KE
Kenya
✈️
TR
Turkey
Pet Transport from Kenya to Turkey
20-26 weeks
Typical preparation
None
Quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Kenya to Turkey
typically takes around 20-26 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
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Overview
Bringing your dog or cat from Kenya to Turkey takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Around 20-26 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order.
Depending on origin, a rabies titre test may be part of the process here. Map your dates against the steps below and you will stay on track.
Step by step
The Kenya to Turkey process
1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
4
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
5
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
6
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Checklist
Turkey: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted and readable at time of travel |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Rabies vaccination must be current (within 12 months). For puppies/kittens minimum 3 months old at time of vaccination. |
| Rabies titre test | Required for: Generally not required for standard companion animals from most countries. Not required for: Most origin countries |
| Quarantine | No routine quarantine for dogs and cats arriving with correct documentation. Inspection on arrival by veterinary officer. |
| Import permit | No pre-travel import permit required for dogs and cats (up to 5 animals per person). |
| Health certificate | Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 10 days from issue. Certificate must state microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and confirm animal is healthy. Must be in English or Turkish or accompanied by translation. |
Leaving Kenya
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | Not required |
| Health certificate | Required. Issued by DVS-authorised official vet. |
Costs
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Rabies titre test laboratory fee |
| 5 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Breed restrictions apply at destination. Check if your dog is affected before booking.
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Restricted breeds
Turkey breed rules
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Kenya Airways
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: pets in pressurised hold via Kenya Airways Cargo. Connects Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta hub to European and African destinations. IATA-compliant crate required. Advance approval needed.
Turkish Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg with carrier on European/short-haul routes). Cargo: larger pets via Turkish Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Connects Istanbul hub to over 120 destinations - useful for Middle East and African routes.
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Meeting Turkey's entry requirements
The path into Turkey is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Advice worth following
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Turkey for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Turkey. Start this process as early as possible.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Kenya. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Turkey’s authority for the exact format required.
Yes, Turkey bans or restricts certain breeds including American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa. If your dog is one of these types or a mix, contact the destination authority before making any travel arrangements.
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