Pet Transport from Uruguay to Turkey
Bringing your dog or cat from Uruguay to Turkey takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Expect about 18-22 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in …
The Uruguay 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 in Uruguay.
Responsible: Registered vet in Uruguay.
Responsible: Vet and laboratory.
Responsible: Owner.
Responsible: Registered vet and MGAP.
Responsible: Airline cargo handling.
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 requires the FAVN titre test from Uruguay. Older Turkey route pages on some sites describe the test as optional or 'not routinely required'; that framing is wrong for an unlisted origin like Uruguay and will cost you weeks if you plan around it.
The 90-day wait counts from the blood draw, not from the lab result. Book the test as early as your pet's vaccination schedule allows.
Turkey bans several breeds and their crosses, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa and Rottweiler, under Law No. 5199 as amended in 2021. A banned breed or a dog that resembles one closely enough can be refused entry at Istanbul.
There is no direct flight from Montevideo. Every routing adds a connection, so build slack into your travel date in case of a missed onward cargo slot.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
What Turkey requires
Avoiding the common mistakes
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.