Pets, and cats in particular, are fondly loved by most Turkish people, who prove incredibly caring to street animals. In large cities, you will find veterinary clinics and pet food or toy retailers at every corner. Therefore, taking care of your furry or feathery friends will not be much of a challenge once you are settled. However, bringing your pet to Türkiye from abroad will require you to follow specific procedures. Here's what you need to know.
General entry requirements for pets to Türkiye
Bringing pets into Türkiye is a rather straightforward process. However, certain key requirements must be met.
All pets are required to carry an identification device - a microchip for cats and dogs, a ring for birds. Note the microchip must be a 15-digit ISO 11784 compliant. Otherwise, it is suggested that you bring your own microchip scanner since the microchips that are not ISO 11784 compatible will not be readable by the authorities at Turkish customs.
On arrival, you will be asked to present the Turkish border control services with a certificate of health (one per pet) guaranteeing that your animal is fit to travel and that it does not suffer from any contagious diseases. The certificate should have been established by an official, government-certified veterinarian in your home country 2 days prior to the scheduled time of departure at the latest.
Turkish border services will also have your pet examined by a local official veterinarian to double-check its good health.
Important:
Please be aware that Türkiye is considered to be a high-risk country for rabies. This means that once you bring your pet into Türkiye, you will need to obtain an additional document known as a rabies FAVN (titer) test to travel with your pet to certain other countries — this, for instance, includes all the countries of the EU.
Good to know:
If your pet does not fall within the aforementioned species, do not hesitate to reach out to the Turkish Embassy or Consulate of your home country for further information before moving. Do not forget to check your chosen transportation carrier's policy on pets. Here are, for instance, the applicable rules with Turkish Airlines.
Pet passports for cats and dogs traveling to Türkiye
Additionally, cats and dogs should have an updated vet passport or an identification card, including, for animals aged over 3 months, the dates of the latest vaccinations against rabies. Note that both cats and dogs have to undergo a test assessing the efficiency of anti-rabies vaccination at least one month before the scheduled date of departure.
Attention:
A few dog breeds (Pitbull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) are considered dangerous by the Turkish authorities and are prohibited from entering the country.
It is really important that you comply with all the legal requirements listed above. Otherwise, your pet will be quarantined.
Good to know:
Some airports in Türkiye, including the new Istanbul Airport (IST), have dedicated pet counters for passengers traveling with pets. This makes check-in procedures quicker and easier. Moreover, Istanbul Airport also has a special pet relief area where you can take care of your pet's basic needs comfortably.
Pets traveling to Türkiye alone
In case you cannot travel with your pet, you will have to apply for an import license with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture before shipping your pet.
A pricier alternative (that may ultimately be more comfortable for your pet) is to contract your pet's journey to a specialized company that will attend to the whole process on your behalf.
Living in Türkiye with your pet
Pet owners and their friends can enjoy a distinctive and generally happy experience when living in Türkiye with their animals. Türkiye is renowned for its pleasant weather, fascinating history, and animal-friendly culture. The nation is notably known for its abiding love and respect for street animals, as evidenced by the numerous local groups that band together to provide food, housing, and general care for these roaming cats and dogs. It is touching to see such extensive communal care for animals, which is indicative of the Turkish people's innate compassion for animals.
Good to know:
While street animals in Türkiye are generally well-fed and looked after, they may still pose a risk to your pet, especially if your pet is not accustomed to interacting with other animals. The streets of Turkey, especially in bustling cities like Istanbul or Ankara, are often home to many cats and dogs that have adapted to a life of independence. These street animals, while usually friendly, can be territorial or unpredictable, leading to potential confrontations with domestic pets. Such encounters could be stressful or even harmful to your pet if they're not used to navigating the dynamics of animal hierarchies or defending themselves.
To prevent any unwelcome confrontations, always keep an eye on your pet when they are outdoors, and for smaller pets, think about using a leash or carrier. Get to know the neighborhood and note any areas where there are a lot of street animals so you may steer clear of them or proceed with additional caution.
Most hotels and accommodations in Türkiye are pet-friendly – however, you may need to pay extra for your pet's stay or put down a bigger deposit.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
