Moving Pets to Turkey 2026 | Full Import & Travel Guide

Moving Your Pets to Turkey — Full Guide 2026

Relocating to Turkey with your beloved pets is easier than you might think — as long as you follow the official import rules.

Whether you're moving to Istanbul, Alanya, or Antalya, Turkey welcomes pets from abroad, but there are specific requirements for documents, vaccinations, and airline transport.

Here's your complete 2026 guide to bringing pets to Turkey safely and stress-free.
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1. 🐾 Can You Bring Pets to Turkey?

Yes — Turkey allows the entry of cats, dogs, and some small animals (birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters) for personal (non-commercial) purposes.

Each traveler may bring:

• Up to 2 pets (dogs or cats),
• Or 5 ornamental birds or 10 aquarium fish (with official health documents).

💡 Important: Wild or endangered species (like some parrots or reptiles) require special CITES permission.

2. 📋 Mandatory Requirements for Importing Pets

To enter Turkey, your pet must meet these conditions:

🐾 Microchip

• A ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip is required.
• It must be implanted before rabies vaccination.

💉 Rabies Vaccination

• Must be administered at least 30 days before travel and within the past 12 months.
• Turkey accepts vaccines from approved international manufacturers.

📜 Health Certificate

• An official veterinary health certificate issued by your home country's authorities within 10 days before arrival.
• It should confirm the pet's health status, vaccination dates, and identification number.

🌍 Veterinary Passport

• Include full vaccination history, microchip number, and owner's details.
• Must match the health certificate exactly.

3. 🛃 Entry Procedure at Turkish Customs

Upon arrival in Turkey (Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir), pets are checked by customs veterinarians.

✔️ What happens:

1. Officials scan the microchip.
2. They review vaccination and health records.
3. If all documents are valid, your pet is cleared immediately.

💡 If documents are missing or incomplete, the pet may be quarantined for up to 21 days under the supervision of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture.

4. ✈️ Airline and Travel Rules

Each airline has its own policy for transporting pets, so always check before booking.

General guidelines:

• Small pets (up to 8 kg with carrier) can usually travel in-cabin.
• Larger pets travel in the cargo hold, in an IATA-approved crate.
• Ensure proper ventilation, labeling, and water supply.

💼 Major airlines serving Turkey:

• Turkish Airlines (most pet-friendly, allows cats and small dogs in cabin).
• Pegasus Airlines (pets under 8 kg in cabin).
• Lufthansa, Emirates, and Qatar Airways (for intercontinental flights).

💬 Pro tip: Book early — airlines have limited pet slots per flight.

5. 🌍 Moving from the EU, USA, or Canada

For most Western countries, the process is straightforward:

• Valid microchip.
• Up-to-date rabies vaccination.
• Official veterinary health certificate (in English or bilingual).
• No additional quarantine for healthy pets.

For UK travelers post-Brexit, the EU Pet Passport is no longer valid for Turkey — a separate export certificate must be issued by a government-approved vet.

6. 🏠 Renting or Buying Property with Pets in Turkey

Most Turkish landlords are pet-friendly, especially in cities like Alanya, Antalya, and Izmir.

However, always confirm in advance — some apartment complexes (sites) may restrict large dog breeds.

💡 RestProperty helps expats find pet-friendly apartments and villas with easy access to parks and beaches — ideal for long-term living with animals.

7. 🐶 Pet-Friendly Lifestyle in Turkey

Once you arrive, you'll notice how animal-loving Turkish culture is.

Stray dogs and cats are often cared for by locals and municipalities — many cities even have public pet shelters, feeding stations, and free veterinary services.

Pet services available:

• 24/7 vet clinics in major cities.
• Pet grooming and boarding centers.
• Dog beaches and parks in Alanya and Antalya.

8. ✅ Useful Tips for a Smooth Move

• Schedule your vet visit 1 month before travel.
• Keep copies of all documents (printed + digital).
• Bring your pet's favorite blanket or toy for comfort.
• Avoid traveling during summer midday heat.
• Always attach a tag with your phone and address to the collar.

9. 📊 Summary Checklist

🎯 Final Thoughts

Bringing your pet to Turkey in 2026 is simple if you prepare in advance.

With the right documents, vaccinations, and carrier, your furry friend can travel comfortably and enjoy life by the Mediterranean just like you.

🐾 Explore pet-friendly homes and communities with RestProperty.com — your trusted relocation and real estate partner in Turkey.