Guide to Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

While you enjoy the thrill of exploring the world with your pet, Turkish Airlines pet policy takes care of their comfort and safety. They ensure that pets travel in the best possible conditions and that their passengers have a pleasant and worry-free flight experience.

Traveling with Pets: Cargo Compartment

Pets not allowed in the cabin due to non-compliance with carrier criteria are transported in the cargo section. Fees apply, varying on AnadoluJet flights.

Carrier Specifications

  • Weight: Less than 50 kg
  • Dimensions: Max 75 cm height, 75 cm width, 125 cm length
  • Surface: Must have a hard surface; soft-sided carriers not accepted

Comfort and Safety

  • Carrier must allow pet to sleep, stand, and turn around
  • Ventilated, watertight, and equipped with lateral locking system
  • For layovers of 4+ hours or flights over 8 hours, provide instructions, food, and water
  • Cats and dogs with respiratory issues restricted from cargo since October 1, 2021

Breeds with Special Conditions

  • Certain cat and dog breeds may have respiratory problems.
  • Dangerous breeds may only fly in cargo if accepted by Turkish Cargo.

Multiple Pets in One Carrier

  • Up to three animals (cats/dogs) aged 10-24 weeks from a single mother in one carrier.
  • Same-breed, max 14 kg each, accustomed to living together can share a carrier.

Pets Allowed in the Cabin

General Information

  • Reservation required at least six hours before the flight.
  • Maximum two carriers per passenger; one in the cabin, the other in cargo or both in cargo.
  • In-cabin weight limit: Combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 8 kg.
  • Carrier dimensions: Max 23 cm height, 30 cm width, 40 cm length.
  • Veterinary approval required for kittens/puppies younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers. Also required for kittens/puppies between 10 and 12 weeks old. Pregnant pets not allowed.

Carrier Specifications

  • Hard-sided carriers/bags or specially manufactured soft-sided cages/bags.
  • Ventilation holes required: 2.5 cm diameter on at least three sides.
  • Covers/zippers must be closed throughout the flight.

Service Animals (SVAN)

  • Confirmation of reservation required 48 hours before the flight.
  • Follows the rules of the United States Department of Transportation for flights between Istanbul and the United States.

Search and Rescue Dogs

  • Transported free of charge during emergencies.
  • May travel in the cabin during search and rescue operations.

Pet Travel in the Cabin

  • Only cats, dogs, and small songbirds allowed.
  • Weight limit: Pet with crate should not exceed 8 kg.
  • Crate dimensions: Max 23 cm height, 30 cm width, 40 cm length.
  • Cats (Birman, Exotic, Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, Scottish Fold, etc.) and dogs (Affenpinscher, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Japanese Dog, Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniel, Chow Chow, English Little Spaniel, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bullmastiff, English Mastiff etc.) with respiratory problems are permitted in the cabin (PETC) if they do not exceed 8 kilograms in their carriers/bags and the carriers do not exceed 23 centimeters in height, 30 centimeters in width, and 40 centimeters in length
  • Parrot and pigeon breeds (except those in CITES List-1) must be transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold (AVIH). As small bird breeds other than budgies and canaries are not permitted in the cabin, they can be transported via Turkish Cargo.

Additional Information

  • Pet transportation fee applies.
  • Passengers must keep pets in carriers under the seat.
  • Restricted to window seats (except emergency exit or infant bassinet rows).
  • Certain breeds with respiratory problems permitted if weight and carrier dimensions meet criteria.

Pet Airline Policy Country-Based Situations

Special Requirements for Dogs Traveling to the United States

  • Only 1 cage (max 2 animals) accepted per passenger on flights from Moldova or Ukraine to the USA.
  • Temporary ban on dogs from high-risk countries entering the USA due to rabies concerns.

Other Country-Specific Regulations

  • Health certificate required for pets leaving Turkey.
  • Indigenous animals like the Sivas Kangal allowed on international flights with prior approval.
  • Some countries prohibit pet entry/exit/transit.

Dangerous Breeds

  • Certain breeds restricted on some flights due to international aviation rules.

Turkish Airlines Pet Policy Terms and Conditions

  • Pet transportation fee tables available.
  • Only cats, dogs, and small songbirds allowed in the cabin.
  • Pets allowed if weight, including carrier, is ≤8 kg for cabin, ≤50 kg for cargo.
  • Pet must be chipped; information confirmed via chip.
  • Automatic water dispensers required for cargo travel ≥8 hours.
  • Maximum two carriers per passenger.

Pet Transportation Fee Calculator

You can use their pet transportation fee calculator where you provide the destination details and your pet height, length and weight and find out the fee. You can get if from here.

Access the fee calculator here.

Turkish Airlines Pet Policy FAQ

What Types of Pets Are Allowed On Board?

  • Cats, dogs, and small songbirds (parakeets, canaries) are allowed.

What is the Pet Carriage Fee?

  • Calculate the fee here.

Are There Weight or Size Limits for My Pet?

  • Yes, limits vary for cabin and cargo travel; detailed specifications provided.

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