For most people the only place where they can buy a turtle is one: a pet shop. This is definitely the only place where you can buy all the equipment to set up the tank and buy all the necessities. There are other alternatives though, like getting it directly from a breeder.

Buying a turtle from a breeder has few advantages. Breeders will know the animals history and will be able to tell you exactly how to take care of it. The other advantage is the price - most will offer their reptiles at lower prices than the pet shops.

How to find a breeder ? The best is again to contact people at your local reptile club or association. Also, search the internet for keywords like 'turtle breeder'. Ask people at online turtle clubs and forums, like our Snapper Forum.

After you find a breeder you can either take a trip to visit him/her and make our purchase directly, or you could place an order and have the animal shipped to you, which is fast and safe.

Another option, if you can't find a local breeder, is to wait for the closest Reptile Pet Expo and meet the breededrs there.