Our Story

For over 30 years, the Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande, CA has been fulfilling its mission to rescue, protect, and house turtles, tortoises, and other animals in its ecologically friendly 5-acre sanctuary. It was built from the ground up by Bob Thomas, a lifelong keeper of chelonians and reptiles with a passion and knowledge that led him to become a caretaker for a number of unwanted pets and abandoned animals in need.

After studying and working with two Southern California animal rescues to expand his knowledge on habitats, rehabilitation, conservation, and care, he returned to the Central Coast to start the non-profit sanctuary. That’s when he and his wife found the 5-acre parcel in Arroyo Grande that would grow to become the Turtle & Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande, a place where an estimated 5,000 animals have been rescued in a 30-year period.

Jeff and Dr. Tammy Dobbs have always loved turtles and tortoises and when they rescued a badly-chewed up box turtle from a ranch in Nipomo (now named Jacque), they came to know Bob Thomas and the Turtle & Tortoise Rescue well.  When Bob mentioned he was preparing to retire and was considering closing the ranch, Jeff and Tammy stepped in to continue the good work of the rescue.

Education, conservation, and care of turtles, tortoises, and other animals remains their primary mission, and they’re especially passionate about working with schools and the community with programs to support children and adults with special needs, and are currently working on a project to increase the accessibility of the sanctuary.