Pet Movement Legislation
Country of Departure
Pet Export from Turkey to Russia
– Requirements & Regulations
Turkish International Pet Passport or Veterinary Certificate
If your pet has a Turkish International Pet Passport, it must include the following records:
- Rabies vaccination administered at least 20 days before travel and not more than 12 months before entry.
- Deworming treatment administered 1–5 days before departure and recorded in the passport.
- External parasite treatment (fleas, ticks) is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
If the pet does not have a valid Turkish passport, a Veterinary Certificate is required:
- Issued by a licensed veterinarian in Turkey.
- Must be certified by the official veterinary authorities.
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Must contain the following information:
- Rabies vaccination (date, manufacturer, batch number, expiration date).
- Microchip details (number, implantation date).
- Clinical health declaration.
- Details of parasite treatment.
Form 5A (if applicable)
Issued in Russia before departure and allows re-entry within 90 days without reissuing new documents. If the form has expired, new documents must be issued before returning to Russia.
➕ Form No. 15 – What Is It and When Is It Required?
Form No. 15 is not required for the non-commercial import of pets. It is used exclusively for commercial importation — for breeding, sale, or transfer of ownership.
Some sources mistakenly claim that this form is mandatory for everyone. In reality, it is only required when a pet is imported via cargo transport (cargo vans or air freight).
The key differences between transporting pets by cargo and by personal or courier service are explained in detail in our article:
How to Transport Your Pet: Cargo or Family Member?
Microchip
Microchipping is not mandatory for pet entry into Russia, but it is strongly recommended. A microchip helps ensure proper identification of the animal and supports document verification at customs.
Number of Pets Allowed
Each owner may bring a maximum of two pets into Russia without special authorization.
If you plan to bring more than two animals, you will need to obtain prior permission from Rosselkhoznadzor (Russian veterinary and phytosanitary authority).
Obtaining this authorization independently is nearly impossible due to the complexity of the system and the need to work through the Argus veterinary system, which is not accessible to private individuals.
We recommend using the services of certified agents who specialize in document preparation and authorization procedures for pet importation into Russia.
Important Recommendations
- All documents must be accurately completed to avoid delays or refusal at the border.
- Parasite treatment (deworming) is mandatory for all pets, including cats and dogs.