Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

The Turkish Airlines pet policy allows you to travel with a dog, cat, or small singing birds like canaries and parakeets—in the cabin (PETC), as checked baggage, or as manifest cargo. However, you must make and confirm your pet reservation at least 6 hours before departure. 

Trained service animals are allowed to travel free of charge with their owners in the passenger cabin.

Major Highlights of Turkish Airlines Pet Travel

Below is an overview of the Turkish Airlines pet policy:

• Small dogs, cats, and birds (budgies, canaries, parrots, pigeons, goldfinches, etc.) are allowed to travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet plus carrier does not exceed 17.6lb/8kg.
• Pets must have all the necessary vaccinations, health certificates, and entry permits required by the transit/destination locations. 
• You must confirm the pet reservation at least 6 hours before departure. 
• The following pets are not allowed on the same aircraft:
  • Cats and dogs
  • Birds and cats
• Dogs and cats suffering from respiratory problems must be carried in the cabin. 
• Dog breeds considered dangerous are not permitted, such as:
  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier 
  • Pitbull Terrier 
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino 
  • Fila Brasileiro 
• The following dog breeds can only be transported by the cargo unit in the cargo hold:
  • Wolf Dog hybrids
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • Presa Canario
  • Mastiff (excluding Bull Mastiff)
  • Dogue De Bordeaux
  • Doberman (Pincher and all other breeds)
  • Caucasian Ovcharka
• Carrier-sharing pets must be of the same species.
• Puppies and kittens between 10–12 weeks old will only be accepted with prior approval from a certified vet. 
• Pregnant pets and pets less than 10 weeks old will not be accepted. 
• Puppies, kittens, and their mothers will not be accepted unless fully weaned.
• Service dogs (SVANs) can travel free of cost with their owners in the passenger cabin but must be booked at least 48 hours before departure. 
• Emotional support animals (ESANs) must travel for a fee under PETC or AVIH rules (per DOT rule dated January 11, 2021). However, they will be accepted free of charge on flights between Istanbul and the United States. 
• Larger pets can either travel as checked baggage in the hold or as cargo baggage. 

Turkish Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy

Does Turkish Airlines allow pets in the cabin?

Turkish Airlines allows only small dogs, cats, and small birds to travel in the passenger cabin. When flying with a pet in the cabin, the Turkish Airlines pet cabin policy requires you to comply with the following rules:

• Pets Allowed in the Cabin. Only dogs, cats, and small birds—such as budgies, canaries, goldfinches, etc.—are allowed to travel in the cabin on most flights. However, parrots and pigeons (except those on the CITES-1 List) can only travel in the aircraft hold (AVIH). Also, other small species must be transported via Turkish Cargo.
• Pet Policy for Business Class and Economy Class. Turkish Airlines allows:
  • 1 pet in Business Class and 2 pets in Economy Class on A319/320/321 and B737 (400-700-800-900) aircraft. 
  • 1 pet in Business Class and 3 pets in Economy Class on A330/A340 and B777 aircraft.
• Pet Age for In-Cabin Pets
  • Must be at least 10 weeks old to travel in the passenger cabin.
  • Puppies and kittens between 10–12 weeks old will only be accepted with prior approval from a certified vet. 
  • Pregnant pets will not be accepted.
  • Puppies, kittens, and their mothers will not be accepted unless fully weaned.
• Your seat must not be located in rows with emergency exit doors or infant stroller devices.
• Pet Reservations for In-Cabin Pets. You must confirm your pet reservation at least 6 hours before departure. 
• Pet Documentation for In-Cabin Pets

You must carry valid medical reports and documentation required by the departure and arrival countries. 

• The Pet Vaccination Card must contain full identification information for cats and dogs and a valid flight certificate for birds. 
• The rabies vaccines mentioned on the vaccination report must have been administered between 30 days and 12 months before the flight’s departure date. 

