Turkish Airlines – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (≤8kg incl. carrier, max 23x30x40 cm; 1–2 small compatible dogs if within size/weight) | Yes (≤50kg incl. carrier, max 75x75x125 cm; see breed/age restrictions; >50kg as cargo) | No aggressive/banned breeds; snub-nosed breeds only in cabin; all travel docs mandatory |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog) | Yes (same as dog) | Snub-nosed breeds in cabin only; documentation rules as for dogs |
| Small Songbird (Parakeet/Canary) | Yes (≤8kg incl. carrier, 1–2 birds together if compatible) | Yes (same size/weight as dogs/cats; large birds cargo only) | No predator birds, pigeons, poultry; CITES permit required for some birds |
| Other Birds /Rabbit/Reptile/Fish | No | No (manifest cargo only, with all permits, prior arrangement) | Not accepted as pet—cargo only via specialist handler |
Important Guidelines
- Pets must be booked with Turkish Airlines in advance; not all flights/aircraft accept pets in cabin or hold. See country-specific regulations (especially UK, UAE, Ireland, South Africa—cargo only).
- Carrier must fit strict size/weight (<8kg/23x30x40cm for cabin, ≤50kg/75x75x125cm for hold); max one carrier per passenger (up to two compatible pets, within total limit).
- Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds and young, sick, pregnant, or high-risk animals are restricted/banned in hold—cabin only or prohibited (full list on airline site).
- No fighting/aggressive breeds allowed. Licensed service/guide dogs accepted with documentation, but must be pre-registered and follow route-specific rules.
- Fares calculated by pet type, dimension, and flight segment—see official calculator on Turkish Airlines’ site for precise cost per route.
- All pets: veterinary health certificates, up-to-date rabies vaccination, import/export/quarantine permits, and pet passport as required for destination/transit.
Woofly Tips
- Book your pet early—spaces fill quickly, and certain aircraft/routes have absolute pet embargoes, especially for birds, large animals, or heat-restricted breeds.
- Check breed bans and seasonal/route-specific restrictions each trip—policies are updated for animal safety and country regulations.
- Acclimate your pet to its carrier well before travel; rejected carriers or anxious animals are the most common cause for denied boarding.
- Carry printed and digital copies of all pet health records, vaccination certificates, and permits—border/enforcement checks can occur at any step.
- If in doubt, confirm breed, age, and documentation with both the Turkish Airlines Service Center and your destination consulate before booking.
- Never sedate a pet before flying unless specifically prescribed and cleared by a vet—ask airline for their requirements about sedation and notification.
Last updated: July 25, 2025