Pet Transport from Turkey to the USA
– Regulations and Required Documents

Key Entry Requirements

Step 1 – Fill Out the CDC Dog Import Form (Dogs Only)

The pet owner must complete the CDC Dog Import Form before the dog's arrival in the United States.

• Can be submitted on the day of departure or in advance.
• Valid for six months, provided the dog has not returned to a high-risk country during this period.
• 👉 Instructions for completing the CDC Dog Import Form can be found here.

Step 2 – Prepare a Veterinary Certificate

A Veterinary Certificate is the only accepted proof of vaccination for dogs entering the USA from high-risk rabies countries such as Turkey. It must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and presented upon arrival.

• For dogs: the certificate should be issued no earlier than three days before departure.
• For cats: it may be issued up to eight days before departure.
• The certificate must be completed in English.
• It must include:
  • Pet and owner identification
  • Microchip number and implantation date
  • Vaccination records, including rabies vaccination
  • Clinical examination results confirming the animal is fit to travel

A Pet Passport may be included as a supplementary document, but it cannot replace the official certificate.

Microchipping

Dogs: A microchip is mandatory and must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards. It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.

Cats: Not legally required, but highly recommended. Some airlines and local state laws may require microchipping.

Rabies Vaccination (Dogs)

The rabies vaccine is mandatory and must be administered at least 28 days before travel.

🛑 Rabies Antibody Titer Test (Dogs Only)

Dogs entering the USA from Turkey must undergo a rabies antibody titer test to confirm sufficient immunity. This test is mandatory for all dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries.

• The test must be performed at least 30 days after rabies vaccination.
• The acceptable antibody level is 0.5 IU/ml or higher.
• No 3-month waiting period is required after a positive result — dogs may travel as soon as the result is available.
• The test must be conducted in an approved laboratory.

Rabies Vaccination for Cats

While not required at the federal level, many U.S. states and municipalities do require rabies vaccination for cats. Because regulations vary and change frequently, it is not possible to track requirements in every location.

To avoid issues at customs and during your stay in the U.S., we strongly recommend ensuring your cat is vaccinated against rabies before departure.