ARTBAR Dog Adoption Application

Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue

Turtle/Tortoise Adoption Application
Completion of this application does not guarantee the adoption of a turtle or tortoise. Your information will not be shared with the public. YOU MUST ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED AS AN ADOPTER. You may attach additional sheets as necessary if there is not enough room for your answers on this form.

How long does the process take? The answer depends on the availability of your references, and the opportunity for our staff and board to look over your application. You will generally hear from a member of our staff within 72 hours (Mon-Fri) regarding any additional questions or required information. A final decision should be expected within approximately one to two weeks after that. Please be patient with our all-volunteer rescue. During the time of year when rescues are at their peak (spring/summer/early fall), our responses may be slower than usual.

**Special note: This application is quite extensive. Please don’t let the length or questions intimidate you into not applying. If you don’t currently have the appropriate setup, but are willing to provide it, then we are more than willing to work with potential adopters and provide guidance on turtle/tortoise ownership.
Please give careful consideration to adopting a turtle or tortoise. Turtles and tortoises are not toys or short-term commitments. Make sure your lifestyle allows the time, patience, training, and expense this animal will need over the years. Turtles and tortoises can live for decades and can never be released once they are kept as pets. ... "Once a pet, always a pet!"
General Adoption Information
By state law, our facility is NOT open to the public. We are a home-based group and therefore do not offer open tours to view the turtles in our care. Once you submit the application, we will be in touch and, if approved, can set up an appointment to view the turtle you're interested in. Detailed information about each available turtle is available on request. Please email turtlerescuems.adoptions@gmail.com.
Please note:
 In most cases, minimum enclosure size for a single adult box turtle is 15 square feet. (Smaller enclosures will be considered for young box turtles if adopter is willing to up-size as the turtle grows.)
 Glass tanks are never appropriate for box turtles or tortoises.
 Minimum tank size for an aquatic turtle is 10 gallons of water for every inch of shell length.
 Space requirements for tortoises vary depending on species. No matter the type of turtle, more space is always better.
 Pre-approved 24-hour/day predator/security-proofing is required for any turtle that will be housed outdoors or if housed indoors in a home with other pets or children.. No exceptions.
 We will check your references, including your current vet. We believe that prior vet history with your current or past pets provides great insight on how you treat animals in your care.
 We will not supply mass turtle breeders. If your intent is to adopt a turtle from us and breed him or her repeatedly for profitable gain, please look elsewhere.

Please remember that most of the turtles we offer for adoption are wild animals. They were not bred to be pets and were not raised as pets. The only reason they are in captivity and are available for adoption is because they cannot be released. We favor adopters who intend to provide an environment as closely resembling their natural environment as possible, or as close to that as possible considering any special needs the turtle may have.

We do not charge an adoption fee and we do not sell any turtles. All potential adopters will be heavily screened. We are willing to ship, on a case-by-case basis - adopter pays all shipping costs. If a turtle is to be shipped out of state, the adoption must also first be approved by the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Shipping is temperature-sensitive. Depending on where you live, we may not be able to ship to you during summer or winter. There will be absolutely no adoptions, local or otherwise, between Thanksgiving and New Year.
Name of the turtle(s) you want to adopt *
If you would rather we match you with a turtle or tortoise, please describe the type of turtle you have in mind (turtle/tortoise, young/adult, terrestrial/aquatic, etc.)
Adopter's Name *
First & Last Name
Co-Adopter's Name
First & Last Name
Adopter's Year of Birth *
Address *

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City State

Zip Code
If you wish for the turtle to be shipped to you, is the address above the same address we should use for shipping? *

Yes No Not applicable, I will pick up locally
If no, please provide the correct shipping address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City State / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Is this address:

Residential Commercial
Adopter's E-mail *
Co-Adopter's E-mail
Adopter's Cell Phone Number *

Area Code Phone Number
Names and ages of all permanent residents of your home (adults/children) *
Have you discussed this adoption with all members of your household? *

Yes No Yes, adults have discussed. Kids don't know yet.
Annual Household Income *

Under $25,000 $25,000-50,000 $50,001-70,000 $70,001 or higher
How much do you feel you can reasonably afford and would be willing to spend on your turtle per year (for things like veterinary care, licensing, ID tag, food, toys, crate, other supplies, training, pet sitting, etc)? *
What would you do if you discovered after adoption (at any time during the life of the turtle) an expensive health condition? *
I/We live in a *

Single Family Home Duplex/Twin Condo/Townhome Apartment
Do you rent or own this property? *

Rent Own
If you rent, will your landlord allow an aquarium/enclosure over 30 gallons?

