Tortoise Adoption Program



Adopting and caring for desert tortoises

Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Department adopts out captive desert tortoises that cannot be released back into the wild because captive tortoises can transmit diseases that can decimate our wild population. They are nontraditional pets, but are fascinating animals and families can gain an appreciation of desert wildlife by caring for a tortoise and watching its natural behavior.

Under state law, desert tortoises are available for adoption for Arizona residents only.

Before adopting, it is strongly recommended that you to educate yourself about desert tortoises, desert ecology and what’s required to properly care for one. Adopters should also consider that healthy tortoises can live upwards of 80-100 years and should have a long-term plan in place in either, a will or other succession plan as the tortoise may outlive its owners.

Tortoises are typically only adopted from April 1 to Sept. 30 because they hibernate during the cooler months.

2020 adoption applications currently being accepted

Allow at least 14 days for us to process your application. *Note: Read through the materials below on how to care for a desert tortoise and complete your burrow before submitting your application.

How to adopt



Video: How to build a tortoise burrow

Per Arizona Game and Fish Commission Order 43, “possession limit is one desert tortoise per person per household.”

Adopted tortoises may be permanently marked so if it becomes lost and then found it can be identified by various animal care agencies or veterinarians. Note: the Tortoise Adoption Program does not microchip tortoises.





Information for Desert Tortoise Adoption

Your adopted tortoise will require a shelter and enclosure constructed specifically to ensure it doesn’t escape. Pools, ponds and other bodies of water must also be gated to prevent the tortoise from entering, as they cannot swim. The enclosure’s primary barrier should have a portion buried at least 6-8 inches to help discourage digging. The total height above ground should be at least 2′ for an adult tortoise and should include a solid visual section for the first 10″ from the ground up. This will help prevent the tortoise from rubbing its face and discourage escape. Similar adjustments should be made for a juvenile or hatchling enclosure. Additionally, the enclosure must be built to keep a dog from getting to the tortoise.

Enclosures must meet the following minimum size requirements for the size of the tortoise:

Adult tortoise – 18′ x 18′ or 324 square feet

Juvenile tortoise – 8′ x 8′ or 64 square feet

Hatchling tortoise – 4′ x 4′ or 16 square feet; must include a predator proof top

Burrow/shelter guidelines

Remember that breeding of these captive tortoises is illegal and doing so leads to a surplus of tortoises needing homes.

Tortoises Native to Arizona Must Remain in Arizona Under state law, desert tortoises cannot be removed from Arizona so if tortoise custodian plans to move from the state or passes away and no succession plan is in place (such as a will), it must be returned back into an approved adoption facility. If the tortoise is relocated within the state, please contact the nearest adoption facility to update your address in our records. It is Illegal to Collect Tortoises From or Release Tortoises into the Wild

In Arizona, it is illegal to release any tortoise into the wild. Releasing a tortoise into the wild can be detrimental to wild tortoises because it can spread disease and disrupt uniquely adapted genetics in wild populations. It is also illegal and detrimental to desert tortoise populations to collect tortoises from the wild.

What To Do If You Find a Desert Tortoise



If you are in an open, “wild” area and come across a desert tortoise, chances are it is wild and is just living its life and you should leave it alone. If you observe a potentially injured tortoise or you find a healthy one in a populated area, please call the TAP hotline, 844 896-5730 so that we can help make the best decision for that tortoise.

State-sanctioned Adoption Facilities

Tucson Area: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 520 883-3062; www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap.html

Statewide toll-free 844 896-5730, TAP@azgfd.gov