Turtles can make great pets, but do your homework first

While turtles might seem like the perfect pet — less work than dogs and cats, more interactive than fish — there are a few things to keep in mind before buying one.

"They are definitely becoming more popular as pets. Some of them are very beautiful and they can be easily purchased over the internet. But there's no such thing as an easy pet," says Katrina Smith, adoptions coordinator for the Maryland-based Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society.

CONSIDER THE SOURCE

First, never take a wild turtle as a pet.

"Chances are they won't do well in captivity," Smith says. "Look into adopting a turtle...