Moving to Turkey
Complete relocation guide
Moving Checklist
Before & after arrival
Relocation Timeline
Week-by-week what to expect
Cost of Living
Budgets across major cities
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
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Pet Relocation Guide
Bringing a Dog
to Turkey (2026)
Microchip, rabies vaccination timing, health certificates, airline rules, and what dog life is actually like in Turkey's expat cities.
Quick Answer
Dogs can be imported to Turkey with: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination given ≥21 days before travel (within 12 months), core vaccines, parasite treatment, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Turkey has no breed ban. Start preparation at least 8 weeks before your move date.
Pet Relocation Guides
Critical timing: start 8 weeks before your move
The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure. These two windows do not overlap — plan your vet visits carefully. If your dog's rabies vaccine has expired, a new primary course requires another 21-day wait.
Required Documents Checklist
ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15-digit)
Must be implanted before or at time of first rabies vaccine
Rabies vaccination
Must be given ≥21 days before travel; valid for 12 months (or 3 years if booster)
Core vaccines up to date
Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis — required by most airlines
Internal parasite treatment
Tapeworm treatment within 1–5 days before travel (check origin-country rules)
External parasite treatment
Flea/tick treatment recorded in health certificate
Veterinary health certificate
Issued within 10 days of travel; officially endorsed for EU/UK origins
EU/UK Pet Passport or Official Health Certificate
TRACES model for EU; official APHA form for UK
Airline pet acceptance confirmation
Book your pet separately; some routes fill pet spaces quickly
IATA-compliant crate
For cargo: size must allow dog to stand, turn, and lie naturally
Preparation Timeline
8+ weeks before
Microchip your dog if not already done. Schedule rabies vaccination (must be ≥21 days before travel).
6–8 weeks before
Complete core vaccine boosters. Begin parasite treatment programme. Research airlines and book pet space.
3–4 weeks before
Confirm all vaccines are recorded. Order IATA-approved travel crate and start crate training.
10 days before
Visit your vet for the official health certificate. EU origins: TRACES certificate. UK origins: APHA AHC.
1–3 days before
Final parasite check and treatment if required. Confirm airline pet acceptance. Pack vet records.
On arrival in Turkey
Proceed to the customs/veterinary inspection desk. Document check takes 15–30 minutes. Your dog is free to go.
Airline & Travel Rules
In-cabin (small dogs)
Under ~8kg including carrier. Soft carrier must fit under seat (~45×35×25cm). Most airlines: €50–150/flight. Book separately — spaces are limited.
Cargo hold (large dogs)
IATA-approved hard crate required. Dog must be able to stand, turn, lie naturally. Temperature controls apply. Cost: €150–400/flight.
Breed restrictions
Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers) are banned in cargo by many airlines due to breathing risks. Check with your specific airline.
Crate training
Start 4+ weeks before travel. A dog comfortable in their crate travels far less stressed. Spray synthetic pheromones (Adaptil) inside the crate 30 mins before travel.
Airlines that accept dogs on Turkey routes (verify directly)
Always confirm pet acceptance, breed policy, and documentation requirements directly with your airline before booking.
Turkish Customs & Arrival Inspection
On arrival, follow signs to the Veterinary/Customs inspection desk (before passport control in some airports, after in others — follow your airline's guidance).
Present your health certificate, vaccination booklet/passport, and microchip scan. The official will scan your dog's chip to verify it matches the documents.
If all documents are in order, clearance takes 15–30 minutes. Your dog is free to enter Turkey immediately.
If documents are missing or incorrect, your dog may be held at the airport animal facility. Quarantine in Turkey can last days to weeks and is expensive. There is no standard quarantine for compliant pets.
Dog Relocation Costs
Bringing a Dog to Turkey — Full Cost Breakdown
For a detailed breakdown by category, see our Pet Travel to Turkey Costs guide.
Renting with a Dog in Turkey
Renting with a dog in Turkey is possible but requires more effort than in northern Europe. Here's what to know:
- Always disclose your dog before signing. Undisclosed pets can result in lease termination.
- Small dogs (under 10kg) are accepted by most landlords. Large breeds face more resistance.
