Traveling with your pet can feel great, but there are things you must do. Turkish Airlines knows the deep bond you have with your pets. The airline has made a pet travel policy that keeps your pet safe and comfortable. It also follows all international flight rules. No matter if you want your pet to travel with you in the cabin or in the plane’s hold, Turkish Airlines gives you clear rules. You will know the steps to book and the safety tips to follow so you and your pet have an easy trip.
The Turkish Airlines pet policy talks about all the things you need for pet travel. This guide shows what Turkish Airlines requires from pet owners, which breeds they allow, the paperwork you must carry for international trips, and how the airline handles cargo services. Passengers have to follow health rules, make sure pets have the right vaccines, and check any special rules for where they are going. Doing this helps you not run into problems at the last moment. This guide tells you all you need to know about travelling with pets on Turkish Airlines. It can help you and your pet have a smooth trip.
Understanding Turkish Airlines Pet Policy
Turkish Airlines lets pets fly with you. Pets can travel in the cabin or be sent in the plane’s cargo area. Small pets, like cats, dogs, and small birds, can stay with you in the cabin if they weigh up to 8 kg (17 lbs). If your pet is bigger than that, it must go in the aircraft hold.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Pets have to meet health and vaccination needs.
- A good carrier is needed for in-cabin travel.
- There will be fees for both cabin and cargo pets.
- Some breeds may not be allowed, and there can be limits during some seasons.
Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Guidelines
To help your pets have a good trip, please follow these general tips:
- Make pet reservations at least 6 hours before you leave.
- Airlines set the most pets they allow on each flight.
- Finish check-in for pets:
- For local flights: do this 1 hour before you go.
- For flights out of the country: do this 3 hours before you go.
- Label pet carriers with:
- The passenger’s name, where they live, and their contact number
- The pet’s breed, how heavy it is, and its name
- Bring medical papers, shot records, pet ID, and other needed papers.
- You can take pets in the cabin only if they and the carrier weigh 8 kg or less.
- The carrier should be: 23 cm tall, 30 cm wide, and 40 cm long.
- You can use hard-sided or soft-sided carrier cases.
- You can’t bring pets that are pregnant, or puppies and kittens younger than 10 weeks.
Turkish Airlines Pet Policy In Cabin
Turkish Airlines lets people bring some small pets with them inside the airplane cabin. You must follow all airline rules and safety needs for this. This is a good way for people who want their pets to be near them while they fly. It helps keep both the pet and everyone else on the plane comfortable.
Allowed Pets in Cabin
Turkish Airlines lets you bring only a few kinds of animals inside the cabin.
- Cats
- Dogs
- Small singing birds, like parakeets and canaries
These pets need to be tame and act well. Animals that are not common or breeds known to act out can not fly in the cabin.
Pet Carrier Rules
- Pets have to be in an airline-approved carrier
- The carrier needs to go all the way under the seat in front of the passenger
- The carrier should be leak-proof, have air holes, and stay shut
- Pets must stay inside the carrier for the whole flight
The pet needs to stand, and the pet should be able to turn around. The pet must also lie down with no problem inside the carrier.
Seat Restrictions
If you are flying with pets inside the cabin, there are some rules about where you can sit:
- Pets are not allowed to be in the emergency row seats.
- The first-row or bulkhead seats cannot be used.
- You cannot put pets on the seats or take them out during the flight.
These rules are in place for safety and followed by everyone.
Allergy and Assistance Dog Considerations
In situations where:
- A passenger has a written note about a pet allergy, or
- A passenger is going with a certified assistance or help dog,
The person who booked first will get the priority. Turkish Airlines takes care of these situations. The airline works to give comfort and make sure it is safe for all people on the plane.
Prohibited Pets in Cabin
The animals on this list are not allowed in the cabin for any reason:
- Parrots
- Pigeons
- Other large or non-singing birds
Such pets have to go with the airline’s cargo team.
Turkish Airlines Cargo Pet Policy
Pets that are too big to fly in the cabin or can’t go inside the plane need to be sent by Turkish Airlines Cargo. This way, Turkish Airlines makes sure the animals are safe and feel good while they travel.
Reservations and Documentation
Cargo pet travel needs to be set up ahead of time with Turkish Airlines Cargo. Passengers have to give:
- A proper veterinary health certificate
- Up-to-date vaccination records
- Any needed import or export permits based on where you are going
If you do not complete the paperwork correctly or omit any required documents, Turkish Airlines may deny transport for your pet.
