top of page
Image by Michael Jerrard

Pet Travel from the UK to Turkey: Dog & Cat Import Requirements

Travelling with your pet to Turkey requires careful preparation to ensure all import requirements are met before departure from the UK. Dogs and cats entering Turkey 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 Turkey, helping you prepare the correct documentation and avoid delays at the border.

Image by Darren Lee

Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Turkey

Step 1 — Confirm Travel Type (Accompanied vs Unaccompanied)

Most pets travel to Turkey accompanied by their owner.
In these cases, no import permit is required.

​

An import permit is only needed if your pet is travelling unaccompanied (cargo without the owner). Without a permit, unaccompanied pets may be refused entry.

 

We’ll confirm your travel type at the start of the process.

Step 2 — Microchip Check

Your pet must be microchipped before certification.

​

We will:

  • scan and verify the microchip

  • ensure the number matches all vaccination and export documents

Image by Lewis J Goetz

Step 3 — Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination:

  • given at 12 weeks (90 days) of age or older

  • using an authorised inactivated rabies vaccine

  • recorded on an official vaccination certificate

 

If the rabies vaccine was given abroad and the pet was legally imported into the UK under pet travel rules, it can still be accepted.

Step 4 — Rabies Blood Test

A rabies antibody blood test is mandatory — especially if your pet may later return to the EU or UK.

​

  • Blood sample should be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination

​

  • Helps ensure sufficient antibody levels

​

  • Prevents future travel delays for return journeys

​

We can arrange this if required.

Image by Majid Abparvar

Step 5 — Book Your Pet’s Flight

Once your destination requirements and timeline are confirmed, you should arrange your pet’s flight with an airline or approved pet transport company.

​

When booking:

  • confirm the airline accepts pets for your chosen route

  • check whether your pet must travel as manifest cargo or accompanied baggage

  • ensure the arrival airport is approved for live animal entry where required

  • confirm crate size and airline transport rules

  • share your planned flight date with us so we can schedule all veterinary checks, tests, and certificate timing correctly

 

We recommend booking flights before the final certification appointments, but only after the medical and permit timelines have been reviewed to avoid date conflicts.

Image by Anna Berdnik

Step 6 — Request the Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818)

Before we can certify your dog for travel to the Turkey, the official Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818) must be requested from DEFRA.

​

To start this process:

  • You confirm us as your chosen Official Veterinarian

  • Once you have chosen your Official Veterinarian, you must request the correct Export Health Certificate from DEFRA — for the Turkey this is EHC 3818 (Export of cats and dogs to Turkey).

  • The EHC is then issued through DEFRA to us for completion and signing

 

We guide you through this request step to make sure the correct certificate is issued and linked to your export — please do not apply for a certificate without confirming the details with us first.

Image by Osman Köycü

Step 7 — Final Clinical Examination (Within 24 Hours)

A final clinical exam must be completed within 24 hours of export.

​

At this visit we:

  • examine your pet

  • confirm they are clinically healthy and fit to travel

  • complete and sign the Export Health Certificate

 

Timing is critical — this appointment is scheduled close to your flight.

bottom of page