It’s really quite simple
Many people worry about how they will relocate their beloved pets to Turkey, but, you really don’t have to.
Fortunately, the rules are not that complicated and a lot of people won’t experience any major problems when importing their pet into Turkey.
Bringing your pet to Turkey from a country in the Pet Passport Scheme (PPS) makes everything easier. This scheme was set up to provide a uniform set of rules for those travelling with certain pets within the EU. Since then, it has been adopted by other countries also. These rules cover dogs and cats, which are the most relocated pets.
There will be no quarantine for your pet entering Turkey as long as the following requirements are completed.
Firstly is a microchip
Your pet will first be micro chipped with an ISO11784 pet microchip that has a 15 digit code and a non- encrypted device. If your pet’s microchip is not is not ISO11784 compliant, you can bring your own scanner for the authorities to use.
Next is the Rabies vaccination and titer test
Your beloved dog or cat must have the Rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to its entry into Turkey. You should also make sure to have the original Rabies certificate reflecting all of your pet’s vaccinations for Rabies. To avoid three months quarantine, no sooner than 30 days after the Rabies jab is given, you should have the Rabies titer or blood test done. This sample must be carried out in an EU approved laboratory at least 90 days prior to entering Turkey. If your dog or cat has not received a titer test or 90 days have not passed since the date the blood was drawn, your
pet will be subject to home quarantine for 90 days. Don’t worry though, Turkish regulations clearly state that this is necessary but enforcement of this requirement appears inconsistent, but, travelling with a titer test is the ultimate proof to custom officials that your pet is free from Rabies.
There are some other vaccinations required 4 weeks before travel and differ between dogs and cats.
For dogs these vaccinations are Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Bordetella, Hepatitus and Distemper.
For cats the vaccines required are Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis.
Lastly is a Veterinary Certificate for Turkey
Within the ten days before travel, an accredited vet must complete the Veterinary Certificate for turkey, for endorsement by the Governing Authority of your country responsible for the import and export of animals. The vet will need all appropriate paperwork.
Disease
All cats and dogs must be free of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry into Turkey. If your dog or cat is not in good health, a further examination by a veterinarian may be required, and at your expense.
Accompanying your pet
Two pets per person can enter Turkey tax- free as long as they don’t arrive unaccompanied. The owner must be present at the customs clearance, or have issued their representative with both Power of Attorney and either their original passport or a notarized copy, indicating that they arrived in Turkey within 30 days of their pet.
Generally the cost of moving a cat abroad is between 500GBP – 1500GBP with a dog costing around 1000GBP – 4000GBP.
Attention and something to be aware of. A few dog breeds such as Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro are considered to be dangerous breeds and are prohibited from entering Turkey.
The conclusion, is that this process may seem like a lot of hassle but it’s really not, and so worth it when you have your beloved and trusty furry companion by your side in your new home and surroundings.