Moving to Turkey
with Pets (2026)

To bring a cat or dog to Turkey, you need: (1) ISO-standard microchip (15-digit), (2) valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel but within 1 year, (3) veterinary health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel), (4) for EU/UK origins — an EU/UK pet passport or official health certificate. Dogs may also need additional parasite treatments depending on origin country requirements.

Small pets (generally under 8kg including carrier) can travel in-cabin on many airlines. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold. Major carriers serving Turkey that accept pets include Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and British Airways. Each airline has specific breed, carrier size, and documentation requirements — check directly before booking.

Turkey does not have a nationwide breed ban list for imported pets, but several airlines restrict certain breeds (brachycephalic/short-nosed breeds like bulldogs, pugs) in cargo holds for health reasons. Some apartment landlords restrict large breeds — check your rental contract. In urban Turkey, dog-friendly apartments are common but not universal.

Turkey is increasingly pet-friendly, particularly in coastal cities and Istanbul. Antalya, Fethiye, and Istanbul have many dog-walking areas, pet shops, and veterinary clinics. Turkish culture is generally accepting of cats (cats are beloved in Turkey) and tolerant of dogs, though some local cultural attitudes vary. Outdoor café and restaurant seating is often pet-friendly.

Veterinary care in Turkey is significantly cheaper than in Western Europe or the US. A routine consultation costs €10–25. Annual vaccinations for a dog are €30–60. Emergency procedures are a fraction of UK/US prices. Quality vet clinics exist in all major cities, with English-speaking vets readily available in expat areas.

Yes, but each pet requires its own documentation. Most airlines limit 1–2 pets per passenger. For large numbers of pets, using a specialist pet relocation company is strongly recommended as they handle documentation, logistics, and can often arrange better conditions than standard airline cargo.