Finding captive-bred leopard tortoises from local and online breeders is fairly easy. In the United States, it’s not possible to get wild-caught leopard tortoises anymore. The practice was banned in 2000. There were concerns about a wild-caught individual found with a tick. The tick had heartworm disease, and officials didn't want it to spread. It’s best to buy a tortoise from a local breeder when possible. Buying locally allows the buyer to check the animal for health issues before buying. Many reputable online breeders exist if no local breeders are available. Always research breeders before purchasing from them.