How to take a cat to Turkey? - briefly
To bring a cat to Turkey, ensure it has a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. Check Turkey’s specific import requirements and notify authorities in advance.
How to take a cat to Turkey? - in detail
To take a cat to Turkey, you must follow a series of steps to ensure compliance with international and Turkish regulations. First, verify that your cat is microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This is mandatory for identification purposes. Next, ensure your cat is vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel but not more than one year prior. If your cat is traveling from a country with a high risk of rabies, a rabies antibody titer test (RNATT) is required, and the blood sample must be processed by an approved laboratory. The test must be conducted at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least three months before entering Turkey. Obtain a veterinary health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within ten days of travel. This certificate must confirm that your cat is healthy and fit for travel. If traveling from a non-EU country, the health certificate must be endorsed by the relevant government authority. Check with your airline for specific pet travel policies, as carriers may have additional requirements such as approved travel crates, size restrictions, and booking procedures. Upon arrival in Turkey, present all documentation to customs officials for inspection. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in quarantine or denial of entry. It is advisable to contact the Turkish Consulate or Embassy in your country for the most up-to-date information and to ensure a smooth travel experience for your cat.