’ll need to create a healthy habitat.

Key Highlights

• PetSmart no longer sells turtles or tortoises, but it still carries a wide selection of turtle care supplies.
• The company ended turtle sales because turtles require specialized care and a long-term commitment.
• Reptile rescues, licensed breeders, and reptile expos are the best places to get a pet turtle.
• A proper turtle habitat typically costs $300–$600 and includes a tank, filter, heating, and UVB lighting.

Why PetSmart Stopped Selling Turtles

Turtles and tortoises have specialized needs that retail environments struggle to meet that includes precise temperature gradients, UVB exposure, water filtration, and lifespans measured in decades.

There’s older regulatory context too. Since 1975, US federal law has banned the sale of turtles with shells under four inches, a rule introduced because small turtles were a significant source of salmonella infections in children.

➤ That rule never banned larger turtles, so retailers continued selling them for decades. PetSmart has now stepped back from the category entirely.

Note that stores still sell other reptiles. See our PetSmart reptile guide for what’s currently available, or the bearded dragon guide if you want a beginner-friendly alternative.

Where to Get a Turtle Instead

If you’re planning to own a turtle, choosing a responsible source is just as important as choosing the right species. Healthy turtles from reputable sellers are more likely to thrive and come with accurate care information.

• Reptile rescues are the best option, with many healthy turtles available for adoption.
• Licensed breeders offer healthier turtles and reliable care information.
• Reptile expos let you meet breeders and inspect turtles before buying.
• Never take a turtle from the wild, as it’s often illegal and harms wild populations.

Whatever the source, ask for the turtle’s species before making a purchase. A red-eared slider needs a 75-gallon or larger aquarium as an adult, while a box turtle requires a land-based enclosure.

Choosing the wrong species can lead to expensive habitat upgrades and care challenges later.

Best Turtle Species for Beginners

If you’re buying a turtle from a rescue or licensed breeder, choosing the right species is just as important as setting up the habitat. Some turtles are much easier for beginners to care for than others.

Painted Turtle

Painted turtles are one of the best choices for first-time owners. They are hardy, active, and adapt well to captivity when provided with clean water, UVB lighting, and a proper basking area.

Musk Turtle

Musk turtles stay smaller than many other pet turtles, making them a good option for people with limited space. They still need a well-filtered aquatic enclosure, regular water changes, and a balanced diet.

Box Turtle

Box turtles are land-dwelling rather than aquatic, so their care is very different. They need a spacious terrestrial enclosure with proper humidity, hiding spots, and a varied diet instead of a large water tank.

Before choosing any species, research its adult size, expected lifespan, diet, and habitat requirements. A turtle can live for several decades, so selecting a species that matches your experience level and available space is essential.

Turtle Tank Setup

PetSmart still carries the full supply range several hundred turtle-specific products across food, terrariums, heating, lighting, décor, and supplements, from brands including Zoo Med, Fluker’s, Zilla, Exo-Terra, and Thrive.

Budget $300 to $600 for a complete aquatic turtle setup done properly. The tank is the biggest line item, and buying small to save money almost always means buying twice.

The two things people get wrong

Without UVB lighting turtles can’t process calcium and develop metabolic bone disease a slow, preventable, and often fatal condition. UVB output fades long before the bulb burns out, so replace on schedule, not when it dies.

Turtles are far messier than fish. Undersize the filter and you’ll be doing water changes constantly and still fighting shell rot. Over-filter deliberately.

Much of the water chemistry logic carries over from fishkeeping our fish tank setup guide and aquarium guide cover cycling and maintenance in more depth.

Alternatives to Turtles at PetSmart

Although PetSmart no longer sells turtles or tortoises, many locations still carry other reptiles that may be better suited for new keepers.

Depending on your local store, you may find species such as bearded dragons, leopard geckos, crested geckos, and certain snakes.

These reptiles generally have more straightforward housing requirements than aquatic turtles, though each species still needs proper heating, lighting, and nutrition.

➤ Availability varies by location, so it’s best to check with your nearest store before visiting.

Wrapping up with…

PetSmart no longer sells turtles or tortoises, but it continues to offer a wide selection of turtle supplies, including habitats, filters, lighting, food, water conditioners, and décor.

If you’re planning to keep a turtle, your best option is to adopt from a reputable rescue or purchase from a licensed breeder, then invest in a properly sized enclosure and quality equipment. With the right setup and long-term commitment, a pet turtle can thrive for many years.