Pet Transport UK to Turkey: 2026 Process and Requirements
Moving a pet from the UK to Turkey is one of the more straightforward international pet moves. No import permit is required, there is no quarantine, and the main practical requirement is a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and a clinical …
The United Kingdom to Turkey import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
Responsible: Airline (cabin or cargo)
What your pet needs to enter Turkey
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Turkey bans the import of Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentinos, Staffordshire Bull Terriers (listed as Staffordshire Terrier in Turkish law), and Fila Brasileiros. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are banned in Turkey, which is a stricter ban than the UK applies.
You may bring a maximum of 2 pets per person under standard import rules. More than 2 animals may require additional permits and may be considered commercial import.
The clinical examination must happen within 96 hours of travel. This is a strict window. A certificate issued on a Monday for a Friday flight is outside the window.
Turkey has recently tightened enforcement around titre testing for some incoming pets. Check with TRGM or your vet for the most current guidance before travel.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
A genuinely simple entry process
Turkey does not require an import permit for dogs and cats (up to two per person). There is no titre test requirement from the UK. There is no quarantine. For a UK pet owner, this is a comparatively low-barrier international move.
The main documentation is the official veterinary health certificate. This must be issued by an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian in the UK, within 10 days of travel. The certificate must include the microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and confirmation of a clinical examination carried out within 96 hours of departure.
The 96-hour clinical examination window is the main scheduling constraint. Your vet must physically examine your pet within four days of your departure, not a week or two in advance. For many owners this means a vet appointment on the Monday or Tuesday of the same week as a Friday or Saturday flight.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier issue
Turkey’s breed ban catches some UK owners off guard. While the UK allows Staffordshire Bull Terriers (sometimes called Staffies) as legal companion dogs, Turkey prohibits them under Turkish Veterinary Services Law, which lists the Staffordshire Terrier among its banned breeds.
If you own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the UK and are relocating to Turkey, the dog cannot legally enter Turkey. This is different from the UK’s own banned breed list, which does not include Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Be aware of this before committing to a move.
All other common UK dog breeds are unaffected. Turkey’s banned list primarily targets fighting dog types and recognised dangerous breeds.
Turkish Airlines in-cabin: a practical advantage
Turkish Airlines allows small pets in-cabin on international routes, including its direct UK services to Istanbul from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. The combined weight limit for pet plus carrier is typically around 8kg. Your pet must travel in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front.
For owners of small dogs and cats under this weight limit, in-cabin travel is significantly better than cargo. Your pet stays in the cabin with you throughout the flight. This reduces stress for the animal, especially on a journey of around four hours. Book early to secure in-cabin pet availability, as airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
Larger dogs must travel in the hold as cargo. Turkish Airlines cargo and British Airways cargo both serve this route, and both have direct Istanbul connections from Heathrow.