- Expect to pay a higher security deposit — typically 1–2 extra months of rent.
- Expat Facebook groups are your best source for pet-friendly landlords and agents.
- Newly-built apartment blocks often have stricter pet policies than older buildings.
- Ground-floor apartments with garden access command a significant premium.
Best Cities for Dogs in Turkey
| City | Score |
|---|---|
| Antalya | 9/10 |
| Izmir | 9/10 |
| Fethiye | 8/10 |
| Bodrum | 7/10 |
| Istanbul | 7/10 |
| Alanya | 7/10 |
For a full comparison including climate, vet availability, and outdoor access, see our Best Pet-Friendly Cities in Turkey guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting the health certificate too early
The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Any earlier and it will be invalid at Turkish customs.
Letting the rabies vaccine expire before travel
If the vaccine expires during transit or on arrival, your dog may be refused entry. Always verify the expiry date.
Booking a flight without confirming pet acceptance
Not all flights accept pets. Pet spaces fill up quickly on popular routes. Always confirm and document the acceptance with the airline in writing.
Crate too small for cargo travel
The crate must allow your dog to stand fully, turn around, and lie down naturally. Measure carefully. An undersized crate will be rejected at check-in.
Not training the dog in the crate
A dog unused to a crate will be highly stressed. Start crate training at least 4 weeks before travel.
Assuming no quarantine means no inspection
There is no standard quarantine for compliant dogs, but there IS a mandatory veterinary inspection. Arrive with all original documents — not photocopies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring any breed of dog to Turkey?
Turkey has no official breed ban for imported dogs. However, several airlines restrict brachycephalic (flat-nosed) breeds — French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers — in the cargo hold due to breathing risks at altitude. Pit Bulls and similar breeds may face landlord restrictions in Turkey. Always verify airline and rental policies before travelling.
How long before travel does my dog need the rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel and must be valid (within 12 months, or 3 years if a documented booster). If your dog's vaccine has expired, a new primary course is required, meaning a minimum 21-day wait again. Plan your vet visits at least 6–8 weeks before your move date.
Can my dog travel in the cabin of the plane?
Small dogs (generally under 8kg including the carrier) can fly in-cabin on most airlines. The carrier must fit under the seat (typically max 45×35×25cm). Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways all allow in-cabin pets on routes to Turkey, subject to availability — book early. Dogs over the cabin weight limit must travel in the cargo hold.
What happens at Turkish customs when I arrive with my dog?
After landing, proceed to the veterinary inspection desk at the airport (before exiting customs). An official will check your health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip. This typically takes 15–30 minutes. If documentation is complete, your dog is cleared immediately. If documents are incorrect or missing, your dog may be held in quarantine — which is costly and stressful.
Is it hard to rent an apartment with a large dog in Turkey?
It varies significantly by city and landlord. Antalya and Izmir have the most dog-friendly rental cultures. Istanbul is harder, especially in central areas. Many listings don't mention pets — ask directly before signing. Your best strategy: search expat Facebook groups, use an agent who knows dog-friendly landlords, and be prepared to pay a higher deposit. Small dogs are much easier than large breeds.
What are vets like in Turkey?
Turkish veterinary care is very good and significantly cheaper than Western Europe. A standard consultation costs €10–25. Annual vaccines run €30–60. Emergency treatment is a fraction of UK or US prices. Major cities all have well-equipped clinics; Istanbul has specialist hospitals. English-speaking vets are available in expat areas of Antalya, Fethiye, Izmir, and Istanbul.
Do I need a pet passport?
An EU Pet Passport is accepted and simplifies the process significantly. If you're moving from the UK, you need an official Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian. If from a non-EU/non-UK country, a nationally-endorsed veterinary health certificate covering all required health checks is accepted. Turkey does not issue its own pet passport.
Can I bring multiple dogs?
Yes. Each dog requires its own set of documentation. Most airlines limit 2 pets maximum per passenger. For larger numbers of dogs, a specialist pet relocation company is strongly recommended — they handle documentation, crating logistics, and can arrange combined shipments more efficiently than standard airline cargo.