Yes No Not Applicable, I own my home
Landlord Name and Contact Information
Length of time at current residence *
Are you planning to move in the near future? *

Yes No
If moving soon, to what city/state?
Current pets in your home *
Where are your current pets kept? *
Do you currently own turtles/tortoises or other reptiles? *

Aquatic turtle Terrestrial turtle Tortoise I don't own other reptiles at this time
If yes, please give a brief description of animal(s) and his/her/their habitat and care.
Have you had other reptiles as pets in the past? *

Yes No
If yes, what species, and what happened to them?
Please list your former reptiles here.
Have you done research regarding the species of turtle(s) you’re interested in? *

Yes No
If so, please cite the sources you used. If by the internet, please list specific websites.
(If your answer is a Facebook Group beginning with “World Wide”, please do additional/alternate research at other sites/groups and list those above.)
Do you plan to house this turtle indoors or out? *

Indoors Outdoors Outside day, Inside night Outside summer, inside winter I'm unsure
If you will house this turtle/tortoise outdoors during winter, what is your plan for cold weather/hibernation?
If you already have an outdoor enclosure, is your habitat completely predator proof on all sides?

Yes No Working on it Open to predator proofing guidance
If you already have the turtle/tortoise enclosure that this turtle will be housed in, please provide a photo below. Additional photos may be requested.

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If you don't already have housing set up, please describe the habitat you will provide for the turtle/tortoise you wish to adopt.
What diet do you now, or plan to, provide? *
Vet reference (please call your vet and give permission to release information to us) *
Vet name, address & phone number
If you don't currently have a veterinarian, please explain why.
If you do have a vet, does he/she see turtles? *

Yes No
If no, please list the name of a vet in your area that does see turtles
If you don't have a relationship with the turtle vet you listed, are you willing to make an appointment with him/her for a checkup as soon as you receive your adopted turtle? (It's best to already be an established patient BEFORE an emergency comes up.)

Yes No
When will you be ready to adopt this pet? *

Right away Within a week Within a month Not ready yet, just researching
Does anyone in your home fear this type of pet? *

Yes No
If yes, please describe local regulations, any insurance requirements, and any restrictions:
Turtles live a long time - some over 100 years. What arrangements will you make to ensure that your turtle(s) is taken care of in the event of your death? *

My spouse will assume ownership My adult child will assume ownership Another family member will assume ownership An unrelated friend will assume ownership
Please provide the name of the person who would assume ownership of your turtle(s) in the event of your death. *
Assuming CMTR is still around when/if you pass, we will be happy to help your surviving family members make arrangements for the turtle.
Has this arrangement been discussed with this person, and are they in agreement? *

Yes No
If you are a Mississippi resident, the following types of licenses are required to possess native turtles in this state. Please indicate which license you hold and provide a copy of said license. If you do not currently hold any of the following licenses, we will gladly hold your application until you have been able to obtain one. Please communicate this to us so that we can discuss whether or not we can hold the turtle you’re interested in as well. *

Resident Sportman's License Resident All Game Hunting and Freshwater Fishing License Small Game Hunting and Freshwater Fishing License Non-Resident All Game Hunting License I don't have a license yet, but will get one if adoption application is approved I do not live in Mississippi (please upload a copy of your license/permit, if required, below.)
If you hold a different Mississippi permit or license that allows you to possess native turtles and tortoise, please describe that permit below.
If you don't live in Mississippi but are required to hold a permit for possession or importation in your state, please describe the license you hold below.
Please upload a copy of your license/permit

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Information regarding turtle possession in Mississippi:
https://www.mdwfp.com/fishing-boating/freshwater-commercial/turtle-information/

Information regarding hunting/fishing licenses in Mississippi:
https://www.mdwfp.com/license/hunting/
If you are not a Mississippi resident, CMTR asks potential adopters to inform themselves on any local, city, state, etc. policies or laws pertaining to the ownership or possession of a turtle/tortoise.
Please provide a web address or link where we can find information about your state’s laws pertaining to the possession and importation of turtles.
We will not willingly or knowingly adopt a turtle to a location where it is illegal to do so by law.
References