Pet Health Requirements
- The pets have to be the right age that the airline says is needed.
- Animals need to be healthy and feel good.
- Pregnant, hurt, or sick pets might not be allowed.
Turkish Airlines can say no to taking your pet if it does not meet the health standards.
Transportation Conditions
- Pets are kept in cargo areas that control the temperature.
- The cargo holds have air pressure and are made to carry live animals.
- The people take special care when loading, unloading, and moving pets to keep them safe.
Some routes may have limits based on the season or the weather.
Cargo Pet Fees
- Pet cargo charges are not part of the passenger ticket price.
- Fees change based on the size and weight of your pet, as well as the travel route.
- There may also be extra handling or paperwork costs.
Passengers need to check the exact price with Turkish Airlines Cargo before they travel.
Handling and Pet Welfare
- Trained airline staff take care of pets during the whole trip.
- Steps are taken to lower stress and make sure pets feel as good as possible.
- Pets get special attention so they travel in a safe and fast way.
Service Pets with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines only allows people to bring service dogs. These dogs help passengers who have a disability. They are taught to do different things for their owners.
Types of Service Dogs Accepted
- Seeing-eye dogs
- Hearing dogs
- Medical alert dogs
- Rescue dogs
Note: Psychiatric service dogs may incur a fee.
Requirements for Service Animals
- You need to be trained and have a certificate.
- You must have training papers, a vaccination card, a medical note, and a pet passport or ID.
- Keep your pet clean, make sure it has an ID vest on, and always be on a leash.
- Your pet has to stay under the passenger seat during the flight.
- If your pet is mean or makes trouble, you might not be able to travel.
Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy – International Flights
Traveling with pets on international flights with Turkish Airlines means you need to get ready in advance and have the right documents. Every country has different rules about bringing animals in and moving them through the airport or from one plane to another. People have to make sure they do everything needed and follow these rules before they leave.
Destination & Transit Country Regulations
- Passengers need to make sure they have all papers needed by the place they are going before they travel.
- Rules for entry, leaving, and passing through can change from country to country and may change at any time.
- Some countries limit or do not allow the entry, leaving, or passing through of pets. This can depend on what animal, breed, or where the animal comes from.
- Even airports where you just pass through may ask for special approvals, health papers, or shots.
If you do not meet these rules, you may not be able to get on the flight, or you may have to stay in a special area when you get there.
Dogs Traveling to the United States
Turkish Airlines sticks to the rules set by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for dogs that travel to the United States.
- You need to send your CDC dog import approval at least 6 weeks before you travel.
- You must show a copy of your CDC approval form when you check in at the airport.
- If your dog lacks CDC approval, Turkish Airlines may not allow your dog to travel, even if you have all other documents ready.
Mandatory Documents for International Pet Travel
People who go to other countries with their pets must have these papers:
- CDC must approve the application for all dogs going to the US. This is required.
- The vaccination papers should be good and show rabies shots.
- The microchip should be easy to read and should follow international rules.
- A health paper must be given by a trusted animal doctor.
All the papers must have the same details as the pet’s ID. It should also match what is on the passenger’s booking.
Age Requirement for Dogs
- Dogs need to be at least 6 months old to go on trips to other countries.
- Puppies that are younger than 6 months cannot travel, because of health and rules for animals.
CDC Exception Cases
Some dogs can get exceptions with the CDC rules if they meet all the points below:
- Dog has a US vaccination paper that is still good.
- Dog has a microchip you can read and is in the system.
- Dog is in good shape.
- Flight is leaving from an airport the CDC says is okay.
- Airline staff look at all papers when you check-in.
Even if there are exception cases, CDC and Turkish Airlines still need to give the final approval.
Restricted Animals with Turkish Airlines
For safety, comfort, and meeting flight rules, Turkish Airlines does not allow some types of cats and dogs on their flights. There are a few reasons for this, like how some animals act, some health risks, and some pets have a hard time breathing when they fly. The airline may accept or not accept these animals based on the route, the kind of plane, and the rules of each place.
Check whether your dog’s breed is permitted before booking.
