Relocating a dog or cat from Turkey to Europe, UK, US, or beyond? We offer full pet relocation service: microchipping, vaccines, titer test, health certificates, flights, customs, onboarding, and more. Stress-free, legal, and safe.
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 animal.
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 animal 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.
So, you have just found your soul mate in Turkey?
You want to take them home with you; Germany, UK, US, Norway, or anywhere else in Europe or beyond? You’re emotional… You’re serious… But, you have no idea what to do next.
Here’s the good news: we offer a full pet relocation service where we handle all the paperwork and logistics for you. If you want to avoid months of stress and mistakes, keep reading.
The Truth
International pet transport 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 in Turkey when it comes to pet relocation.
In short: we’re not just a service. We’re the reason many rescued animals are alive 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.
Step-by-Step: How to Take a Pet from Turkey to Europe, UK, or US
- Microchip: Must be done before vaccination.
- Rabies Vaccine: Given after microchip. Rabies certificate must clearly show chip number.
- Rabies Titer Test: Blood drawn 30 days after rabies shot, sent to an EU-approved lab (in Ankara).
- Waiting Period: After blood draw, you must wait 3 full months before travel.
- Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed vet and endorsed by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture.
- Export Paperwork: Required import permits must be obtained on time.
See country specific regulations for shipping pets
See official rabies-controlled country list
Flights: What Most People Don’t Know
Most airlines do not allow large pets in cabin from Turkey. Even small pets often have to fly cargo. Not all airports accept animals, some arrivals must be pre-approved. If your flight is not properly planned, the airline can refuse your pet at check-in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting too late: This is a 4 to 7 month process, minimum.
- Ignoring your pet’s emotional state: Your pet must be mentally prepared, especially if you need to leave before they can travel.
- Choosing the wrong pet hotel: During the long paperwork process: some places may ignore the mental preparation process of pets who are already going through a lot due to seperation. Choose an export-experienced facility.
- Trying to DIY complex paperwork: Without experience, things may go wrong; every form, stamp, and date matters.
We Offer Full Pet Relocation from Turkey
If you’re overwhelmed or don’t want to risk delays, mistakes, or heartbreak, we handle everything for you.
We manage:
Microchipping
Vaccines
Rabies Titer Tests
Health Certificates
Export Documents
Flight Booking & Cargo Coordination
Crate Training Support
Airport& Customs Protocols
Transport to the airport
Immigration border, clear customs
Safe onboarding, comforting your pet all along
Where Your Pet Stays
Throughout the paperwork and waiting period, your beloved pet will stay at our top-rated, fully licensed Pet Otel, ensuring they stay healthy, relaxed and ready for their journey ahead.
With our help, you:
Skip the paperwork nightmare
Get everything done legally and on time
Ensure your pet travels safely and stress-free
Serious about bringing your pet home the right way?
We’ll walk the journey with you, every step of the way. Contact us today.
👉 For more information, visit our page “Adoption Support.“
👉 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 stray cat or dog?
A: No, you don’t need to be physically present in Turkey to adopt a street animal. At Pet Chalet, we specialize in long-distance rescues and can help you adopt and relocate a dog or 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 stray cat or dog in Turkey and bring them home?
A: Yes, you can rescue and adopt a stray in Turkey and legally bring them to your home country with proper documentation. You’ll need to ensure your dog or 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 stray cat or dog home from Istanbul?
A: To bring a dog home from Turkey, your dog or 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 dog 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
Add a Comment