Whether it’s legal to own a certain kind of turtle depends on where you live. In the United States, all the small turtles on this list are legal to buy. But, especially tiny turtles are illegal. Since 1975, it has been illegal to buy turtles with a shell length less than 4 in (10.2 cm). The ban came about because of salmonella outbreaks. Many of the outbreaks were linked to the ownership of reptiles. Small turtles have caused the most outbreaks. The risk of salmonella is present with any pet turtle. But, young children are more likely to handle tiny turtles, so the CDC considers them to be riskier.