Bringing Your Cat and Dog to Turkey: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Planning to move to Turkey with your furry companion? Whether you're relocating permanently or coming for an extended stay, bringing your cat or dog with you can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many expats and travelers successfully bring their pets to Turkey every year.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from vaccinations and microchips to airline rules, pet passports, and customs procedures. We’ll also talk about the differences between traveling with your pet in the cabin or cargo, and how to make the journey smooth and stress-free for both of you. Let’s start at the beginning.

Is it Legal to Bring Pets to Turkey?

Yes, you are permitted to bring up to two dogs and/or cats per person in Turkey. But there are a few crucial guidelines:

Banned Dog Breeds (not allowed in Turkey):

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa

If your dog belongs to one of these breeds (or mixes), unfortunately, they will not be permitted entry.

Vaccination and Microchip Requirements

Microchip: The Global Identification of Your Pet

Your pet needs to be microchipped before they may enter Turkey, or most other countries. Think of the microchip as your pet’s own passport—without it, none of the other stages count.

• The chip needs to meet ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 requirements.
• It should be a universally scanable, 15-digit, non-encrypted chip.
• You might need to purchase a second conforming chip if your pet's current chip doesn't match this requirement; both must be documented.
• Ensure that the chip is scanned by your veterinarian and documented in all official paperwork.
• Crucial Timing Requirement: The microchip needs to be inserted prior to the rabies shot. Should the vaccination arrive first, it might not be approved by Turkish Government 

Vaccination Against Rabies: No Exclusions

Turkey demands stringent evidence that your pet is safe from the dangerous disease rabies.
To give your pet's immune system time to react, the rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days prior to departure. It must to be in effect at the moment of admission, which means:

If the vaccine is for a year, it should not be more than 12 months old. or yet within the range of when multi-year vaccinations go into effect (clear documentation is required).

Puppies and Kittens

Turkey, like many other nations, prohibits the importation of animals younger than three months old unless they are travelling from extremely particular nations with unique circumstances. Due to: Generally speaking, pets under 12 weeks old are too young to receive a rabies vaccination, and without it, they are considered at risk for spreading disease.

Evidence and Documentation

Ensure that you obtain and retain:

• The original immunisation record, including your veterinarian's signature and stamp
• The certificate from Microchip
• All documents must have the exact same vaccination, expiration, and chip number dates.
• Pro Tip: If you're travelling from a non-English speaking nation, ask your veterinarian to write all of the information in English or obtain an official translation.

Serology Test for Rabies Titer

It is needed if you're travelling from a non-EU or high-risk nation. Thirty days following rabies vaccination, a blood test is required. Three months following the collection of the blood sample, your pet is free to travel. A minimum of 0.5 IU/ml of rabies antibodies must be detected by the test.You might not require this test if you're travelling from the USA, UK, or EU, but you should always verify with your veterinarian and Turkish authorities.

Health Certificate & Pet Passport

You need:

• Within ten days of the trip, a formal veterinarian health certificate
• It should attest to the health and vaccinations of your pet.
• Pet passport (useful but optional):
• Turkey accepts EU pet passports includes vet information, microchip number, and immunisation data.
• Bring a "pet travel dossier" even if you do not have an EU pet passport. It should include:
  • Microchip certification
  • Card for vaccinations
  • Results of a rabies titer test (if required)
  • Certificate of health
  • Preserve paper and digital copies.

Making the Flight Reservation: Cargo vs. Cabin

Option 1: Travelling in a cabin: Small pets, typically weighing less than 8 kg with a carrier, are permitted. must remain beneath the seat in front of you in a soft-sided carrier that has been certified by IATA. less stressful for both the owner and the cat! Only a certain number of pets are permitted in the cabin, therefore you must let the airline know in advance.

Option 2: Cargo (Manifest Cargo or Checked Baggage) for larger animals :Pets are transported in a climate-controlled, pressurised area of the cargo hold. The carrier must adhere to IATA regulations and be strong, hard-sided, and well-ventilated. Certain airlines demand separate cargo reservations, particularly for long-haul international flights.

Advice: To lessen stress, pick an aircraft with short travel times and few layovers if your pet is travelling as cargo.

Arrival in Turkey & Customs Inspection

Upon landing in Turkey:

• Present all documents (health certificate, vaccination records, microchip info)
• A government vet may inspect your pet
• If all papers are correct, your pet will be cleared without quarantine

If documents are missing or incorrect, your pet may be quarantined or sent back—so triple-check everything before you fly.

Getting Started in Turkey: What to Do Once You Get There

• Sign up your pet with a nearby veterinarian.
• Maintain current immunisations.
• Registration with the municipality may be mandatory in certain cities.
• Pet stores, parks, and grooming parlours are readily available, particularly in places like Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul.

Taking Your Pet Out of Turkey Are you preparing to depart Turkey at any point?

Depending on the country of destination, you may require a fresh rabies titer test in addition to another health certificate. Make sure to examine the import regulations of your next location at least three to four months before you travel there.

Important Tips

• If you can, take direct flights.
• Weeks before the trip, assist your pet in acclimating to the carrier.
• To ease anxiety, bring familiar objects (such as a blanket or toy).
• To avoid nausea, don't feed your pet just before takeoff.
• If you are unsure, especially when it comes to cargo transport, work with a pet relocation agency.

Conclusion: Travel Ready, Tail Wags Guaranteed!

Bringing your cat or dog to Turkey might seem like a lot of paperwork, but with careful planning, it’s totally doable—and worth it. By following the rules step by step, you’ll ensure a safe, smooth journey for your furry friend. Don’t forget: microchip, rabies vaccine, the right documents, and a comfy travel setup. Soon, you’ll both be enjoying sunny days and delicious simit by the Bosphorus together.