Please provide two names as personal references. You must include your landlord References could include a neighbor or anyone who knows you, such as a friend, or co-worker who has knowledge of you with your pets past or present. References CANNOT be related to you by blood, adoption, or marriage. Your references will be checked! Your application will NOT be considered if you do not complete this section.
Reference 1 Name *

First Name Last Name
Reference 1 Email *
example@example.com
Reference 1 Cell Phone *

Area Code Phone Number
Relationship to Applicant *
Cannot be related by blood or marriage.
Reference 2 Name *

First Name Last Name
Reference 2 Email *
example@example.com
Reference 2 Cell Phone *

Area Code Phone Number
Relationship to Applicant *
Cannot be related by blood or marriage.
Please be sure that you understand the following by placing a check next to each item. *

Turtles will not be adopted where it is illegal to do so by law. Adult box turtles require at least 15 square feet of space (3.5, 4x4, etc.) Minimum tank size for aquatic turtles is 10 gallons of water for every inch of shell length. Space requirements for tortoises vary depending on species. Mo matter the type of turtle, more space is always better. Glass enclosures are not suitable for box turtles and will not be approved. (Glass is fine for aquatic turtles.) Predator proofing is imperative. We will not approve an adoption unless sufficient (by our standards) predator proofing is shown. NO EXCEPTIONS. Pets are predators to turtles. Turtles housed indoors must be protected from family pets. Adopted turtles are not to be used for breeding for profit, and no part of this turtle, or his or her young, living or dead, will ever be sold, traded, or given away. Most of the turtles we offer for adoption were not raised or bred as pets. These are wild animals. They should be afforded a captive existence that closely mimics that of their natural environment. The turtles we have for adoption are not touch-me pets and do not enjoy being handled. Again, these were not raised to be pets, so in their eyes, we are giant predators intent on harming them. Having a turtle as a pet is different from having a dog or cat. Turtles are cold blooded, require specific heat, humidity, lighting, and diet, and are not social animals. They do not need "friends" or constant human involvement. They are more expensive than traditional pets, to feed, house, and vet. Please be sure you fully understand and can provide everything this turtle needs to live a full and happy life. Turtles can live a long time - some, over 100 years. Please have a plan in place for your turtle(s) if something were to happen to you.
Do you have any additional comments, questions or concerns? Anything else you would like us to know to help match you up to a turtle or tortoise?
SHIPPING

We are located in Florence, Mississippi. Local pickup is always encouraged; however, if you live out of state, we are willing to ship, on a case-by-case basis - adopter pays all shipping costs. (We use ShipYourReptiles.com). Out of state adoptions must first be approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Shipping is temperature-sensitive. Depending on where you live, we may not be able to ship to you during summer or winter. There will be absolutely no adoptions, local or otherwise, between Thanksgiving and New Year.

We do not charge an adoption fee (but adopter DOES pay any shipping costs) and we do not sell any turtles.
SPECIAL SHIPPING NOTE 2020

Due to COVID-19, FedEx is experiencing an increase in shipping volume, and a shortage of staff. This is causing some potentially life-threatening delays with live animal shipping. Due to this, we will ONLY ship on a Tuesday or Wednesday for priority overnight delivery. Additionally, we will not ship to your doorstep. Instead, we will ship to an approved FedEx Ship Center near you, where you can pick up the turtle. We apologize for any inconvenience. Adopted turtles can still be picked up locally in Florence, Mississippi.
THE CONTRACT

1. I understand that my application does not constitute a guarantee or hold or any type of specific turtle/tortoise offered for adoption.

