Ensuring Tortoise Health: Our Biosecurity Commitment

 

At The Tortoise Hotel, we go the extra mile (slowly, of course) to ensure the health and happiness of every tortoise that stays with us. While we are not legally required to follow DEFRA or Tortoise Trust biosecurity standards, we’ve chosen to hold ourselves to those top-tier guidelines because we believe your tortoise deserves nothing less.

 

This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about doing things correctly, setting the gold standard for tortoise boarding in the UK, and giving you absolute peace of mind.

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Our Biosecurity Protocols

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• Sanitised Environments: Enclosures and equipment are thoroughly cleaned using reptile-safe disinfectants—because nobody wants to live in a mucky home, least of all a tortoise.

• Visitor Guidelines: We kindly request that visitors refrain from entering the enclosures or walking through the garden when tortoises are free-roaming, unless an appointment has been arranged. It’s not us being fussy—it’s how we keep everyone protected.

• Trained Team: Our team is knowledgeable about its shell and is undergoing training. Everyone is trained in best practices to maintain strict hygiene and ensure the welfare of tortoises without compromise.

 

Health Check & Right to Refuse Boarding

 

Every tortoise guest at The Tortoise Hotel receives a comprehensive health check on arrival. This is part of our commitment to maintaining a safe, hygienic environment for all our residents.

 

If, during this assessment, we find that a tortoise is not in suitable health to stay, whether due to illness, infection, or other concerns, we reserve the right to refuse boarding. In such cases, we’ll explain our findings, offer guidance where possible, and refund your deposit in full.

 

This policy protects not only your tortoise but also all our guests, ensuring we continue to offer the highest standard of care in the UK.

Going Beyond DEFRA & Tortoise Trust Guidelines

 

We proudly say we adhere to the high standards outlined by DEFRA and the Tortoise Trust, but here’s the truth: we don’t have to. We choose to—because that’s what excellence in tortoise care looks like to us. These aren’t minimum standards; they’re our benchmark. And we genuinely believe we do it better than anyone else.

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Get in Touch

 

Do you have questions about our protocols or would you like to see how we care for your tortoise behind the scenes, from a safe distance, of course? We’re always happy to chat.

 

• Phone: 07782 345 935

• Location: Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

 

Let’s give your tortoise the five-star stay they deserve—with all the love, weeds, warmth, and watchfulness they could ever ask for.