How do I log my tortoise's hibernation?
FreeTortoise care app: certificates, weight and hibernation notes
Whether you keep a tortoise or an aquatic turtle, PawsPet gives it a profile with the «Turtle» species, a photo and its details. There you store certificates with number, issuer and expiry date, log weight in the measurements tab and note the start and end of hibernation as activities. There is no dedicated hibernation tracker: you enter the data, the app keeps it in order and alerts you on the dates you set.
- The app is free, with no subscription.
- You invite whoever you want, area by area.
- The AI prepares, you confirm.
The tortoise's profile: what changes in the app
For a tortoise what counts is hibernation, weight and documents. Here is how you log them, with the labels you find in the app.
All daySet alert
Hibernation is logged with two activities, for example «Hibernation start» and «Hibernation end», with an alert if you want one.
Weight
The weight before and after hibernation, in grams under one kilo, with the change between one weighing and the next.
CertificateMicrochip registration
Documents with number, issuer and, if needed, expiry and alert. There is no CITES type: you use «Certificate».
Reptile parasitology
The test the catalogue recommends for reptiles, tortoises included, with the suggested interval.
In its profile, every day
Certificates with number, issuer and expiry under control
For each document you choose the type (Certificate, Microchip registration, Other), enter title, number and who issued it, and attach scans as PDF or photos, across several pages too. With an expiry date you choose, if you want, when to get the alert.
Weight before and after hibernation, in grams when small
In the «Measurements» tab you log weight in kilograms with decimals; below 1 kg it shows grams. Each reading shows the change from the previous one and, with two or more readings, a chart. Weigh your tortoise before hibernation and on waking, then compare.
Hibernation start and end as activities with notes
No hibernation tracker: you use activities. Create an all-day «Hibernation start» activity, select the tortoise and note temperature, location and weight. For waking, create «Hibernation end» on the planned date with a reminder; for check-ups use «Repeat».
Several animals, one profile each
Each tortoise has its own profile with photo, name, date of birth, sex, colour, marks and location (enclosure or tank). The «Pets» list is searchable by name, species, breed, colour or location and switches to a photo grid, handy when animals look alike.
Tortoise and turtle adoptions
Adoption listings are free and are published and browsed on pawspet.it.
How you start with your tortoise in the app
Create the tortoise's profile
«Pets» tab » «+». Photo (optional), name and date of birth; then the «Turtle» species from the grid and, if you like, a breed from the suggestions (Hermann's, Greek, red-eared slider...); sex, colour and marks; location and microchip. At the last step, upload a document right away or tap «Not now».
Upload certificates and set reminders
Open the tortoise » «Anagraphic» tab » «Documents» strip » «See all» » «+». Choose the type, fill in title, number and «Issued by», add the dates and the attachments. With an expiry date you can choose the alert, for example 1 week or 1 month before, then tap «Save».
Log weight and note hibernation
«Measurements» tab » «+» » date, weight in kg, optional note » «Save» (one per day). For hibernation: «Activities» tab » «+» » name «Hibernation start», «All day» on, a type (e.g. «General» » «Rest»), the tortoise under «Pets», notes » «Save». On the planned wake-up date, create «Hibernation end».
Questions about the app for tortoises and turtles
- It is for every animal: the species grid includes «Turtle», with suggested breeds for both land tortoises (Hermann's, Greek, marginated, Russian) and aquatic turtles (red-eared slider, Pelomedusa). The features are the same as for any profile: details, documents, measurements and activities. Beyond that, there are no screens built specifically for tortoises.
- It depends on the species and on how you got it: ask your vet or the CITES authorities. PawsPet does not decide it: it keeps the certificates you have, as «Certificate» or «Other», with number, issuer, dates and scans, and if they expire you can set an alert.
- No, there is no dedicated feature. The practical way is to create two activities, «Hibernation start» and «Hibernation end», with the tortoise selected and notes (temperature, location, weight); for periodic checks, add an activity with «Repeat» and a reminder. You log the weight itself in «Measurements», so you see the change between the two dates.
- In the «Measurements» tab the weight is typed in kg with decimals (for example 0.85): under 1 kg the app shows it in grams. There is one measurement per day: reopening the same day updates the existing one and, if it is wrong, you remove it with «Delete measurement».
- Yes: each animal has its own profile. In the «Pets» list you search by name, species, breed, colour or location, switch to the photo grid and, when the list is long, use the alphabetical index on the right edge. Profiles can be created offline too: the data is sent as soon as you are back online.
Every animal gets its own profile
Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, reptiles and more: each with its own profile, in the same account.
Dogs
The dog care app: profile, health, walks and everyone who helps.
Cats
Weight, allergies and a profile to hand to your cat sitter.
Puppies and kittens
Multi-dose vaccines, deworming and the weight curve of the first months.
Horses and ponies
Passport, Coggins, farrier visits and training in one record.
Donkeys
Passport, hoof trimming and daily care, at home or in a small sanctuary.
Rabbits
Vaccines with expiry, weight on a chart and a link for the sitter.
Tortoises and turtles
Certificates, weight and hibernation notes for every animal.
Reptiles
Snakes and lizards: feedings, sheds and terrarium checks on a calendar.
Parrots and birds
Daily weight, lab tests with alerts and certificates in order.
Hamsters and rodents
Weight in grams, cage cleaning reminders and a record the whole family shares.
Backyard and farm animals
Chickens, goats, sheep and pigs: food-production flag and recurring treatments.
Fish
Water changes on repeat, water test values and a link for the holidays.
Create your tortoise's profile
Download PawsPet, add your tortoise in five steps and upload the first certificate. No subscription: the app for pet owners is free.
Available on iOS, Android and the web