Lead time needed
18-22 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Complex
Airlines
2 carriers on this route
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Home/Routes/Dominican Republic to Turkey
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Pet Transport from the Dominican Republic to Turkey

Relocating a pet from Dominican Republic to Turkey follows a clear path once you understand what Turkey asks for. Allow around 18-22 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely. A rabies titre …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Dominican Republic to Turkey typically takes around 18-22 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
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Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Dominican Republic 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.

1
Before the rabies vaccination.
Confirm ISO microchip is implanted and scannable.

Responsible: Vet in the Dominican Republic.

2
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw if this is the primary dose.
Administer or confirm current rabies vaccination.

Responsible: DIGEGA-authorised vet.

3
At least 30 days after vaccination; result must clear 0.5 IU/ml.
Draw blood for the FAVN titre test at an accredited laboratory.

Responsible: Vet and laboratory.

4
Counted from the blood draw date, not the result date.
Wait out the 90-day post-draw period.

Responsible: Owner.

5
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain the DIGEGA-endorsed health certificate.

Responsible: DIGEGA-authorised vet and DIGEGA.

6
Once the 90-day wait has cleared and the certificate is current.
Travel Santo Domingo to Istanbul via Madrid.

Responsible: Airline cargo handling.

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Turkey

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 required, implanted before the rabies vaccination and readable …
Rabies vaccination
Required, current within 12 months. Minimum age 3 months at first vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. The Dominican Republic's relatively relaxed entry rules for pets going …
Quarantine
No routine quarantine with a complete, compliant titre test result. 21 days at …
Import permit
No pre-travel import permit for personal pets.
Health certificate
Official Veterinary Health Certificate, valid for 10 days from issue, in English …
Export permit
No formal export permit required for personal pets.
Costs

What this route typically costs

FAVN rabies titre test at an accredited laboratory: USD 150-280.
DIGEGA-endorsed health certificate and vet examination: USD 100-180.
Cargo fee, Santo Domingo to Istanbul via Madrid: USD 900-1,600 …
IATA-approved travel crate: USD 150-400.
Madrid handling fee for the connecting cargo transfer: USD 100-250.

Critical points

The Dominican Republic's straightforward EU entry rules (no titre test, no import permit for up to 5 pets) don't apply to Turkey. Treat this as a separate, stricter process from the DR's usual EU routes.

The 90-day wait is counted from the blood draw, not the lab result date. Book the test as early as your pet's vaccination schedule allows.

Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.

There is no direct flight from Santo Domingo. Every routing adds a Madrid connection, so build slack into the travel date.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Turkish Airlines
No direct Santo Domingo-Istanbul service. Turkish Airlines' own Madrid-Istanbul cargo leg …
Cargo Only
Air Europa
Santo Domingo to Madrid as the first leg, a well-trodden route for Caribbean-to-Europe pet …
Cargo Only

How Turkey handles incoming pets

Turkey has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.

What experienced owners do

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

FAQ

Common questions

No. The DR’s exemption from the titre test and import permit applies specifically to EU entry. Turkey runs its own, separate and stricter rule set requiring the full titre test and 90-day wait.
No. The standard routing connects through Madrid, with Turkish Airlines or a partner carrier handling the onward leg.
Turkish authorities apply 21 days of quarantine at the owner’s expense for pets arriving without a valid, correctly timed titre test.
Yes. The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses are banned under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.
Airline guides
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Air Europa
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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DO TRDominican Republic to Turkey
International pet transport route
Lead time18-22 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityComplex
Airlines2
ServiceDoor to door
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