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Pet Movement
Legislation

Country of Destination

Pet Movement Legislation

Country of Departure

Pet Transport from the USA to Turkey
– Rules and Entry Requirements

Import Requirements for Cats and Dogs

Microchip

All pets entering Turkey must be microchipped with a device that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.


Rabies Vaccination

  • The first rabies vaccination must be administered no earlier than at 12 weeks of age.
  • At least 30 days must pass after vaccination before entry into Turkey.
  • The vaccination must be valid at the time of entry.
  • Minimum entry age: Pets must be at least 6 months old.

If your pet has already passed the rabies antibody titer test (with a valid result of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml), this result remains valid as long as rabies vaccinations are administered within the proper booster schedule — without interruption or delay.

However, Turkey requires a 21-day waiting period after each rabies booster vaccination before entry, even if a valid titer test is available.

This rule ensures that the booster has successfully reactivated immunity, and helps reduce the risk of import refusal or border quarantine.

Our recommendation: After each rabies booster, wait at least 21 days before entering Turkey — even with a previously valid titer test. This is both a regulatory requirement and a best practice for your pet’s safety and smooth customs clearance.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

Mandatory for all cats and dogs entering Turkey from the USA. The test must meet the following conditions:

  • Performed no earlier than 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
  • Minimum accepted antibody level: 0.5 IU/ml.
  • Must be carried out in a laboratory approved by the EU or the Turkish authorities.
  • There is no waiting period after the test if the result is valid and all vaccines remain up to date.

Deworming Treatment

All pets must undergo deworming treatment before entering Turkey. The treatment must be recorded in the veterinary health certificate and administered within 120 to 24 hours before entry.

Veterinary Certificate

The health certificate must be completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian in the United States. Turkey requires the use of a specific official form for pet importation:

View the Official Turkish Health Certificate Template

  • Owner’s full name and address (in Turkey).
  • Pet details: species, breed, name, sex, age, coat color, microchip number.
  • Date and batch number of the rabies vaccination.
  • Date of the antibody titer test and name of the laboratory.
  • Deworming treatment details: product name, administration date, and time.
  • Date of clinical examination conducted prior to travel.

The certificate must be written in Turkish or accompanied by an official Turkish translation.

Transport Conditions

Minimum Age

Pets must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry into Turkey. This requirement is based on the combined timeline of rabies vaccination, antibody titer testing, and quarantine period.


Number of Pets

A maximum of two pets per person is allowed for non-commercial entry. If you plan to travel with more than two animals, you may need to obtain additional permits from Turkish authorities.


Travel Carrier Requirements

Pets must be transported in suitable IATA-compliant carriers or crates. The carrier must allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and must be well-ventilated and secure.


Airline Policies

Airlines may apply their own pet transport policies regarding crate sizes, in-cabin vs. cargo travel, and seasonal restrictions. Always confirm the carrier’s rules before booking your trip.

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