Houston Tortoise Rescue is a family-owned and operated rescue dedicated to providing a safe haven for unwanted, displaced, and abandoned tortoises, turtles, and other reptiles.

With more than 40 years of combined experience caring for and breeding a wide variety of tortoise, turtle, and reptile species, we understand the specialized care these animals require throughout their lives.

Surrender & Rehoming

Our goal is to provide surrendered animals with safe and appropriate placement. Animals that do not fit within our personal collection or breeding projects may be rehomed through our network of vetted caregivers and responsible homes throughout Texas and the Southwest.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting a turtle or tortoise, please contact us by email or send us a message on Instagram.

Please understand that some species can be particularly difficult and costly to rehome. As a result, a surrender fee may be required to help offset the costs associated with transportation, housing, veterinary care, feeding, and other interim care necessary to place an animal appropriately.

For the safety of our existing animals, surrendered animals must be in good health at the time of surrender. Health concerns should be disclosed at the time of intake so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Found & Stray Animals

Found turtles and tortoises are held for 14 days to provide an opportunity for their rightful owner to locate and reclaim them.

If an owner comes forward during this 14-day period, they must be able to provide reasonable proof of ownership. A recovery fee will apply to help cover the costs associated with transport, intake, care, housing, and other expenses incurred while the animal was in our care.

After the 14-day holding period, animals that have not been successfully reunited with their owners will be placed into a permanent, appropriate forever home through our rescue and rehoming network.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote conservation and help assure the survival of chelonian species through responsible rescue, education, husbandry, breeding, and placement.

We believe that every turtle and tortoise deserves appropriate care, a safe environment, and the opportunity to thrive.