Five things to know before adopting a turtle

Turtles make interesting and fun family pets. Here are five things you should know before bringing a turtle into your home.

1. The most common type of pet turtle worldwide is the red-eared slider, a semi-aquatic species that’s identified by the red spots around its ears.

2. When properly cared for, turtles can live for decades and are sometimes passed down to next-generation family members when they outlive their original owners.

3. All turtles carry salmonella, so it’s important to wash your hands after handling your turtle. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer next to their tank to remind you to clean your hands.

4. Adult aquatic turtles need a large aquarium with lots of water to swim in and a dry spot where they can bask in the heat of the sun (or a UVB light that mimics the sun).

5. Red-eared sliders often greet their owners when they walk into a room and beg for treats, just like a dog or cat.

As with adopting any other pet, bringing a turtle into your home isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. However, if you choose to go ahead, you’ll gain a uniquely fascinating companion that will be with you for many years to come.