Pet Transport from the US to Turkey: 2026 Process
The US to Turkey route is one of the simpler international pet moves for Americans. Turkey does not require an import permit for up to two pets per person, there is no quarantine, and the main requirement is a USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate issued …
The United States 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.
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet and USDA regional office
Responsible: Airline (cabin or cargo)
What your pet needs to enter Turkey
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Turkey bans Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentinos, Staffordshire Terriers (including Staffordshire Bull Terriers), and Fila Brasileiros. Confirm your dog is not on this list.
USDA APHIS endorsement takes 3-10 business days. The 96-hour clinical examination window and the 10-day certificate validity mean timing is tight. Use USDA express processing if needed.
Turkey allows a maximum of 2 pets per person under standard import. Bringing more requires additional permits.
Turkish Airlines is one of very few airlines allowing small pets in-cabin on transatlantic routes. This is a significant practical advantage for this route.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Turkey's unusually straightforward entry requirements
Compared to destinations like Australia, Taiwan, or the UK (from unlisted countries), Turkey’s pet import requirements are genuinely light-touch. There is no import permit to apply for, no titre test required, and no quarantine on arrival. Your pet is inspected by a veterinary officer at the Turkish port of entry, and if the documentation is in order, clears the same day.
The main documentation is the USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate. Your USDA-accredited vet issues the certificate, which must be endorsed by USDA APHIS. The endorsement confirms your vet’s credentials to Turkish authorities. On the timing side, the clinical examination must happen within 96 hours of departure, and the certificate is valid for 10 days from issue. With USDA express processing (1-3 business days), these windows are manageable.
Turkish Airlines in-cabin: a genuine advantage
Turkish Airlines allows small pets in-cabin on its international routes, including direct services from New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and other US gateways to Istanbul. This is unusual for a non-US carrier on transatlantic routes. The combined weight limit for pet plus carrier is typically around 8kg.
For cat owners and owners of small dogs, in-cabin travel is considerably less stressful for the animal than cargo, particularly on a 10-plus-hour transatlantic flight. Pets in-cabin stay in an approved carrier under the seat, kept in your presence throughout. Book in-cabin pet space early when purchasing your ticket, as airlines limit the number of pets per flight and these slots fill quickly.
Larger dogs travel in the hold as cargo. Turkish Airlines Cargo handles live animals on its US routes as a standard service.
The breed restriction to check before travel
Turkey prohibits the import of several dog types: Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentinos, Staffordshire Terriers, and Fila Brasileiros. The Staffordshire Terrier inclusion is worth noting, as Staffordshire Bull Terriers are legal companion dogs in the US and many owners are unaware they are banned in Turkey.
American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers both fall under this restriction. If your dog is one of these types, it cannot legally enter Turkey. Most other common US breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, French Bulldogs, Beagles, and others, are unaffected.