• Pet Fees for In-Cabin Pets. Pets are subject to additional baggage fees (refer to the Pet Fees section). 
• Turkish Airlines Pet Carrier Dimensions & Requirements for In-Cabin Pets
  • The pet carrier size for in-cabin pets must not exceed 40cm/15in in length, 30cm/11in in width, and 23cm/9in in height. 
  • The pet carrier can be hard- or soft-sided but must have holes for ventilation with a 2.5cm diameter on at least three sides for proper ventilation. 
  • The carrier must be secure and spacious enough for your pet to comfortably stand up and turn around. 
  • The pet carrier must have a waterproof bottom.
  • The lids/zippers of the pet carrier must remain closed throughout the journey. 
  • Your pet must stay inside the pet carrier and the carrier must fit under your front seat.
  • Up to 2 dogs, 2 cats, or 2 birds who are compatible and can be transported together in the same carrier/cage—provided their maximum weight (incl. cage) does not exceed 17.6kg/8kg.
  • Pet Label. The following information must be provided on a label affixed to the pet carrier/cage/container:
    • Passenger’s full name 
    • Passenger’s address
    • Passenger’s phone number
    • Number of pets 
    • Name of the pet/pets 
• Pet Weight for In-Cabin Pets. The pet weight (incl. that of the pet carrier) of in-cabin pets must not exceed 17.6lb/8kg.
• The maximum number of pets accepted in the cabin will depend on your aircraft. 
• Pet Restrictions

When flying with pets on Turkish Airlines, the following restrictions apply for in-cabin pets:

• Pets travelling to countries that require pets to arrive as air cargo cannot travel in the cabin. These countries include but are not limited to, the U.K., UAE, and Hong Kong.
• Until further notice, passengers cannot transport dogs in the cabin on behalf of someone to Canada from 100-plus countries, incl. Turkey. In other words, to be eligible for travel in the passenger cabin to Canada, the dog must belong to the passenger. For more information, refer to this page.
• The entry of dogs has been temporarily restricted into the United States if travelling from high-risk rabies countries within the last 6 months, per CDC rules. 
• The following pets will not be allowed on the same aircraft:
  • Cats and dogs
  • Birds and cats
• Pets on Turkish Airlines (dogs and cats) prone to respiratory problems must be carried in the cabin, subject to weight limits. They include:
  • Dogs: Pug-nosed breeds such as English/Bull Mastiff, Brussels Griffon, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Bulldog (French and English), English Toy Spaniel, Chow Chow, Tibetan Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), and Affenpinscher, etc.
  • Cats: Burmese cats, Himalayan cats, and Iranian cats.
• According to the pet policy at Turkish Airlines:
  • If a passenger with an allergy declaration and a passenger with a pet are travelling together on the same flight, the passenger who booked earlier will be confirmed.
  • If a passenger with a service dog and a passenger with an allergy declaration are travelling together on the same flight to/from the United States, the passenger with the service dog will always get priority, regardless of who booked first (per DOT rules). However, on non-U.S. flights, the order of reservation will be considered.

Turkish Airlines Pet Policy—Pets as Checked Baggage 

Flying on Turkish Airlines with pets as checked baggage.

Turkish Airlines pet policy requires passengers flying with larger pets to follow these rules:

