Dogs in Turkey: rules, tax and travel

Owners must register dogs in the national PETVET pet registry through the provincial or district Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry or a private vet. Ownership changes must be reported within 60 days, lost pets within 7 days and deaths within 30 days.[2]

Compulsory for owned dogs over 6 months old. Without it the owner can be fined. A passport is also needed for domestic and foreign travel.[2]

Cutting ears and tails for looks is banned. The 2026 fine is 39,103 TL per animal. Vet exceptions apply for medical reasons or to prevent breeding.[3]

Abandoning a pet carries a 2026 fine of 108,370 TL per animal.[3]

The owner must give shelter, care and food suited to the species, and must prevent harm or disturbance to others. Serious neglect can lead to a ban on keeping animals.[4]

Turkey makes no exception for the EU. An EU pet passport is not enough: the pet needs a microchip, rabies vaccination after chipping, a rabies antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken 30 or more days after vaccination, a 90 day wait after the test sample, and a veterinary health certificate issued within 2 days before travel. A passenger may bring at most 2 animals.[5]

Same rules as from the EU: microchip, rabies vaccination after chipping, antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, 90 day wait, health certificate issued within 2 days before travel, and at most 2 animals per passenger.[5]

Required for all origins: at least 0.5 IU/ml, sampled at least 30 days after vaccination. Later trips skip the 90 day wait if rabies vaccination is kept in date.[5]