Little Res Q

Do turtles make good pets? Not for everybody.
Is it because they’re mean? No.
Is it because they get too big? Might be larger than some people expect, but many options stay fairly manageable.
No, turtles make bad pets for a lot of people because they live so long. How long is a highly debated topic, but for the red-eared slider, probably close to 50 years. The red-eared slider is the most common turtle found in the pet trade worldwide, but it is also the most abandoned. This turtle, native to the southern United States, is often released into ponds, rivers and lakes in foreign countries, such as here in Canada, and the slider is well adapted to make its home here, competing with the local turtles for food and habitat.
That’s not the only part of it though, just like any other pet, buying a turtle means you’re making a commitment to take care of the animal for life, but when that life is as long as a turtle, a lot of times university, work or family life comes in between that initial responsibility. So there are a lot of turtles out there needing rescue, rehabilitation, and loving homes.

Thank god for the Little RES Q! These volunteers found in several locations throughout Ontario take in unwanted turtles, mainly the popular red-eared slider, and do their best to find loving homes for them. If you’re set on having a turtle as a pet and have done your research on their care requirements, you can help by adopting an adult animal instead of purchasing a baby! Check it out at littleresq.net!