SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/reptile-handwashing-after

When should you wash your hands after touching a turtle or tortoise?

Wash hands right after touching them or their habitat.

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  1. Right after touching the animal, its food, or its tank ✔
  2. Only before eating, never after handling
  3. Only if your hands look dirty

Why: The CDC says to wash after handling a reptile, its food or anything in its habitat. Soap and water keep Salmonella off your hands and out of your mouth.

Huh, didn't know that: If soap and water are not handy, the CDC says to use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The dad joke
What did the tortoise say to the soap? You are my shell-f care buddy.
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References

Answer: Right after touching the animal, its food, or its tank. The CDC says to wash after handling a reptile, its food or anything in its habitat. Soap and water keep Salmonella off your hands and out of your mouth.

  1. CDC Healthy Pets: Reptiles and Amphibians www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/reptiles-and-amphibians.html
    Wash your hands after handling reptiles and amphibians, their food, or items in their environment.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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