Did you find a red-eared slider outside?

If they are uninjured, we recommend calling San Diego Humane Society at 619-299-7012 for further guidance. If you believe you’ve found a lost owned/pet turtle or tortoise, please visit the San Diego Humane Society Lost and Found page for more information.

If the red-eared slider is injured or appears sick, you can bring them to the San Diego Humane Society location that is closest to you.

Project Wildlife is not able to take in red-eared sliders for rehabilitation because they are not native to San Diego.

Do you want a pet red-eared slider?

Adopt one instead of taking one from the wild or purchasing from a pet store. You can search San Diego Humane Society’s website to see red-eared sliders available for adoption. Many red-eared sliders that come to us are transferred to San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society, which is a great resource for caring for all kinds of chelonians (shelled animals).

Do you have a pet red-eared slider you can no longer care for?

We understand there may be circumstances that prevent you from being able to keep your pet, and San Diego Humane Society is here to help. Please try to rehome your turtle with a friend, or contact your local shelter or reptile rescue organization, such as San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society. It is illegal to abandon a pet — this includes releasing a turtle in California state waterways.

Do you have a pond home?

If you have a pond, you can make a lifesaving difference for a red-eared slider! Pond homes at hotels, golf courses or other private properties that aren’t connected to waterways are ideal for red-eared sliders.