Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 114 times
28 June 2025
Moving to Turkey with pets requires careful preparation. The joy of living by the sea or in a historic city alongside your beloved pet is absolutely possible if you learn and fulfill all the requirements in advance. In this article, we will look in detail at whether you can bring a cat or dog to Turkey, what the import rules are, veterinary requirements, how airport control works, and what to pay attention to during the flight and when choosing housing with a pet.
Yes, it is allowed to bring a pet to Turkey, but provided that a number of rules are followed. Turkish authorities are lenient regarding the import of cats, dogs, and ferrets – these are the animals officially recognized as pets for import purposes. If you are planning to move to Turkey with a dog or cat, the main thing is to prepare the necessary documents and take care of your pet’s health. Below we will look at what animals are allowed to be imported, in what quantity, and what documents will be needed at the border.
It is allowed to bring to Turkey the main types of pets – dogs, cats, and ferrets, provided that veterinary requirements are met. Other animals (birds, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, aquarium fish) can also be imported, but different rules apply to them. For example, to import a bird, an import permit from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture is required. Small non-productive animals (decorative rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, reptiles, amphibians, fish) usually only require a veterinary certificate and do not need a rabies vaccination.
Breeds of dogs prohibited from entry: Turkey, like many other countries, does not allow the import of certain breeds considered dangerous. Even if you have all the documents, such dogs will not be allowed entry. These include:
Pitbull and its varieties: American pit bull terrier, American bully, Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier
Fighting breeds: Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila, Japanese Tosa Inu, Bull Terrier
If you are not sure whether your dog’s breed is on the prohibited list, clarify this with Turkish customs in advance. Also note that puppies under 10 weeks old, pregnant and nursing animals are not accepted by some airlines, so plan your trip according to your pet’s age and condition.
Turkish rules allow bringing up to two animals per person without paying duties – for example, two cats or two dogs, or one cat and one dog, if they are accompanied by the owner. This limitation is introduced to distinguish personal pets from commercial importation. If you are bringing more animals, you may need a special permit for commercial import, and fees may apply. In such a case, it is recommended to consult with Turkish veterinary services and customs in advance.
Please note: imported animals must travel with the owner on the same flight and pass through customs in the presence of the owner. If the pet arrives separately as cargo without the owner, this is considered commercial import and will require payment of taxes and additional procedures.
To pass border and customs control with an animal, it is necessary to prepare a full package of documents. Here is the main list required by Turkish authorities:
Veterinary passport of the pet: International pet passport or a veterinary passport of the established format indicating the owner’s information, a description of the animal, all vaccinations, and marks about parasite treatments.
Microchip and its documentation: The microchip number must be entered in the veterinary passport. The chip must comply with ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). The chip must be documented by an implant certificate or the corresponding note from the vet.
Health certificate (veterinary certificate): An official international veterinary certificate issued by the state veterinary authority before the trip. This document confirms that the animal is clinically healthy, vaccinated, and fit to travel. It is important to issue it 1–2 days before departure.
Vaccination certificate, including rabies: Usually vaccination marks are included in the veterinary passport, but sometimes an additional rabies vaccination certificate is required (especially if it is a separate form). If an antibody test (titer) was done, attach the original lab result.
Parasite treatment documentation: The passport or certificate must contain recent deworming marks (including for echinococcus) and flea/tick treatment.
Import permit (if necessary): If the animal is not being imported for sale but is your pet, a separate permit from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture is usually not required – the documents mentioned above are enough. However, in some cases (e.g., transporting rare animals or more than 2 animals), it may be necessary to obtain an import permit in advance. For most people moving with a cat or dog, this is not relevant.
All documents must be either bilingual (in the language of the departure country and in English), or accompanied by a translation into English.
Main vaccine – rabies: This is mandatory for all cats and dogs imported to Turkey. The rabies vaccination must be given no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months before entry. Please note that 3-year rabies vaccines are not considered valid in Turkey if more than 1 year has passed since vaccination.
Additional vaccinations: In addition to rabies, it is recommended (and in practice required) to have comprehensive vaccinations against major diseases depending on the animal species. At least 4 weeks before travel, the pet must receive all standard vaccinations:
For dogs: combined vaccine against distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza, leptospirosis – i.e., the full DHLPP complex. A vaccine against bordetellosis (kennel cough) is also often required.
For cats: vaccines against panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus infection, viral rhinotracheitis (FVRCP complex).
For ferrets: vaccines against canine distemper, viral enteritis, and epizootic diarrhea virus.
All vaccinations must be confirmed by vet stamps in the passport. An animal not properly vaccinated will not be allowed across the border.
Rabies antibody test (FAVN titer): In addition to vaccination, Turkey officially requires the result of a rabies antibody test (FAVN test), unless the vaccination was done less than one year before entry.
