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Human–Chelonian Bond in Italy: An Exploratory Study of Pet Turtle and Tortoise Ownership
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Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 5614 Pisa, Italy
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Vasco da Gama Research Center (CIVG), Vasco da Gama University School (EUVG), Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes 197, Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
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Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(8), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12080773
Submission received: 23 June 2025
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Revised: 4 August 2025
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Accepted: 13 August 2025
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Published: 18 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Care: Exploring the Human–Animal Relationship in Veterinary Medicine)
Simple Summary
Reptiles such as turtles and tortoises are becoming increasingly popular as pets in Europe, including Italy. However, research regarding the relationship between guardians and their reptiles is scarce. This study explored why Italian guardians choose to keep chelonians (the scientific group that includes turtles or tortoises) as pets, with a particular focus on their emotional bond. Ninety-one questionnaires were collected from across the country, with most participants keeping Hermann’s tortoises outdoors. Nearly half of the respondents described their bond with their chelonians using emotional terms such as love, fascination, or affection. People who kept their turtles indoors were more likely to consider them family members than those who kept them outside. Compared to dogs and cats, chelonians were generally perceived as less emotionally attached to their guardians. Still, many owners valued their reptiles for their uniqueness, low maintenance, and fascination. These findings suggest that even non-conventional pets like reptiles can hold an important emotional role in people’s lives, though the nature of this bond may differ from that with traditional pets. Understanding these relationships can help improve both animal welfare and the well-being of their guardians.
Abstract
The adoption of exotic animals as pets is increasing across Europe. This study explores the human–chelonian relationship in the Italian population, specifically the motivations for acquiring reptiles as pets and the nature of the emotional bonds between guardians and chelonians. A total of 91 chelonian guardians replied to an online survey. Data was analyzed through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Most participants (85.7%) owned Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni), having received them as gifts (50.5%) or purchased them (31.9%). Pet chelonians living outdoors had an almost five times higher odds of being reported as non-family members compared to those with indoor access (OR = 4.90, 95% CI = 1.34–23.41, p = 0.02). No significant relationship was detected between other demographic factors and bond type. When asked whether they consider their pet a family member, 70 out of 91 participants reported information for both their reptile and dog/cat. Among these, pets were seen as family members for 44.3% of chelonians and 92.4% of dogs/cats. In turn, qualitative responses from 85 participants showed that 45% expressed a strong emotional connection to their pet chelonians, using language denoting affection, love, and fascination. These findings suggest that, while emotional bonds between guardians and chelonians may be less interactive and intimate than those with conventional pets, they nonetheless reflect a meaningful bond rooted in personal values of entertainment, convenience, and duty of care.
Keywords:
chelonians; human–animal bond; reptile ownership; pets; pet guardian; tortoises; Testudo hermanni