Restricted Dog Breeds
- Dangerous breeds: Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro
- Other restricted breeds: American Bulldog, Dogue De Bordeaux, Doberman (all), Rottweiler, Wolf Mix, Affenpinscher, Pekinese, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniel, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bull Mastiff, English Mastiff
Turkish Airlines Pet Travel with Special Conditions
Turkish Airlines follows strict rules to ensure pets are safe and healthy during their flights. The airline cares for animals at all times. Airlines may deny travel to some pets unless special reasons exist. This ensures that staff put the pets’ well-being and safety first. The airline does this to help all pets feel calm and be safe while they are on the plane.
Pregnant Pets
- Pregnant animals are not allowed to travel in the cabin on Turkish Airlines flights.
- If the pregnancy is at a certain stage, there could be limits for travel in the hold too.
- The airline might ask for a veterinary health certificate that shows the pet can fly.
- The choice to accept the pet will depend on route, aircraft type, and veterinarian approval.
Pets Under 10 Weeks Old
- Pets younger than 10 weeks cannot travel in the cabin.
- The reason for this rule is young animals can get sick easily, their bodies are not strong, and they feel stress more.
- Most of the time, the airline does not allow these pets to travel unless cargo regulations or a specific country’s rules permit it.
Nursing Mother Pets with Newborns
- Nursing mother dogs or cats can only go in the hold area of the airplane. They cannot be with you in the main part of the plane.
- The mother can be with up to three young ones. Each young one should be between 10 and 24 weeks old.
- All pets must be in one crate that the airline accepts. There must be enough room, and air should move easily inside.
- You must have health certificates for the mother and the young animals.
Vaccination and Health Requirements
Pets must comply with the following:
- A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
- All vaccinations should be up to date, and they must include rabies
- Passengers must provide a microchip for identification for international travel.
- Import or export permits, or vet inspection certificates, based on where you are going
Turkish Airlines Pet Booking Process and Fees

Turkish Airlines lets you take pets with you in the cabin or in the aircraft hold. There are only a few spots for pets on each flight. This is because of safety rules and not much space. You need to book early. You also have to follow all pet travel rules.
Pet Booking Process with Turkish Airlines
- You have to make an advance reservation. Passengers must provide this for both in-cabin and cargo pet travel.
- There are only a few pet slots on each flight, so it is good to book early.
- You can make your booking through:
- Turkish Airlines official website
- Customer service center
- Authorized travel agents
- Pet fees are not part of the passenger’s regular baggage allowance. You will pay pet fees on top of what you pay for your bags.
- The final go-ahead depends on the type of plane, route, and rules for the place you are going.
Turkish Airlines Pet Fees – Domestic Flights (Within Turkey)
For domestic flights, the airline calculates the pet fee by adding the weight of your pet and the carrier.
| Kennel / Container Type | Weight | Pet Fee (USD) |
| Cabin | 0–8 kg | 120 |
| Cargo Hold | 0–15 kg | 200 |
| Cargo Hold | 16–22 kg | 250 |
| Cargo Hold | 23–28 kg | 300 |
| Cargo Hold | Over 28 kg | 350 |
Turkish Airlines Pet Fees – International Flights
If you want to travel to another country with Turkish Airlines, they will charge you for your pet by each kilogram. The price also counts the weight of the pet carrier. The fees can change based on the route and where you are going.
Example International Pet Fees (USD per kg)
| Country / Region | Fee (USD per kg) |
| Athens, Sofia, Sarajevo, Skopje | 100 |
| Baku, Cairo, Dubai, Venice, Vienna | 110–140 |
| Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Singapore | 160 |
Important Fee Guidelines
- International pet fees do not have free baggage include in them.
- The charges are for a one-way ticket for each flight.
- You may have to pay other costs for:
- How the cargo is handled
- Handling papers
- What the country you are going to asks for
- The fees cannot be given back after the pet trip is set.
Handling Procedures and Pet Safety with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines gives great care to animal welfare and safety when flying. Every pet in the cabin or the aircraft hold is handled by the team using international aviation and live animal transportation standards.
Pet Handling Procedures
- Pets are looked after by trained airline staff for the whole trip.
- All pets stay inside their approved carriers the whole flight.
- Cabin pets go under the seat in front of the passenger and you can’t take them out during the flight.
- Pets in cargo travel in temperature-controlled spaces made for live animals.
- Special actions help lower noise, stress, and exposure to heat or cold.