A microchip is strictly required for all animals entering Turkey. The pet must have a subcutaneous microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785, with a 15-digit number. This number is recorded in all documents and allows the pet to be identified. At the border, the inspector will scan the chip and compare the number with the certificates.
Important: if your pet does not yet have a chip, it must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
To enter Turkey, an official international veterinary certificate is required, confirming that the animal is healthy, vaccinated, and can be imported. This document is usually called a “Veterinary Certificate” or “International Veterinary Certificate.” It is issued by the government veterinary service of the departure country shortly before the trip.
The certificate is valid for a limited time: it must be issued 1–2 days before the flight. Turkish rules require it to be issued no earlier than 48 hours before departure. The document must be in English (or bilingual). Upon arrival in Turkey, the certificate is presented to border veterinary control.
After arriving with your pet, you need to go through veterinary control. Usually, in the baggage claim area or before customs, there is a separate window/office where animals are checked. The procedure looks like this:
Document check: Documents are carefully verified for compliance with requirements.
Pet identification: The inspector scans the pet’s microchip and checks the number against the documents. Make sure the chip is readable.
Visual examination of the animal: A veterinary specialist will examine your pet directly in the carrier or may ask you to take it out (on a leash) – they check the coat condition, eyes, absence of visible signs of illness or parasites. They may also check the temperature.
Final decision: If everything is in order, they will stamp your documents and allow you to proceed. Sometimes they will issue an import certificate – essentially registering the pet in the database and giving you a paper confirming its import.
If there are problems: If documents are missing or the pet appears ill, additional measures may follow – such as a second veterinary exam in Turkey at your expense (at a state veterinary clinic) or even temporary quarantine of the animal.
Yes, if all entry requirements are met, quarantine is not required. Turkey does not impose quarantine on animals that have the correct documents, including a rabies antibody titer certificate. You take the pet home immediately.
For puppies and kittens under 3 months old traveling without a rabies vaccination, special rules apply. They may be admitted without vaccination if one of the following conditions is met: either the baby is traveling with the mother, who has valid vaccinations, or you have a written statement from a veterinarian that the animal has not been in contact with wild or rabies-suspect animals since birth. In such a case, the owner may be required to observe a 21-day home quarantine after entry. At the end of this period, the puppy/kitten is vaccinated in Turkey.
Each airline has its own rules for transporting animals, so be sure to familiarize yourself in advance with the policy of the chosen carrier.
The choice between carrying the pet in the cabin or in the cargo hold usually depends on the weight and size of the animal. Small cats and small dogs can be transported in the cabin as carry-on luggage if, together with the carrier, they weigh up to 8 kg. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
If the dog is large or the carrier with the pet weighs more than 8 kg, the animal is transported in the cargo hold of the plane – a special compartment with temperature and ventilation control.
Book a place for your pet in advance. There may be a limit per flight, such as no more than 2–3 animals in the cabin and a certain number in the cargo hold.
Standard limits for in-cabin transport on most airlines are: total weight of the animal with the carrier – up to 8 kg, carrier dimensions – about 55 × 40 × 20 cm (length × width × height). The carrier must fit freely under the seat. Usually, the requirements are the same as for carry-on baggage in size, but it's better to check on the specific airline’s website – permissible height or width may differ slightly (for example, 23 cm height instead of 20 cm, etc.). The container must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and have a solid base. The animal must be able to stand up fully and turn around in it – this is an international IATA rule.
For transport in the cargo hold, the crate requirements are stricter: only hard plastic or wooden containers that lock securely are accepted. The size must allow the animal to stand without bending its head, lie down comfortably, and turn around. Weight limits for cargo depend on the airline.
Flying is a stressful event for a pet. Proper preparation will help reduce the animal’s anxiety and ensure its safety and comfort during the journey.
Choose a carrier and get your pet used to it in advance: Start getting your pet used to the carrier several weeks before the trip. Let it sit inside, take short training rides.
Before the flight – the right routine: Walk the dog beforehand so it expends some energy. Give your cat a chance to play and move around too. Feed the animal 4–6 hours before the flight, no later – animals tolerate travel better on an empty stomach and are less prone to motion sickness. Water can be given as usual, but moderately right before the flight.
Comfort inside the carrier: Line the bottom with an absorbent pad or towel, place a favorite toy or a small blanket that smells like home – this will help calm your friend.
Safety and labeling: Attach a bright label to the carrier with information about your pet and your contacts: pet’s name, your name, phone number, email, flight number. The carrier must close securely but without padlocks (security services may ask to open it).
Do not use sedatives unless necessary: Veterinarians do not recommend giving sedatives before a flight, as it may negatively affect the pet’s health at altitude. Exceptions are only made by a vet’s prescription in special cases.
