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Exit guide

Taking a dog or cat out of Türkiye

Exit rules verifiedChecked 2026-10-12Authority: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

The steps the authorities in Türkiye require before your pet leaves, mostly the health certificate and who has to sign or endorse it. The destination adds its own requirements on top: pick it below, or make a dated plan.

The steps

  1. Identification

    Microchip, PETVET registration and pet passport

    A pet living in Türkiye must be microchipped, registered in the national pet register (PETVET) and have a Turkish pet passport. A pet that came from abroad keeps its existing microchip number and passport if they meet international standards.

    Details and the official words

    “kimliklendirilmiş ve Ev Hayvanı Kayıt Sistemi (PETVET)’nde kayıt altına alınarak”

    “düzenlenmişse, mevcut mikroçip numaraları ve pasaportları ile işlemlerine devam eder.”

  2. Paperwork

    Veterinary health certificate from the Provincial or District Directorate of Agriculture (within 48 hours of departure)

    An official vet at the Provincial or District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry where you live issues the veterinary health certificate, on the model agreed with your destination, no earlier than 48 hours before you leave. Bring the application letter, the pet passport and the lab report if the destination needs one. No dog or cat may leave without it.

    Details and the official words

    “erken çıkışa 48 saat kala veteriner sağlık sertifikası düzenlenir.”

    “sahip olmayan hiçbir kedi ve köpek yurt dışına çıkarılamaz.”

Good to know

  • Türkiye asks for a rabies antibody (FAVN) test report only when your destination requires one, but the ministry won't issue the certificate without knowing what the destination asks for. Samples are sent to the Etlik institute in Ankara (VKMAEM) at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination; while vaccination continues on schedule, the report stays valid for the pet's life.
  • Kangal, Akbaş and Kars shepherd dogs, the Çatal Burun hunting dog, the Zağar İnci dog, the Ankara (Turkish Angora) cat and the Van cat are protected breeds: they need prior permission to leave Türkiye. Whatever the passport says, the official vet checks that your pet isn't one of them.
  • The pet's passport must state its breed and colour exactly. If it only says 'mix' for breed or colour, the passport must be corrected (to the closest breed and colour) before the pet can leave.
  • A registered dog of a breed Türkiye lists as dangerous may leave with its owner if the destination accepts it, but it will not be allowed back into Türkiye.When: Your pet is a dog
  • If the pet doesn't travel within 5 days before or after its owner (or someone the owner authorised), or goes by cargo company, Türkiye treats it as a commercial movement with a commercial certificate.

Where are you taking your pet?

Routes from Türkiye where we cover both sides.