Turkey welcomes millions of tourists annually, and an increasing number bring their pets along. Whether you're a long-term expat or a vacationer, here's what you need to know about traveling to Turkey with a dog or cat.
Entry Requirements for Pets
Microchip
All dogs and cats must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. This is non-negotiable — make sure it's implanted before any vaccinations are administered.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for all dogs and cats. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before entry and must be current. Puppies and kittens under 12 weeks cannot be vaccinated, which affects entry eligibility.
EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate
If traveling from an EU country, your EU pet passport is accepted. For non-EU travelers, an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is required.
Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs)
Dogs must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm within 1-5 days before entry. This applies to most countries of origin.
Flying to Turkey with Your Pet
Turkish Airlines (THY) allows pets in the cabin for small animals under 8kg (including carrier). Larger pets travel as checked baggage in a climate-controlled hold. Always confirm current policies directly with the airline as rules change.
Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Many hotels in Turkey, particularly international chains, do not accept pets. Your best options:
- Pet hotels: Purpose-built facilities — use xpetotel.com to find verified options
- Pet-friendly villas: Common in coastal areas like Bodrum, Çeşme, Antalya
- Airbnb: Filter for pet-friendly listings
Useful Tips
- Carry copies of all documents — both printed and digital
- Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and İzmir have the most pet-friendly infrastructure
- Summers are hot — be careful with brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs)
- Turkish people are generally very warm toward dogs, especially in cafes and outdoor spaces