If you want to adopt a desert tortoise in Las Vegas, you need to approach the process as a custodian, not an owner. Nevada tortoise laws classify these reptiles as protected wildlife, so every adoption flows through strict state and federal oversight. This guide explains how to navigate the official program, meet habitat requirements, and stay compliant after your new tortoise arrives.
Desert tortoises in Nevada fall under state and federal protection, which means they cannot be bought, sold, or casually traded. Approved keepers act as custodians: they provide daily care, but they do not have the right to breed, transfer, or abandon the animal without authorization from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Thinking in custodial terms reinforces the conservation-first mindset that keeps the species safe.
The Tortoise Group is the sole federally recognized organization handling desert tortoise adoption in Southern Nevada. Based in Las Vegas, they partner with NDOW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to place captive-born tortoises in legal homes. Working with any other source—classified ads, neighborhood giveaways, or out-of-state rescues—does not satisfy Nevada’s desert tortoise adoption requirements and could result in fines or confiscation.
tortoisegroup.org and complete the online adoption form. Include photos of your yard and details about your experience with reptiles or backyard wildlife.Adoption is free, but you must prove that your outdoor tortoise habitat Las Vegas climate ready before approval. Expect to invest time and materials into building the burrow, shade structure, and perimeter security well before the site visit.
Most tortoises spotted wandering Las Vegas neighborhoods are escapees, not wild animals. Follow this protocol:
If no custodian comes forward, you may be able to register as the new caretaker through the official program, provided your habitat meets standards.
Releasing a captive desert tortoise is illegal and environmentally damaging. Besides disease transmission, human-raised tortoises often lack the burrowing skills and predator awareness needed to survive. If your circumstances change, contact the Tortoise Group or NDOW—they maintain a legal pathway to rehome the animal and keep it in the tracked custodian system.
After adoption, keep copies of your custodian paperwork, track annual health checks, and refresh your habitat as the tortoise grows. Report address changes or extended travel plans to the Tortoise Group so they can help coordinate temporary care if needed. By honoring the custodian agreement, you protect your tortoise and contribute to Nevada’s broader conservation mission.