Drop off locations and the volunteers who enable them are a key element in the efforts of GCTTS to rescue turtles and tortoises. So that these locations serve the interest of the animals and the persons bringing them to us, the following guidelines are suggested:

Hot Line Response

When a call to the hotline results in a rescue request, the hot line operator will:

• If the turtle is going to Marlaina's:
  • Give the caller Marlaina's address.
  • Ask the caller when they expect to deliver the turtle.
  • Send a message to info with the callers name, animal description, and the time the drop off is expected.

• If the turtle is going elsewhere:
  • Give the caller the phone number of the two drop off locations that are closest to them.
  • Ask the caller to contact a drop off person and make arrangements for delivery.
  • Send a message to info with the callers name, animal description, and the two drop off locations that were provided to the caller.

• If the turtle is injured, suggest it be put in a large sealed box with no air holes.
• If the turtle is injured, it must be taken directly to either Marlaina or Anita.

Drop Off Volunteer Response

When contacted by a person wanting to deliver a turtle, the Drop Off Volunteer will:

• Ask the caller for their name and phone number.
• Provide the caller with an address and directions for the delivery.
• Arrange for a definite time for the delivery.

• If the volunteer is at the drop off location during the time for delivery, no further action is needed.
• If the delivery is not made on time, the volunteer should contact the caller and arrange for another delivery time.
• If the volunteer is not going to be at the drop off location during the time of delivery they must provide a pet carrier (preferred) or large plastic container at least 19 inches tall, out of the direct sun, for the caller to use when making the delivery and notify the caller about the container. Please note that even a 19 inch tall container will not hold multiple larger turtles that can stack on one another or a large snapper.

• When the turtle is delivered, have the caller sign our GCTTS Release Form and give them a copy of the GCTTS Rehabilitation Handout.
• If the volunteer is not going to be at the drop off location they need to leave copies of the GCTTS Release Form and the GCTTS Rehabilitation Handout. Ask the caller to sign the Release From and leave it with the turtle.

• After the turtle is delivered, the volunteer will e-mail the info list that the turtle has arrived and make an new entry into the rescue data table about the turtle.

Drop Off Locations

Pick Up Volunteer Response

When contacted by a person wanting to pick up a turtle that has been cleared for adoption, the Pick Up Volunteer will:

• Ask the caller for their name and phone number.
• Provide the caller with an address and directions for the pick up.
• Arrange for a definite time for the pick up.
• If the pick up is not made on time, the volunteer should contact the caller and arrange for another pick up time.

• After the turtle is picked up, the volunteer will e-mail info@gctts.org that the turtle has been picked up. Then that volunteer should promptly make the entry into the rescue data table when the turtle was picked up and who adopted it along with their contact information.

General

Turtles and tortoises can be brought to one of the following drop off locations. The person wanting us to rescue their turtle or tortoise must make arrangements for the drop off through the GCTTS Hotline (281-443-3383) or through email addressed to Info@gctts.org. The person can then be given contact information for the drop off location(s) most convenient to them.

Please let those bringing us turtles know that any equipment, foods, etc, brought with the turtle(s) are appreciated.

Many people surrendering their turtles or dropping off injured turtles are very concerned about their welfare. Please assure those bringing us turtles that they will receive thorough evaluation and any rehabilitation necessary. And that we are extremely particular about those that adopt from us and are able to house the turtles in ideal conditions as long as necessary until we find just the right home. Or will thoroughly condition it for release to a safe area should it be a species appropriate for release.

Anita Peddicord, anitap@caldata.com or 281-471-4291, is available to help those wishing assistance entering information into the rescue database.

Drop-off people will be provided with a release form and handout of our rehabilitation program.

Any donations (equipment or monies) received are the property of GCTTS. Monies given to drop-off people are to be mailed to the treasurer.

Drop-off volunteers must email info@gctts.org if they will be out of town or otherwise unavailable so their number will not be given out as a drop-off during that time.