Pet Transport from Canada to Turkey

International pet transport from Canada to Turkey comes down to documentation timing more than anything else. This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations …

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20-26

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

Days quarantine on arrival

Moderate

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Step by step

The Canada to Turkey import process

First step - must be done before any vaccinations.

Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.

Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.

Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.

Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)

Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin

Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Requirements

Turkey entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted and readable at time of travel

Rabies vaccination

Required. Rabies vaccination must be current (within 12 months). For puppies/kittens minimum 3 months old at time of vaccination.

Rabies titre test

Required for: Generally not required for standard companion animals from most countries. Not required for: Most origin countries

Quarantine

No routine quarantine for dogs and cats arriving with correct documentation. Inspection on arrival by veterinary officer.

Import permit

No pre-travel import permit required for dogs and cats (up to 5 animals per person).

Health certificate

Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 10 days from issue. Certificate must state microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and confirm animal is healthy. Must be in English or Turkish or accompanied by translation.

Leaving Canada

Export requirements

Export permit

No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate.

Health certificate

{'required': 'If required by destination country', 'issued_by': 'CFIA District Veterinarian or accredited veterinarian (endorsed by CFIA if needed)', 'process': 'Visit accredited vet for examination, vet prepares health certificate, submit to CFIA for endorsement if destination requires government endorsement', 'timing': 'Typically within 10 days of travel (or as specified by destination country)'}

Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)

IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)

Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate

Rabies titre test laboratory fee

Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Breed restrictions apply at destination. Check if your dog is affected before booking.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
Air Canada	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round	Cabin and Cargo
Turkish Airlines	Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg with carrier on European/short-haul routes). Cargo: larger pets via Turkish Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Connects Istanbul hub to over 120 destinations - useful for Middle East and African routes.	Cabin and Cargo
Emirates	Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)	Cargo Only
Lufthansa	Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round	Cabin and Cargo
British Airways	Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.	Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines	Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons	Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific	Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met	Cargo Only
Air France	Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes	Cabin and Cargo
KLM	Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo	Cabin and Cargo
Delta Air Lines	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo	Cabin and Cargo

Why this route needs early planning

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Canada to Turkey is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

Not EU member. Turkey (officially Turkiye) has a large expat community, especially in Istanbul and coastal areas. Import requirements are more relaxed than many countries but documentation is required.

Step-by-step: what to do first

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.

No routine quarantine is required in Turkey for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.

Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Turkey. Start this process as early as possible.

Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Canada. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Turkey’s authority for the exact format required.

Yes, Turkey bans or restricts certain breeds including American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa. If your dog is one of these types or a mix, contact the destination authority before making any travel arrangements.

Airline guides

Breed restrictions

All breed guides →

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