Can I Adopt a Cat in Turkey? Yes, and Here’s How to Do It.

How to Adopt a Cat in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are asking, “Can I bring a cat from Turkey?” or “How to adopt a cat from Turkey and take them home?”

The answer is YES. You can bring a cat from Turkey, and we’re here to help you do it legally, safely, and stress-free.

At Pet Chalet Pet Otel, we specialize in full-service pet relocation. From microchips and vaccines to paperwork, flights, and emotional care, we take care of everything for you and your new feline friend.

We know how painful it is to walk away. That’s why we don’t just help with pet relocation. We help you rescue that specific cat.

If you’re already back in your home country and can’t stop thinking about “that one dog” or “the cat by the café,” we can help find them even if they’re still on the streets. Once found, your cat is brought into safe hands at our pethotel, cared for as if they were already yours. You don’t have to be in Turkey as we handle everything from here until they’re safely in your arms again.

The Truth

Adopting a cat from Turkey can be complicated. One wrong detail in paperwork can mean delays of weeks or permanent rejection. Many well-meaning adopters and even some professionals get it wrong. But we’ve been doing this for over a decade and a half, and we’ve mastered the process in all its complexity.

With over 16 years of navigating Turkish systems, we know exactly how to move through and around the barriers. We know how to solve the unsolvable cases. Where others get stuck, we find a way.

That means we often succeed in cases where most people or professionals would fail especially when it comes to rescuing strays, who don’t come with strong documentation or records.

We’ve seen every kind of case, impossible timelines, missing records, last-minute rescues and we’ve developed our own methods to get through them. We know the system inside out, and we know how to work within it which has made us the most trusted service provider when it comes to pet relocation in Turkey.

In short: we’re not just a service. We’re the reason many rescued cats are alive, healthy and loved today.

That said, this process requires months of preparation, and if you get one step wrong, you’ll be stuck or worse, your pet will be. Here is a simplified breakdown of each step, in the exact order it must be followed. Miss a step = restart from scratch.

How to Bring or Adopt a Dog from Turkey: Step-by-Step

Bringing a cat from Turkey to Europe, the UK, the US, or elsewhere is possible but it requires careful preperation.
The process takes time and must be done in the correct order.
Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Microchip
   First, your cat must be microchipped before any vaccinations.
   The chip must meet ISO standards and link clearly to your cat’s documents.
2. Rabies Vaccine
   Given after microchipping.
   The rabies certificate must show your cat’s microchip number correctly.
3. Rabies Titer Test
   A blood test done 30 days after the rabies shot.
   Sent to an official EU-approved lab (in Ankara).
4. 90-Day Waiting Period
   After the blood draw, your cat must wait 3 full months before traveling.
   This is non-negotiable under EU and UK law.
5. Health Certificate
   Issued by an official Turkish vet and approved by the Ministry of Agriculture.
6. Export Documents and Flight Booking
   Proper export permits must be arranged.
   Flights must be carefully booked, many airlines only allow cats as cargo from Turkey, not in-cabin.

See country specific regulations for shipping pets

See official rabies-controlled country list

Things You Must Know

1. Starting early is critical. The whole process can take 4 to 7 months.
2. Airlines have strict rules for animals coming from Turkey, not every airport accepts pet arrivals.
3. IATA-compliant crate/flight kennel must be the correct size based on your cat’s dimensions, as per airline regulations for cargo travel, and meet other official transport requirements, including ventilation, metal doors, and secure fastening.

Why Choose Pet Chalet Pet Otel?

Throughout the waiting period and preparations, your cat will stay at our fully licensed, loving Pet Otel.
They will get daily care, and expert handling.
We treat every pet like family.

We handle:

• Microchipping
• Vaccinations
• Rabies Titer Testing
• Health Certificates
• Export Documents
• Flight and Cargo Booking
• Crate Training Help
• Customs and Border Clearance
• Safe onboarding for departure

Ready to Bring Your Cat Home?

Let’s get your newfound friend home safely! We’ll walk the journey with you, every step of the way. Contact us today.

👉 For more information, visit our page “Adoption Support.“

👉 Have you already left Turkey? Read our article “How to Rescue a Cat from Turkey Remotely: The Ultimate Guide“

👉 Wondering how to bring a dog from Turkey, read our article “Can I Adopt a Dog in Turkey?“

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be in Turkey to adopt a street cat?
A: No, you don’t need to be physically present in Turkey to adopt a street cat. At Pet Chalet, we specialize in long-distance rescues and can help you adopt and relocate a cat even if you’ve already returned to your home country. We provide regular updates, photos, and videos during their stay so you remain connected until they’re safely reunited with you.

Q: Can I rescue a cat in Turkey and bring them home?
A: Yes, you can rescue and adopt a cat in Turkey and legally bring them to your home country with proper documentation. You’ll need to ensure your cat is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months before entry and has a valid health certificate. Many countries have specific entry requirements, such as quarantine or veterinary checks. It’s important to follow the legal procedures of both Turkey and your home country. Check out the full guide here.

Q: How do I bring a cat home from Turkey?
A: To bring a cat home from Turkey, your cat must first be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip, followed by a rabies vaccine. After 30 days, a rabies titer test is required, and then a 90-day waiting period. You’ll also need a government-approved health certificate, export documents, and to book a compliant flight. Pet Chalet Pet Otel handles this entire process, including care, documentation, and travel arrangements to ensure your cat arrives safely and legally.

“I brought my cat to Özlem while I had to move back to my home country and didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t take my cat with me right away because I had to wait for necessary documents. It was really hard to find a safe place for my cat while I had to go. Özlem took great care of my cat and helped me to arrange the departure and the documents for the cat. While I was gone she send me pictures and videos of my cat. The whole process was way easier because I had her help and I am now finally reunited with my cat in my home country. I’m so relieved this worked out and happy to have my cat back! Özlem and her team take passionate and tireless care of so many animals and street animals of Istanbul. Many animals staying with her are also open for adoption and you could not adopt from a better place.”
Sophia Bos
Cat Adoption