2. Should my application be approved and a turtle from the Central MS Turtle Rescue be placed with me, I agree to the following:
A. I understand that, unless otherwise specified in paragraph 4 below, this animal is in good general health at the time of adoption. I further understand that the stress that may occur as a result of the animal being moved from CMTR to its new location may cause stress-related illness or injury. If the animal does require medical treatment or medications, I will be fully responsible for these expenses, and will assure that such care as is needed is provided to the animal.
B. I agree to follow the rules and regulations promulgated by the state, city and county in which this animal will be housed, and that if permits or other permissions are required, I will obtain them and will be responsible for any expenses incurred in relation to the permit process. If the animal is seized due to failure of Adopter to acquire the requisite permits, custody and ownership shall revert to CMTR.
C. I agree to furnish the appropriate housing, food, water, light, heat, humidity, exercise and medical care to provide for this animal in a devoted and humane manner. To assure proper care, I have or will immediately purchase or otherwise acquire a book or other information to learn how to properly care for this animal. I further understand that if the animal I am adopting will be large when full grown, I will have to move this animal into housing large enough to properly accommodate the growing animal and its changing needs.
D. I specifically agree to keep this animal within my control at all times. I will take particular care when housing this animal to ensure the enclosures are escape-proof and that the enclosure in which they are housed is secured against possible escape and predators.
E. I specifically agree, except as otherwise provided for in Paragraph 3, that this animal will not be used for research, experiments, or in any other inhumane way.
F. I agree that this animal is a life-long commitment, and the animal will not be sold, traded, destroyed (except in cases of extreme medical conditions), abandoned or otherwise disposed of.
G. I agree to return the animal to CMTR if, as Adopter, I no longer desire or am otherwise unable to keep the animal, and will never sell, trade, give away or abandon the animal. If the animal is lost, I shall notify CMTR expeditiously and make every effort to recover it. If the animal dies, CMTR is to be notified, and the body is to be frozen until such time as it can be delivered to or picked up by CMTR or until other arrangements can be made (at the discretion of CMTR) for disposal.
H. I agree to allow CMTR at any time to investigate the premises where the animal is kept and to reclaim the animal if, in the judgment of the investigator, the animal is not being adequately cared for, if the Adopter has not complied with any provision of this contract, or if the Adopter has misrepresented any fact to CMTR. In the event that the Adopter fails or refuses to return such animal upon demand, the Adopter hereby agrees to pay reasonable attorney's fees in the event an attorney is consulted or if suit is brought for the return of the animal.
I. I agree to truthfully and completely answer any follow-up questionnaire which CMTR may send the Adopter regarding the animal.

3. In the event this animal is adopted by a school, nature center, science center or other educational institution, the adopting entity agrees to abide by the terms of this contract with the following modifications:
A. The animal may be used for educational purposes, with education defined as presenting the animal alive and in good health to teach the students or other general public about the field of herpetology, conservation, environmental education and natural history. This animal is not to be used for medical or scientific experimentation nor for dissection, even if such endeavors are otherwise considered to be educational in nature.
B. If this animal is kept in an educational facility, proper care must be taken to provide for the animal's needs during weekends, holidays and vacations. The animal is to be cared for only by a responsible individual who is experienced or otherwise knowledgeable in the needs of the animal(s) referenced in paragraph 2.c above. The animal is not to be sent home with a child or student unless the parent or guardian of said child or student understands the demands and needs that must be provided for, and if the adopting entity visits the child's or student's home during the course of the weekend, holiday or vacation to assure that the animal is being cared for properly. Failure to do so may constitute animal abuse, and will result in the reclamation of the animal by CMTR.
C. If the adopting entity at any time in the future no longer wishes to keep the animal, it shall be returned to CMTR. If the animal is lost, the adopting entity shall notify CMTR expeditiously and shall make every effort to recover it. This animal is never to be traded, sold, released into the wild or given away.

4. The information provided to the Adopter concerning the animal’s description, history and condition is complete and correct to the best of the CMTR’s knowledge and belief. CMTR recommends that the animal be examined by a licensed reptile veterinarian within 72 hours of the adoption.

5. The Adopter agrees to be solely and personally responsible for this animal and to indemnify and hold harmless CMTR and its agents from any and all claims of liability for the conduct or condition of this animal after the date of adoption. Adopter further agrees that this indemnification and release of liability shall apply to all known, unknown and unanticipated damages resulting from this adoption, or the ownership or control of this animal.

6. I understand that the animal may be classified as Threatened by the Endangered Species Act of the United States, and/or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and that permits or other documentation may be required to prove legal ownership or possession. I understand that certain other city, county, state or federal permits or licensing may be required and that I am fully responsible for researching and acquiring same. I further understand that failure on my part to secure such permits or documentation may result in the seizure of this animal by local, state or federal agencies.

7. The CMTR, as a continuing condition of the contract and obligation resulting from the adoption of the above described animal from the CMTR, agrees that the CMTR will:
A. Accept the animal back, keep and care for the animal for the rest of the animal’s natural life, or adopt the animal to another Adopter with the same terms as this adoption, should the animal be returned for any reason.
B. Will remain available to the Adopter for ongoing advice as needed regarding the animal.

The undersigned attest that the information provided herein and on the Adopter’s CMTR Adoption Application Form are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Applicant's Signature *
Co-Applicant's Signature
Today's Date *

Month Day Year
Should be Empty:

References