SA
Saudi Arabia
✈️
TR
Turkey
Pet Transport from Saudi Arabia to Turkey
Planning a pet relocation from Saudi Arabia to Turkey is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. This is a middle of the road route, and about 20-26 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Compliant pets are not held in …
NoneQuarantine on arrival
Moderate routeExpert coordination essential
20-26 weeksPreparation lead time
Fully managedDoor to door service available
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Saudi Arabia 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.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step
The Saudi Arabia to Turkey pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.4
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.5
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)6
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabinRequirements
What your pet needs to enter Turkey
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
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.
Export permit (Saudi Arabia)
Export permit from MEWA required. Apply in advance.
Costs
What this route typically costs
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)
Critical points to 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.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
EMIRATES
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)
TURKISH
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.
LUFTHANSA
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
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
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
CATHAY PACIFIC
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
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
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
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways
Cargo: Pets travel through Etihad Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during Abu Dhabi summer months
The rules for bringing a pet into Turkey
Turkey keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
How to keep this move on track
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Saudi Arabia to Turkey pet transport
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 Saudi Arabia. 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.
Ready to move your pet to Turkey?
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Message us on WhatsAppRoute at a glance
FromSaudi Arabia
ToTurkey
Prep time20-26 weeks
ComplexityModerate