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 at least 20 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up. Turkey restricts certain breeds. Check the breed restriction section below before making any travel arrangements.

We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.

Step-by-Step Process

Turkey Import Requirements

What Turkey requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from Canada

What you need from Canada before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

• 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)

Breed Restrictions

Turkey restricts or bans the following breeds from entry:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa

Important Warnings

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.