- Pets are loaded and unloaded with care to cut down on waiting when on the ground.
Pet Carrier Safety Standards
To keep things safe and comfortable, Turkish Airlines says all carriers must follow these rules:
- The carrier must not let any leaks happen and it should let air in well.
- The size has to let your pet stand up straight, move around freely, and lie down in a comfy way.
- Hard-sided crates need to have a safe lock on the side.
- Soft-sided carriers can be used only if your pet rides in the cabin, and only when they fit the size rules.
- If a carrier is broken, too small, or not letting enough air in, your pet might not be allowed to board at check-in.
Tips for Traveling with Pets on Turkish Airlines
If you follow these tips, you and your pet can have a smooth and easy time. It will take away a lot of stress for both of you.
- Tell Turkish Airlines when you book your ticket that you are bringing a pet, because the number of pets allowed on each flight is small.
- Do not wait until the day you leave to ask about pet travel. You may not get approval then.
- Get all the papers you need before the trip, like:
- A health paper from the vet
- Shot records
- A microchip paper (needed if you go to another country)
- Make sure the pet carrier is good for Turkish Airlines and IATA rules.
- Let your pet spend some time in the carrier before you go, so it can feel more at ease.
- Always read the pet entry rules for where you are going to, so you do not face problems when you arrive.
Conclusion
Turkish Airlines gives you and your pet a good and safe way to travel if you follow all their rules. It does not matter if your pet is with you in the cabin, in the cargo area of the plane, or flying as a help animal. You need to plan well, book your spot early, and have all the needed papers. The airline pays close attention to your pet’s care, keeps safety rules high, and follows global rules. This way, your pet can travel safe and well with Turkish Airlines.
Before you book, take time to read the carrier rules, breed limits, health needs, and fees. People who travel to other countries should also check in advance what the rules are for the place they go and any stopovers. If you know and follow the Turkish Airlines pet policy, you can make sure your pet is safe and at ease when flying. You can feel relaxed, knowing your trip will be smooth for you and your pet.
FAQs – Turkish Airline Pet Policy
Yes, Turkish Airlines lets passengers travel with pets in the cabin or as cargo, based on the size and type of the animal. Small pets like cats, dogs, and birds can fly in the cabin, while larger pets travel in the cargo hold.
The cost depends on whether the pet flies in-cabin or in cargo, as well as the route. Cabin pets, which weigh under 8 kg including the carrier, usually cost about $120 USD for domestic flights. Cargo fees vary from $200 to $350 USD based on the pet’s weight. For international flights, fees are calculated per kilogram, depending on the destination.
The largest size for a pet carrier in the cabin is 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 40 cm in length. The total weight of the pet and carrier must not go over 8 kg, which is 17 lbs.
Yes, small pets like cats, dogs, and small singing birds, such as parakeets or canaries, can travel in the cabin. Parrots and pigeons must go in the cargo hold. Pets must stay in their carriers for the entire flight.
Business Class on Turkish Airlines offers roomy seats with lie-flat beds, gourmet meals, lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and better in-flight entertainment. Keep in mind that the benefits of Business Class do not change pet travel rules. However, passengers with pets can ask for seats away from the front rows and emergency exits.
Yes, Turkish Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin on international flights. However, passengers need to follow specific documentation rules. This includes health certificates, vaccination records, and requirements for the destination country. Some countries may have restrictions.
For domestic flights, the in-cabin pet fee is usually $120 USD. For international flights, the in-cabin pet fees depend on the route and are based on the weight of the pet and carrier.
Yes, you can bring your dog to Turkey from the USA, but you need to follow Turkish import rules. This requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a microchip, and a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Check with Turkish Airlines for any other pet travel documents.
Yes, dogs are often kept as pets in Turkey. Many people own dogs in urban areas. However, pet ownership rules can differ from one municipality to another, so it’s important to follow local regulations.
Pets traveling to Turkey need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. This certificate must be given at least 21 days before entry. Pets must also have a microchip for identification and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Moreover, travelers must follow any import permits or specific rules that Turkey requires for international pet travel.
Yes, larger pets or pets not allowed in the cabin travel with Turkish Airlines cargo. Pets must be in airline-approved carriers, meet health and age requirements, and travel in temperature-controlled areas. Cargo travel comes with extra fees that are separate from the ticket fare.
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