Taking Cats and Dogs Abroad: Current Information for 2025

Basic Requirements for Taking a Pet Abroad

Before taking your pet abroad, you must take these steps:

1. Microchip Implantation

   • It is mandatory to have your pet identified with a microchip.

   • A microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards should be preferred.

2. Required Vaccinations and Rabies Vaccine

   • Rabies vaccination should be administered at least 21 days before travel.

   • Other required vaccines may vary from country to country (combined vaccine, leptospirosis, etc.).

3. Rabies Titration Test

   • A rabies titer test is mandatory for pets traveling to European Union countries.

   • The test is carried out at the Ankara Etlik Veterinary Control Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

4. Pet Passport

   • An international pet passport issued by a veterinarian is required.

   • Vaccination and treatment information must be complete in the passport.

5. Veterinary Certificate

   • You must obtain a veterinary certificate approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

6. Approval for Air Travel

   • Check with airlines ahead of time to check their pet travel regulations.

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Costs of Taking Cats and Dogs Abroad

The costs of taking your pet abroad can be listed as follows:

• Microchip Insertion: 500-1000 TL

• Rabies Vaccine: 300-600 TL

• Rabies Titration Test: 3,000-5,000 TL

• Pet Passport and Veterinary Certificate: 1,000-2,000 TL

• Flight Ticket and Carriage Cage:

  • Cabin interior: 2,500-5,000 TL

  • Shipping: 6,000-15,000 TL

• Other Vaccines and Treatments: 500-1,500 TL

On average, the total cost of taking a pet abroad can range from 8,000 TL to 25,000 TL.

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Air Travel Rules

Airlines' rules may vary, but here are the general rules:

1. Travel in Cabin:

   • Small breed cats and dogs can travel in the cabin.

   • The weight of the carrying bag should generally not exceed 8 kg.

2. Travel in the Cargo Compartment:

   • Medium and large breed pets are transported in the cargo hold.

   • It is mandatory to use a transport cage that complies with IATA standards.

3. Reservation:

   • The airline must be notified at least 48 hours before travel.

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Documents Required by Countries

The documents requested by each country may vary. The most requested documents are:

• EU Countries:

  • Rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml)

  • Veterinary certificate in EU format

• USA:

  • Rabies vaccination certificate

  • Veterinary health report received within the last 10 days

• Canada:

  • Rabies vaccination certificate

  • Microchip information

• Australia and New Zealand:

  • There may be quarantine practices.

  • Additional testing and certification may be required.

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Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Procedures

To take your pet abroad, you must follow these steps determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:

1. Approval from Veterinary Control Center:

   • Confirm rabies titer test and required vaccinations are complete.

2. Ankara Etlik Veterinary Control Center:

   • Rabies titration test is performed at this center.

   • Test results are usually available within 15-20 days.

3. Veterinary Certificate Approval:

   • The certificate must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

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Other Points to Note

• Quarantine Rules:

  • In some countries, your pet may need to remain in quarantine for a certain period of time.

• Health Checks:

  • Before traveling, visit a veterinarian for a general health check.

• Pet Insurance:

  • Consider getting insurance against possible risks during your trip.

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Conclusion

Taking a cat or dog abroad is a process that requires planning and attention. When you have all your documents and vaccinations completed, you can travel with your pet without any problems. This information, updated in 2025, will help you make your travel plans more easily.