Looking for a Home for Your Tortoise?
Donating a Tortoise to Tort Towers Rescue
At Tort Towers Rescue, we understand that surrendering your tortoise is a deeply difficult decision, and we’re here to support you with compassion and care throughout the process.
Tort Towers Rescue is committed to providing a safe haven for tortoises in need. If you are unable to continue caring for your tortoise and wish to surrender it to our rescue, we have established the following policy to ensure a smooth and responsible donation process that prioritizes the well-being of the tortoise.
Donation Process
Initial Contact: Contact Tort Towers Rescue to express your intent to donate a tortoise. Please provide basic information about the tortoise, including its species, age, health status, and any specific care requirements as well as the urgency needed to surrender your tortoise.
Assessment Questionnaire: You will be asked to complete a detailed surrender questionnaire. This form collects essential information about the tortoise’s history, including its diet, enclosure setup, behaviour, medical records, and any known health issues. This helps us prepare for the tortoise’s arrival and assess its needs. You can complete this form below initially if you prefer.
Evaluation by Tort Towers Rescue: We will review the questionnaire to determine if we have the capacity and resources to accept the tortoise. Factors such as available space, the tortoise’s health, and compatibility with our current residents will be considered. In cases where we cannot accept the tortoise due to capacity or specialized care needs, we will work with you to explore alternative options, such as direct adoption.
Direct Adoptions
In cases where we are unable to accept a tortoise, we can facilitate direct adoptions to streamline the rehoming process while ensuring the tortoise's welfare. Under this policy, the tortoise remains with its current owner during the rehoming process, and our shelter provides support to ensure a successful transition to a new, suitable home.
Process for Direct Adoptions:
Application Submission: Prospective adopters must submit a completed adoption application form to Tort Towers. This can be accessed via the website or by emailing torttowers@gmail.com to request a form. The form requires detailed information about the applicant’s experience with tortoises, their living environment, and their ability to meet the specific care needs of the tortoise species.
Vetting by Tort Towers Rescue: We thoroughly review each application to assess the suitability of the potential adopter. This includes evaluating the applicant’s knowledge of tortoise care, the appropriateness of the enclosure, and their commitment to long-term welfare. We may conduct virtual or in-person home checks, as needed, to verify the provided information.
Collaboration with Current Owner: We work closely with the current owner to gather detailed information about the tortoise, including its health history, diet, behaviour, and specific needs. The owner is responsible for maintaining the tortoise’s care during the rehoming process and coordinating with the approved adopter for the transfer, under our guidance.
Approval and Transfer: Once an adopter is approved, Tort Towers facilitates communication between the current owner and the adopter to arrange the transfer of the tortoise. We do not support the use of animal couriers.
Follow-Up: After the adoption, Tort Towers Rescue may conduct follow-up checks to ensure the tortoise is adjusting well to its new home and that the adopter is meeting its care requirements.
Exceptions for Emergencies
If a tortoise is in immediate need of rescue due to neglect, abandonment, or other urgent circumstances, Tort Towers Rescue will prioritize bringing the tortoise to our shelter for assessment and care before proceeding with rehoming, following our standard rescue protocols.
Our Commitment
By facilitating direct adoptions, Tort Towers Rescue ensures that tortoises are placed in loving, capable homes without unnecessary relocation, while maintaining our rigorous standards for adopter suitability. This approach supports both the tortoise’s well-being and the current owner’s efforts to responsibly rehome their pet.