Tortoise Boarding

Tortoise Boarding: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Choose a Safe Facility

Tortoise boarding is a specialist care service that provides temporary housing and daily care for tortoises when their owners are unable to look after them. Because tortoises have highly specific environmental and dietary needs, boarding should only be provided by facilities with experience in tortoise husbandry.

This guide explains how tortoise boarding works, when it is needed, and how to choose a safe and reputable facility.

What Is Tortoise Boarding?

Tortoise boarding is the temporary care of a tortoise outside its home environment, typically for days or weeks at a time. Unlike general pet boarding, tortoise boarding requires specialist knowledge of temperature control, UVB lighting, diet, and species-specific behaviour.

Proper boarding focuses on maintaining stable conditions that closely match the tortoise’s normal routine to minimise stress and health risks.

When Do Tortoise Owners Typically Need Boarding?

Tortoise owners commonly use boarding services during:

  • Holidays or extended travel

  • Home moves or renovations

  • Medical recovery or emergencies

  • Temporary housing changes

  • Periods when daily care cannot be maintained

Because tortoises cannot be left unattended for long periods, advance planning is strongly recommended.

Is Tortoise Boarding Safe?

Tortoise boarding can be safe when carried out by an experienced specialist facility.

However, improper boarding can pose serious risks, including:

  • Incorrect temperatures

  • Lack of UVB exposure

  • Inappropriate diet

  • Stress caused by unsuitable housing

  • Disease transmission from other reptiles

General pet boarding facilities and inexperienced carers are not suitable for tortoises.

What Does a Proper Tortoise Boarding Facility Provide?

A reputable tortoise boarding facility should provide:

  • Correct temperature gradients appropriate to the species

  • UVB lighting or access to safe natural sunlight

  • Secure, species-appropriate enclosures

  • Daily health monitoring

  • A diet matched to species, age, and size

  • Strict hygiene and quarantine procedures

Facilities should also be willing to explain their care protocols clearly.

Species-Specific Boarding Needs

Different tortoise species have very different care requirements. A few of the breed-specific requirements are below.

Mediterranean Tortoises (Hermann, Greek, Horsfield, Marginated)

  • Moderate temperatures

  • High-fibre, low-protein diets

  • Careful humidity control

  • Daily access to UVB/sunshine

Sulcata Tortoises

  • High temperatures year-round

  • Large, secure enclosures

  • High-fibre grazing diets

  • Daily access to UVB/sunshine

Leopard and Indian Star Tortoises

  • High temperatures year-round with stable conditions

  • Careful humidity management

  • Daily access to UVB/sunshine

  • Large, grassy enclosures

How Much Does Tortoise Boarding Cost?

The cost of tortoise boarding varies depending on:

  • Species and size of the tortoise

  • Length of stay

  • Housing requirements (indoor or outdoor)

  • Level of daily care required

Prices are usually charged per day or per week. Owners should be cautious of unusually low prices, which may indicate inadequate care standards.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Boarding My Tortoise?

Before choosing a boarding facility, owners should ask:

  • Which tortoise species do you regularly care for?

  • How are temperatures and lighting monitored?

  • Are tortoises housed individually?

  • What quarantine measures are in place?

  • Can I provide my tortoise’s usual food?

  • How often are tortoises checked each day?

Clear, confident answers are a strong indicator of experience.

Can I Board My Tortoise With Other Reptiles?

In most cases, no.

Tortoises should not be boarded with other reptile species due to:

  • Disease transmission risks

  • Stress caused by unfamiliar animals

  • Differences in environmental needs

Reputable facilities house tortoises separately or in their already established pair/group.

How to Prepare a Tortoise for Boarding

To help ensure a smooth boarding experience:

  • Ensure your tortoise is healthy before arrival

  • Provide details of normal diet and routine

  • Inform the facility of any medical history

  • Transport your tortoise securely and safely

  • Avoid sudden dietary or environmental changes beforehand

Preparation helps reduce stress and supports continuity of care.

Common Mistakes Tortoise Owners Make When Boarding

Some common mistakes include:

  • Choosing general pet boarding services

  • Not asking about UVB lighting

  • Boarding without discussing species-specific needs

  • Failing to disclose health concerns

  • Leaving arrangements until the last minute

Avoiding these mistakes greatly improves boarding outcomes.

Choosing a Reputable Tortoise Boarding Service

A trustworthy tortoise boarding service will demonstrate:

  • Proven experience with multiple tortoise species

  • Transparent care procedures

  • Clean, secure housing

  • Willingness to answer detailed questions

  • Clear communication before and during the stay

Experience and husbandry knowledge are more important than convenience or price.

Looking for Specialist Tortoise Boarding?

Owners seeking professional tortoise boarding should look for facilities that focus exclusively on tortoise care and understand the long-term health implications of proper husbandry. Choosing a specialist helps ensure your tortoise remains safe, healthy, and stress-free while you are away.

If you are based in the UK and need temporary care for a tortoise, specialist boarding services are available that focus exclusively on tortoise husbandry, including species-appropriate housing, diet, and environmental management. More information about professional tortoise boarding and what is provided during a stay can be found on our Tortoise Holiday page, which explains how care is managed and what owners can expect.