Tortoises and Turtles

Tortoises for Sale UK

Browse tortoises for sale across the UK on Petsloo — private listings covering Hermann Tortoises, Horsfield Tortoises, Spur-thighed Tortoises, Marginated Tortoises and other species from sellers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Legal requirements for buyers

Most tortoise species commonly kept in the UK are listed under CITES Annex A, including Hermann Tortoises (Testudo hermanni), Horsfield Tortoises (Agrionemys horsfieldii) and Spur-thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca). Under UK retained wildlife trade law, every sale of an Annex A tortoise requires a valid Article 10 certificate issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Buying or selling an Annex A tortoise without a valid Article 10 certificate is a criminal offence under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 (COTES).

For hatchlings under 60mm shell length, breeders may apply for a Transaction Specific Certificate (TSC) covering a whole batch, at a cost of £31 per application plus £1.50 per additional hatchling. For tortoises over 60mm that are individually microchipped, a Specimen Specific Certificate (SSC) covers the individual animal for its lifetime. Always check the microchip number or ring number matches the certificate before purchasing.

Tortoises not listed under CITES Annex A — including most captive-bred African Sulcata Tortoises — can be bought and sold without documentation, though you should always confirm the species before purchasing.

All tortoises are subject to the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Sellers operating as a business require an Animal Activities License from their local authority.