Does petco or petsmart carry turtles?

It's illegal to sell pet turtles in several states. Check with your state's captive wildlife regulations to be sure they're legal. If they're illegal in your state then any store caught selling them can be heavily fined and/or shut down by authorities. There is legislation waiting to be reviewed by Congress that would lift the ban on turtles, but it's a heated debate and there are no guarantees that the ban will be lifted. In stores where turtles ARE legally sold the price usually ranges from $20-$150 based on the type of animal in question. You have to consider the other costs associated with keeping turtles as well. Turtles and many lizards require UVB lighting in addition to basking lamps. UVB lighting can be costly, but compared to the vet bills you'd have if you kept a turtle without this necessary element it's very affordable. Caging is also an issue. Baby turtles do grow and will require a relatively large habitat that offers them room to bask, room to swim, and room to roam. ...  more