Plan your time at the airport: Arrive at the airport early – check-in with an animal should be done well in advance. You may need to show documents, pay the animal’s transport fee, and pass veterinary control at departure.
During the flight: If the pet is flying in the cabin, it must stay in the carrier under the seat in front of you throughout the flight. If the pet is flying in the cargo hold, inform the flight attendants. After landing, pick up the animal as soon as possible – it is usually handed out in the oversized baggage area or in a special veterinary zone.
Good preparation is the key to a smooth flight. Your calmness and attention will help your pet feel more secure.
Turkey is a country that loves animals: in many cities, you will encounter not only pets but also well-groomed street cats and dogs that are cared for by municipalities and local residents. Below we look at which regions are especially suitable for pet owners and what to consider when renting or buying property with a four-legged resident.
If we talk about the best places for living with animals, many people mention resort and southern cities of Turkey due to their climate. Antalya and Alanya are prime examples: warm weather year-round, plenty of parks, seaside promenades where it’s nice to walk with a dog. In these cities, there’s a large international community – many come with families and pets. There are veterinary clinics with English-speaking staff, pet shops with familiar foods. Parks are popular walking spots – in the mornings, you can meet many dog owners there.
Among other places worth mentioning is Bodrum, a comfortable region for living with pets: many villas and houses with plots of land, quiet environment, beaches that allow dogs, and a pleasant climate. In Fethiye and Mersin, there are also many spacious neighborhoods and private houses – which is a plus, especially for large dogs.
And of course, Istanbul must be mentioned – a metropolis with many pet lovers. Despite the dense development, Istanbul has parks and even special dog park areas. However, living with a dog in Istanbul can be complicated by heavy traffic, lack of elevators in old buildings, and population density – it may not be very comfortable for large dogs. For cats, however, Istanbul is a paradise – the city is literally full of them.
Renting housing with a pet in Turkey has its own specifics. Overall, it is possible to rent an apartment with a dog or cat, but you should consider a few things:
Lease agreement terms: The rental agreement may state whether animals are allowed or not. Some landlords are categorically against any pets, but many are loyal, especially if the unit is on the ground floor or has a private garden. Discuss your pet with the landlord in advance and include the permission in the contract to avoid disputes later.
Rules of the housing complex: In Turkey, there is a law that allows the residents of a building to set internal rules. If the complex’s regulations state “no animals,” then even with the landlord’s consent, the neighbors or management may oppose you living with a pet.
Additional deposit: Be prepared that the landlord may ask for a pet deposit – in addition to the usual security deposit. This serves as insurance against potential damage (scratched flooring, damaged furniture, etc.). If the animal doesn’t cause any damage, the deposit is returned like the regular one.
Restrictions by size and breed: In some complexes, property owners may specify: “Only small dog breeds” or “cats allowed, dogs not allowed.”
Searching for pet-friendly options: Many listings include the note “pet-friendly.” In resort towns (Antalya, Alanya, etc.), there are plenty of offers where owners are tolerant of pets – especially if the apartment is on a lower floor or is easy to clean after a pet (e.g., no carpets, leather furniture). Focus on areas with many expats – there is a better chance of finding a sympathetic landlord.
Surrounding infrastructure: When choosing a neighborhood, think about your pet: are there nearby parks or green areas for walks, a place to walk a dog? How far is the veterinary clinic? In Antalya and Alanya, for example, it is convenient to live near the promenade – you can walk your dog by the sea in the morning and evening. On the other hand, a completely urbanized city center without a single tree is not the best place for an animal.
If you are moving long-term, buying your own property solves most accommodation problems with a pet. In your own apartment or house, you are free to keep a cat or dog without needing additiınal permissions. But there are nuances even here:
Complex rules for owners: In rare cases, the regulations of residential complexes may include restrictions even for owners, not just tenants. It’s better to choose a pet-friendly complex where many residents have animals. In new developments, there are sometimes even mini dog parks or walking areas within the fenced territory.
Property type: A ground-floor apartment with a garden or terrace is more convenient for a dog. A private house or villa is the ideal option: your own yard, freedom, you can set up a doghouse or kennel if needed. For cats, it is recommended to install a balcony safety net.
Area and infrastructure: As with renting, when buying, pay attention to the proximity of parks, squares, beaches, veterinary clinics, and pet shops. In Antalya, for example, many dog owners choose the Liman neighborhood in Konyaaltı, and in Alanya – the Oba or Kestel regions.
Luxury Estate Turkey always takes into account whether our clients have pets when selecting real estate – so that the new home is comfortable for both people and their beloved animals. We are ready to share our expertise and help you with any aspects of relocation – from choosing a pet-friendly neighborhood to everyday life consultations in Turkey.
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