• Pets Allowed in the Hold as Checked Baggage (AVIH). Pets allowed to travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage include dogs, cats, and small household birds. 
• Pet Reservations for Checked Pets. You must book your pet at least 6 hours before departure. 
• Pet Documents for Checked Pets. All the required medical reports and documentation must be in place, such as a Pet Vaccination Card (cats and dogs) with complete identification information and a proper flight certificate for birds. The rabies vaccines listed on the vaccination report must have been administered at least 30 days before departure and no more than 12 months before the flight’s departure date. 
• Pet Fees for Checked Pets. Pets are subject to additional baggage fees, as indicated in the Pet Fees section.
• Pet Age for Checked Pets
  • Pups and kittens must be at least 10 weeks old. 
  • Puppies and kittens between 10–12 weeks old will only be accepted with prior approval from a certified vet. 
  • Puppies, kittens, and their mothers will not be accepted unless fully weaned.
• Pet Check-in for Checked Pets. You will need to check in your pet at the ticket counter where you will be required to pay the pet fee. 
• Pet Restrictions for Checked Pets
  • Temperature Restrictions. Your pet may be not be accepted as checked baggage if the temperature forecast of the day is below 10° Fahrenheit (– 12°C) or more than 85°F (29°C).
  • Weight Restrictions. Pets weighing more than 30.8lb/14kg must travel in separate cages in the aircraft hold. 
  • Pregnant pets and pets under 10 weeks will not be accepted.
  • Country Restrictions for Checked Pets
    • Pets travelling to countries that require pets to arrive as air cargo cannot travel as checked baggage. These countries include but are not limited to, the U.K., UAE, and Hong Kong.
    • Transportation of Commercial Dog Breeds to Canada. If you’re transporting your pet (dog) as checked baggage to Canada from 100-plus countries, the dog must belong to you. You will not be allowed to transport a dog on behalf of someone else to Canada until this restriction is removed.
    • Transportation of Dogs to the United States. Your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States if it has been to a high risk for rabies country within the last 6 months, per the rules of the CDC. 
  • Pet Breed Restrictions. The following dog breeds can only be transported in the cargo hold by the cargo unit:
    • Wolf Dog hybrids
    • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    • Rottweiler
    • Presa Canario
    • Mastiff (excluding Bull Mastiff)
    • Dogue De Bordeaux
    • Doberman (Pincher and all other breeds)
    • Caucasian Ovcharka
• Turkish Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements for Checked Pets

• The pet’s carrier/cage must be:
  • IATA compliant 
  • Safe, secure and escape-proof
  • Spacious enough for the pet to comfortably stand up and turn around in
  • Properly ventilated 
  • Watertight
  • Properly labeled with:
    • Passenger’s name, address, and phone number 
    • Pet’s name 
• Up to 3 sibling pets (10-24 weeks old) can be transported in a single cage.  
• Similar-sized, same-specie, compatible pets weighing up to 30.8lb/14kg can travel in a single cage in the aircraft hold. 

Turkish Airlines Pet Fees—Domestic Flights (Within Turkey)

What are Turkish Airlines pet charges for domestic flights?

Turkish Airlines pet fees/charges for domestic flights will depend on your pet’s weight. If your pet (incl. the pet carrier) weighs up to 8kg, you can travel with your pet in the aircraft cabin, and if it weighs more than 8kg, you must transport your pet in the aircraft hold as checked baggage. The pet fees for domestic flights within Turkey are provided below.

• Up to 8kg, in the flight cabin (PETC) TRY 150/~USD 8.06
• 0–15kg, in the cargo hold (AVIH) TRY 250/~USD 13.41
• 16–22kg, in the cargo hold (AVIH) TRY 350/~USD 18.77 
• 23–28kg, in the cargo hold (AVIH) TRY 375/~USD 20.12 
• More than 28kg, in the cargo hold (AVIH) TRY 450/~USD 24.14 

Turkish Airlines Pet Fee by Weight System—International Flights (In-cabin Pets)—PETC

What are Turkish Airlines in-cabin pet charges for international flights?

Turkish Airlines in-cabin pet charges are calculated by multiplying the pet fee per kg with the figures shown in the table below. When weighed together, the weight of your pet plus carrier must not exceed 8kg. 

Note : The Turkish Airlines pet policy does not include pets in your free baggage allowance.

Pet Fees by Weight System—International Flights (Pets in the Hold)—AVIH

How much is it to take a dog on Turkish Airlines as checked baggage?

Turkish Airlines pet policy does not include pets as part of the free baggage allowance. The pet fee is calculated by multiplying the price per kg with the figures in the table below. 

Note. When weighed with the pet cage/carrier, the total weight of the pet plus cage should be more than 8kg.

Pet Fees by Piece System—International Flights (In-cabin Pets, PETC)

What is the Turkish Airlines pet-in-cabin price/fee?

