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Taking my Dog or Cat to Türkiye from the UK: Pet Travel Guide
Travelling with your pet from the UK to Türkiye requires careful preparation to ensure all import requirements are met before departure from the UK. Dogs and cats entering Türkiye must comply with specific regulations including microchipping, rabies vaccination, parasite treatment, and an official Export Health Certificate issued by a UK Official Veterinarian. This guide explains the step-by-step process for pet travel from the UK to Türkiye, helping you prepare the correct documentation and avoid delays at the border.
Step by step guide: importing your Dog or Cat from the UK to Türkiye
1
Confirm your travel type
Most pets travel to Türkiye accompanied by their owner, so no import permit is required. If your pet is travelling unaccompanied (cargo), an import permit is required. We'll confirm your travel type at the start of the process.
2
Microchip check
Your pet must be microchipped before certification. We'll verify the microchip and ensure it matches all vaccination and export documents.
3
Rabies vaccination
Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination:
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Given from 12 weeks (90 days) of age.
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Using an authorised inactivated vaccine.
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Recorded on an official vaccination certificate.
Rabies vaccinations given abroad may still be accepted if your pet was legally imported into the UK.
4
Rabies blood test
A rabies antibody blood test is mandatory. The blood sample should be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination. This confirms adequate antibody levels and helps prevent delays with future travel. We can arrange this for you if required.
5
Book your pet's flight
Once your travel timeline is confirmed, book your pet's flight with an airline or approved pet transport company. Confirm the airline's pet travel requirements, crate specifications and arrival airport, then share your flight details with us so we can schedule the final certification correctly.
6
Request the Export Health Certificate
Once you've chosen us as your Official Veterinarian, request EHC 3818 from DEFRA. The certificate will then be issued to us for completion and signing. We'll guide you through this process to ensure the correct certificate is requested.
7
Final clinical examination
Within 24 hours of departure, we'll perform the final health examination, confirm your pet is fit to travel and complete the Export Health Certificate. This appointment is timed to coincide with your flight.