A Guide to Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

Traveling with your pet requires careful preparation. Each airline has its own animal policy, and Turkish Airlines is no exception. Whether your companion is flying in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo, it is essential to understand the applicable terms and conditions to ensure their comfort and safety. This guide tells you everything you need to know to prepare your pet’s journey and comply with Turkish Airlines pet policy. 

What Pets Are Allowed on Turkish Airlines Flights?

Turkish Airlines accepts cats, dogs, and birds on board, provided specific weight, size, and breed requirements are met.

Cats, dogs, budgerigars, and canaries are permitted in the cabin as long as:

• The combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed 8kg (17 lbs).
• The carrier’s dimensions do not exceed 23 cm (height) x 30 cm (width) x 40 cm (length).

If these limits are exceeded, your pet must travel in the aircraft hold in an IATA-approved transport crate.

Certain dog and cat breeds are subject to restrictions due to respiratory, health, or safety concerns.

Cats breeds such as Birman, Persian, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Burmese, and Scottish Fold are allowed in the cabin if the animal and carrier together weigh no more than 8 kg and the carrier respects the maximum size of 23 x 30 x 40 cm.

Brachycephalic breeds or those prone to breathing difficulties, including Pugs, French and English Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows, and Tibetan Spaniels, may also travel in the cabin under the same weight and size restrictions.

However, some breeds classified as dangerous or sensitive must travel exclusively as cargo via Turkish Cargo. These include Rottweilers, Dobermans, Dogue de Bordeaux, Tosa Inu, American Bulldogs, Caucasian Shepherds, Anatolian Shepherds, and wolf-dog hybrids.

For exotic pets, Turkish Airlines pet policy is stricter. Only certain bird species—such as budgerigars, canaries, pigeons, and parrots—are accepted under specific conditions. Rodents, reptiles, and other exotic animals are not permitted on board.

For more information on general regulations and practical tips for traveling with pets by plane please refer to our dedicated guide. We also recommend checking the updated list of accepted animals before booking your pet’s transport.

Special Case: Travelling with an Assistance or Emotional Support Dog

Turkish Airlines pet policy provides specific arrangements for service dogs and emotional support dogs to make traveling with their owners easier. These animals are generally allowed to travel in the cabin free of charge, provided certain conditions are met.

Required documentation includes:

• A training certificate issued by a recognized professional organization
• An up-to-date vaccination certificate
• The animal’s identification card
• Any additional documents required by the destination country’s authorities
  

The dog must be easily identifiable by a collar tag and/or vest, and its leash or harness must remain secured to the passenger’s seatbelt throughout the flight. During the journey, the dog must remain clean and positioned at the owner’s feet. It is not permitted to sit on the seat, and a muzzle is required in cases of excessive barking or disruptive behavior.

To ensure their dog’s acceptance on board, passengers are required to notify Turkish Airlines and submit their request at least 48 hours prior to departure.

What Are the Requirements for Pet Travel with Turkish Airlines?

Documents & Veterinary Protocol

Before departure, several health requirements must be met. Your pet must:

• Be identified with a microchip
• Have up-to-date vaccinations
• Hold a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian
• Possess a European Pet Passport or, if not available, an up-to-date vaccination record
• Travel in an IATA-approved crate if transported in the cargo hold or as freight

Please note that Turkish Airlines does not accept kittens or puppies under 10 weeks of age, unweaned animals, nursing cats or dogs, or pets between 10 and 12 weeks old, unless specifically cleared by a veterinarian.

These requirements may vary depending on your destination country. Some countries may require additional vaccinations, treatments, blood tests (including serology), import permits, or quarantine periods for animals arriving from abroad. We strongly recommend checking with the embassy or consulate of your destination country to understand the current regulations and avoid any unexpected issues.

Pet Crate Requirements

If your companion travels in the cabin, the carrier must not exceed 8 kg in total weight (pet and container combined) and should measure no more than 40 × 30 × 23 cm. 

For transport in the cargo hold, larger crates are permitted, with a maximum weight of 50 kg and dimensions up to 125 × 75 × 75 cm.

