How To Travel With Cat To Turkey?

It is understandable that when you are setting out on a trip to a foreign country like Turkey, you would like to know whether you can take your cat along with you or not. Taking pets overseas may sound like a herculean task, but if done well, the trip can be an easy one. Below is a comprehensive guide on the important facts that you should learn about the process of traveling to Turkey with a cat.

Research Entry Requirements

The first thing that has to be done is to find out the current rules regarding pet importation to Turkey. Dogs and cats are the most acceptable pets to be taken in provided that the conditions are met. Your cat will need:

- A microchip implant
- Proper documentation of rabies vaccination administered 21 days to 12 months prior to travel
- Health certificate from accredited veterinarian in the Department of Agriculture no more than 10 days before travel.
- It is the import permit that has been provided by the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

This permit has to be secured at least one month prior to the travel to ensure easy and efficient clearance. Take your vet on board early and let him or her help you. It is also important to make photocopies of all the documents in case you have to travel with them.

Check Your Pet’s Microchip and Vaccination Records

Your cat must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip number and this must be done before the cat is five months old. Chips that are non ISO compliant may require you to rechip your cat and it is recommended that you do so.

Do ensure that your cat’s rabies vaccine is up to date and that the booster shot has been given at least 21 days prior to travel. You will also need to get a feline distemper combo vaccine booster as well. Always move around with your vet records to validate the current immunization.

Gain An International Health Certificate

You should take your cat to the vet to have them examined by a professional. The vet will complete an International Health Certificate on their headed paper provided your pet has been assessed and is healthy enough to travel. This certificate is valid for the duration of 10 days starting from the date of issuance.

Go To Turkey to Apply For an Import Permit

Forward a copy of the International Health Certificate along with details of your travel schedule to the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock at least 30 days prior the date of arrival. They will study and send you an import permit for you to enter with your cat. To bring, print several to distribute.

Select An Airline That Is Pet Friendly And Book For The Flight

Choose an airline that permits cats in the cabin, such as Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, etc Choose your tickets far beforehand and tell the airline that you will be traveling with a cat. Obtain an appropriate carrier bag that is approved by the airline. Make sure to attach all the documents to the carrier.

Get An USDA Endorsement

To get an endorsement on the health certificate and rabies vaccine certificate you need to visit your local USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) office, schedule an appointment with them. This confirms that the documents are authentic and acceptable for entry into Turkey.

Choose Suitable Clothes And Accessories For The Trip

Purchase an airline-compliant and durable carrier bag for your cat. Place a water bowl and write your phone number on the bag. Pack a collapsible food bowl, some dry food, and a few toys. For food and treats, take some sleeping pills or other tranquilizing drugs as prescribed by the vet for your cat during the journey.

In Turkey, it is mandatory that your cat must wear a collar with an id tag and a rabies tag. Always pack an additional leash and have plenty of kitty litter bags on hand. You will also need to take with you the original copy of the health certificate and rabies certificate when passing through customs so pack these as well.

Entering Turkey with a cat

When you get to the Turkish airport, if you have an animal, look out for the ‘red channel/ligne rouge’. You have to present the import permit and health documents. The officials will read the microchip and also assess your cat. It is recommended to clear this inspection before taking checked in luggage or leaving the airport.

Cat-Proof Your Accommodation

Supervise any Turkey accommodation for cats, whether a hotel room, AirBnB rental apartment, etc. Cover any dangerous areas such as balconies. Check that window have screens, so that the inmates cannot try and climb through it. Clean up electrical wires or remove poisonous plants from the house. And, finally, I have to note the most important thing – never let your cat alone.

Enjoy Turkey!

You are now ready to travel around Turkey with your adoring and loving feline companion! This means that you should search for outdoor restaurants that allow pets in Turkey so that you can dine with your cat. Take care to remember cultural feelings towards cats and always ensure your pet’s safety. If any further travel through Turkey is to occur, kitty should stay calm and the new environments and noises should not faze kitty. Thus, you and your cat will have fantastic holidays in Turkey if you prepare in advance and pay attention to details. Welcome to a world of feline fun and adventure!

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