Turkish Airlines pet policy for carriage of pets in the cabin requires that the weight of the pet (incl. carrier) must not exceed 17.6lb/8kg. The pet-in-cabin price/fee will depend on the route and will be charged per the table below.

Pet Fees by Piece System—International Flights (Pets in the Hold)—AVIH

What is the Turkish Airlines pet cost for piece system routes?

According to Turkish Airlines pet policy, if your pet’s weight exceeds 17.6lb/8kg, you will need to transport it in the aircraft hold as checked baggage. To carry your pet as checked baggage in the hold, the pet fee will be charged per the table below.

Pre-Departure Tips 

• Let your pet get used to its container/kennel about 5 days before your flight’s departure. 
• Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink for at least 2 hours before the flight. 
• Walk your dog.
• Do not tranquilize your pet without consulting a vet. 
• Reach the airport well before your flight’s departure.

Turkish Airlines Cargo Pets Policy

What is the Turkish Airlines pet in cargo policy?

According to Turkish Airlines pet cargo policy, if your pet is larger or of a different species, it can travel unaccompanied as air cargo baggage. The cargo hold section of the aircraft is temperature- and pressure-controlled like the aircraft cabin. You will need to book your pet through an authorized cargo agent. 

• Pets Allowed as Cargo Baggage. Cats, dogs, household birds, horses, and other animals.
• Pet Age for Cargo Pets
  • Dogs and cats must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned (but 12 weeks/3 months if travelling to Northern Cypress).
• Pet Forms for Cargo Pets

You will be required to present the following forms for international travel: 

• A valid health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. 
• Proof of rabies vaccination. 

All forms required by the country of destination. 

• Pet Check-in for Cargo Pets. The check-in will depend on the location of the Turkish Airlines Cargo Office at the airport of departure. 
• Pet Restrictions for Cargo Pets
  • Pet Breed Restrictions
    • The following dangerous dog breeds (incl. their hybrids are prohibited:
    • Pitbull Terrier
    • American Pit Bull Terrier
    • American Staffordshire Terrier
    • American Bully
    • Japanese Tosa
    • Fila Brasileiro
    • Dogo Argentino
  • The following dog breeds must be transported per CR082 cage requirements:
    • American Bulldog
    • Bandog Tosa 
    • Inu
    • Caucasian Ovcharka
    • Dogue De Bordeaux
    • Doberman (Pincher and all breeds)
    • Mastiff (all breeds excluding Bull Mastiff)
    • Presa Canario
    • Rottweiler
    • Wolf Dog Hybrids
  • Pups between 2.5 to 6 months of age must be transported per CR01 cage instructions.
  • Snub-nosed dog and cat breeds can only be transported if:
    • The cage is one size wider than that which would be normally used.
    • All four sides of the cage have ventilation openings.
    • The consignor submits an Indemnity Letter. 
    • The temperature at the departure and destination points is less than 27°C. 
  • The following animals can be transported under certain conditions only:
    • Primates and their derivatives, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, etc., are subject to a written statement on the shipper’s/cargo agent’s letterhead, stating that:
      • The primates were born and reproduced under protection/supervision. 
      • The transportation is between qualified institutions/organizations/ zoos/protection/rehabilitation centers and is carried out for protection or reproduction. 
    • Rodentia, such as rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, squirrels, chinchillas, beavers, etc., can be transported as long as their containers are firm, secure, and nibble-proof.
    • Wild and endangered species can only be transported if the shipper/agent states in writing that the animal is being transported between qualified institutions/organizations/ zoos/protection/rehabilitation centers and is carried out for protection or reproduction. 
    • The following animals emitting foul odor can only be transported on a freighter
      • Goats
      • Sheep
      • Musk oxen
      • Bulls
      • Mustelidae (Mustelidae-marten)
      • Mustela nivalis (ferrets/weasels)
      • Minks (Mephitis mephitis)
      • Etc.
  • Temperature Restrictions will apply on routes where the temperature on the ground has been forecast to be below minus 12°C/10°F or more than (29°C/85°F.
• Pet Cargo Forms