Additionally, for transport in the hold or in cargo, Turkish Airlines requires that crates be made of sturdy, durable materials such as rigid plastic, metal, fiberglass, or plywood. They must also provide proper ventilation, with openings on all sides in accordance with IATA standards, to guarantee sufficient airflow during the journey. Doors must be metallic and fitted with secure locks, while the floor must be leak-proof and lined with absorbent bedding to keep the animal dry and comfortable. Any wheels attached to the crate should either be removed or rendered inoperable to prevent movement during transit.

To learn more about choosing the suitable cage size for your pet, please refer to our crate selection guide.

Turkish Airlines Pet Transport Options

Turkish Airlines offers three options for transporting pets: in the cabin, in the aircraft hold, or as cargo. The choice depends primarily on the animal’s weight, size, and breed, as well as the specific regulations of the destination country.

Turkish Airlines pet travel policy allows a maximum of two pet carriers per passenger (excluding flights operated by Turkish Cargo).

In the Cabin

Small pets may travel in the cabin, provided they respect the aforementioned breed, weight and crate requirements. While traveling in the cabin, your pet must be comfortable, well-ventilated, and placed under the seat in front of you. Each passenger may bring only one pet into the cabin, and the animal must remain calm throughout the flight.

In the Hold

Pets may be transported in the aircraft hold if their total weight (including the carrier) does not exceed 50 kg and their crate’s dimensions follow Turkish Airlines’ guidelines. The airline ensures that animals are carried in a pressurized and heated compartment specifically designed for their comfort. The crate must comply with IATA standards—sturdy, well-ventilated, and suitable for the size of your pet.

Please note that certain destinations prohibit the transport of animals in the hold during periods of extreme heat to ensure their safety.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Dog or a Cat on Turkish Airlines?

Transporting a pet with Turkish Airlines is not included in the standard baggage allowance and will incur additional fees.

The cost of traveling with your pet on a Turkish Airlines flight depends on several factors:

• Mode of transport: A pet traveling in the cabin (PETC) is charged differently than one transported in the aircraft hold or as cargo (AVIH).
• Weight of the animal and carrier: For in-cabin travel, one flat category applies to pets up to 8 kg (including the carrier). For transport in the hold, pets are divided into three categories—light (0–23 kg), medium (24–32 kg), and heavy (33 kg and above)—each with its own pricing.
• Type of flight: For itineraries with a layover, fees are calculated separately for each flight segment and then added together to determine the total cost.
• Destination country: Some destinations require import permits, health certificates, or other specific documents, which may increase the overall expense.

To get a more accurate estimate of the transport cost for your pet, you can use the official Turkish Airlines calculator.

How to Book a Pet on Turkish Airlines ?

When traveling with your pet, it is essential to notify Turkish Airlines either at the time of booking or no later than 48 hours before your flight. You can make this request through:

• The Turkish Airlines website, when purchasing your ticket
• The call center or airline ticket office, where availability and conditions will be confirmed
• Your travel agency, if the booking was made by a third party

At this stage, you will be asked to provide:

• The type of animal (dog, cat, etc.)
• Its total weight (including the carrier)
• The dimensions of the carrier or travel bag

Turkish Airlines will then confirm whether your pet can travel in the cabin, in the aircraft hold, or must be transported as cargo.

Bookings can be made up to 24 hours before departure through the airline’s online booking management page.

Tips for Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel

Air travel can be a source of stress for your pet. Here are some tips to help them travel in the best possible conditions:

• Get them used to the carrier: Introduce your pet to their crate or travel bag days (or even weeks) before departure by placing toys or familiar blankets inside.
• Minimize stress: Avoid sudden changes to their routine and create calm moments before the trip.
• Adjust feeding: Give your pet a meal a few hours before the flight to prevent digestive discomfort.
• Provide comfort in flight: Bring a soft blanket, a spill-proof bowl, or a cloth with your scent to reassure them.
• Visit the vet: A pre-travel check-up ensures your pet is fit to fly and that vaccinations and certificates are up to date.