Author
Veterinary Consultant
Pets and Travel in Turkey
The process of importing animals into Turkey can be relatively simple, as long as certain rules are followed. For instance, only one person can bring one animal - either a dog, a cat, a bird, or a rodent. However, people are allowed to import up to 10 aquarium fish.
Important Steps for Preparing Your Pet for a Trip to Turkey
- A valid international veterinary passport with a photo;
- A microchip;
- A valid vaccination record against rabies;
- Rabies antibody titer test;
- Veterinary certificate Form 1, which is exchanged for Veterinary certificate Form 5a, required for export of the animal outside of the country.
Important fact: The validity period of the Veterinary certificate Form 1 to export an animal from Turkey is 5 days. The Veterinary certificate Form 5a is valid for 90 days. However, if you have been in Turkey for more than 3 months, you must re-issue a certificate at a local veterinary clinic in order to successfully export the animal.
International Veterinary Passport
This is an official document issued by licensed clinics and state veterinary stations for the fight against animal diseases. A 15-digit identification number of the microchip implanted in the pet must be entered into the passport, as well as labels with vaccine numbers and the signature of a veterinarian. In addition, the seal of the clinic and the date of the vaccination must also be included. Special focus is always paid to the rabies vaccination in terms of its validity and importance, as it is critical for the animal's health and safety.
Microchip. For any animal intended for import into Turkey, a microchip is required. This chip, which must comply with the standards outlined in SO11784 and SO11785, must be implanted under the skin before the animal is vaccinated against rabies. If this step is not taken, the vaccine will not be valid, and the animal will have to be re-vaccinated before its entry into Turkey.
Vaccination. A comprehensive vaccination schedule is prescribed for any animal that is intended for import into Turkey, and it must be followed carefully in order to ensure the safety and health of the imported animal. Animals must be vaccinated against rabies at least 3 months before leaving Russia and no later than 1 month before the actual departure. Furthermore, the vaccine must comply with the WHO standards for rabies. Additionally, the following recommended animal vaccinations can be considered, including against: Parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis; Infectious hepatitis; Leptospirosis in dogs; Vaccines against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, infectious peritonitis and dermatomycosis in cats.
Before departing to Turkey, the pet must be dewormed using certified preparations between 24 and 48 hours prior to the trip. Additionally, deworming should be carried out systematically every 3-4 months, and the resulting records should be kept up-to-date in the veterinary passport.
Rabies Antibody Titer Analysis. This test is mandatory for the importation of animals into Turkey. Only certified laboratories accredited by the French Food Safety Authority (AFSSA) in Nancy, France, have the right to perform the analysis. One of the laboratories on the territory of the Russian Federation that has this accreditation is the anti-rabies laboratory of «NoviStem» LLC.
Customs Clearance and Flight Check-in for Animals
Turkish airlines may allow animals to be transported in the aircraft cabin as long as the combined weight of the pet and the kennel does not exceed 5-8 kg and the total dimensions of the cage are no larger than 115 cm. However, there may be limitations on the number of animals allowed to travel in the cabin depending on the type of aircraft. Additionally, airlines may refuse the placement of a kennel in the cabin if too many other animals have already been registered for the flight.
To export an animal to Turkey by air, a fee of $35 must be paid for the registration of the pet.
Additionally, when one receives the animal kennel, they must prepare to pay a customs fee of 500 Turkish lira when they hand it over to the cargo section.
! Please be aware: Certain popular Turkish low-cost airlines, such as Pegasus and Onur Air, generally do not allow the transportation of animals, either in the cabin or in the cargo section.
FAQ
Is there any age limit on pets to enter Turkey?
The minimum acceptable age for an animal to be imported into Turkey is 3 months.
Are there any additional documents that may be required?
It depends on the reason for transportation. For instance, if you plan to participate in exhibitions and competitions, you will need a Certificate of Origin.
Useful tips
Plan ahead for your trip: The test to determine the titer of rabies antibodies in your pet must be conducted one month after vaccination, and if the result does not meet international standards (0.5 IU/ml), you will have to repeat the vaccination and sampling process. Therefore, it is recommended to start preparing for the trip at least two months in advance to ensure that you have enough time to repeat the tests if necessary.