You will need to submit the following documents to the Turkish Airlines Cargo Department: 

• A Pet Health Certificate issued within 10 days of departure. 
• All documentation required by the destination country in case of international travel. 
• Pet Cargo Price/Cost. Turkish Airlines pet cargo price/cost will depend on your pet’s weight and flight route. For details, call Turkish Airlines Pet Cargo at 

How to Travel with Trained Service Animals (Dogs) on Turkish Airlines

Per Turkish Airlines pet policy, service animals (SVAN) include dogs—regardless of breed—that have been trained specifically to assist a person with a disability (incl. physical, mental, intellectual, sensory, or psychiatric). Only trained service animals are accepted on Turkish Airlines, and include the following: 

• Seeing Eye Dogs
• Hearing Dogs
• Medical Alert Dogs 
• Rescue Dogs 

Trained service animals (SVANs) are allowed to travel free of charge in the cabin with their owners. 

• Documentation 

• Passengers travelling with a service dog to/from the United States must:
  • Provide the required documentation, such as the animal’s training certificate, passport/ID card, vaccination card, and all other documents required by the destination country.
  • Obtain a confirmed booking at least 48 hours before departure.
• Passengers travelling with trained service animals must:
  • Fill out the following forms at least 48 hours before departure:
    • DOT Service Animal Transportation Form 
    • Service Animal Relief Attestation Form 
  • Mail the forms to usaops@thy.com for exiting the United States and to istoccyhm@tgs.aero and svan@thy.com for exiting Istanbul
• On non-U.S. flights, passengers travelling with a service animal must state in writing that the service animal will be relieving itself or that it can relieve itself without creating health sanitation problems on the flight. The following documents will be acceptable:

• A written statement from a certified veterinarian.
• A written statement outlining the steps taken to prevent the service animal from relieving itself.
• A signed document with illustrations/photographs showing that the dog can relieve itself without creating a sanitation or health issue. 
• An undertaking that if the dog relieves itself accidentally, the owner will clean the affected area thoroughly and that the passenger will be responsible for any damages.
• General conditions 

• Passengers travelling on connecting flights (before and after) must transport their dogs in a pet carrier, either in the passenger cabin or in the aircraft hold, for a fee. 
• The service dog:
  • Must be clean. 
  • Must wear a vest and/or a harness with identification. 
  • Must remain seated on the floor below a seat or at the passenger’s feet at all times. 
  • Must not extend any part of its body into the aisle, into another passenger’s foot space, or exceed the seat’s “footprint”. 
  • Must not occupy a seat or sit on the passenger’s lap.
  • Must remain with the passenger at all times. 
• Recommended behavior 
• The service/emotional support dog must be:

• Under the owner’s control at all times. 
• Leashed/harnessed and muzzled at all times.
• The service/emotional support dog must not: 

• Bark excessively.
• Growl or bite.
• Lunge at or jump on people.
• Urinate or defecate in the cabin, gate area, or terminal. 
• Eat from a seatback tray table.

Note

• Some regions (such as the U.K. and other countries) have additional requirements and quarantine laws that prohibit the entry or transit of animals. 
• The service/emotional support dog’s kennel (empty/occupied) will be treated as an assistive device and can be carried free of charge. 

How to Travel with an Emotional Support Animal (ESAN) on Delta Airlines

Turkish Airlines will no longer accept new free-of-charge bookings for emotional support animals (ESANs) after January 11, 2021. This complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s final rule. Passengers who wish to travel with an emotional support animal must now make reservations per Turkish Airlines pet policy and transport them at a cost either per PETC (pets in the cabin) rules or AVIH (pets in the hold) rules.
Note. If you had made a confirmed reservation for travelling with an emotional support animal on or before January 11, 2021, you will be allowed to travel as planned. However, new bookings will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions on Turkish Airlines Pet Policy