People who are moving to Turkey frequently worry about this, so the good news is that it’s simple to bring your pet into Turkey from a nation that participates in the Pet Passport Scheme (PPS).
When traveling to Turkey, there is no need for your dog or cat to be quarantined as long as the following guidelines are followed:
Embarking on a journey with your furry companion to the enchanting land of Turkey? Understanding the rabies titer test requirement is crucial for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your beloved pet. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of this test, its significance, and the steps involved in obtaining it, empowering you to navigate this process with confidence.
What is a Rabies Titer Test?
A rabies titer test is a blood test that measures the level of rabies-neutralizing antibodies in an animal’s bloodstream. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to rabies vaccination, indicating the animal’s immunity to the deadly virus.
Why is a Rabies Titer Test Required for Traveling to Turkey with Pets?
Turkey, like many countries, has implemented strict measures to prevent the introduction of rabies, a zoonotic disease that can be fatal to both animals and humans The rabies titer test serves as a reliable indicator of an animal’s rabies immunity, ensuring that only vaccinated and protected animals enter the country.
Understanding the Rabies Titer Test Requirements for Turkey:
-
For Pets Over 12 Weeks of Age:
- A valid rabies vaccination using an inactivated vaccine licensed for use in the United States is mandatory.
- A rabies titer test is required, and the result remains valid indefinitely as long as there has been no lapse in vaccination coverage since the test date.
- All subsequent vaccinations after the test date must be documented on the International Health Certificate.
-
For Pets Under 12 Weeks of Age:
- The owner can declare at the border entry in Turkey that the animal will be put into a 21-day home quarantine.
- Alternatively, the puppy can be accompanied by an identity card/health certificate and a declaration (issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian) stating that the animal has not been in contact with wild animals since its birth.
- Another option is for the animal to be accompanied by its birth mother, who is current on rabies vaccinations as stated on the health certificate.
Obtaining a Rabies Titer Test for Your Pet:
- Consult your veterinarian to schedule a rabies titer test for your pet.
- Ensure that your pet has received a rabies vaccination using an inactivated vaccine licensed for use in the United States.
- Provide your veterinarian with the necessary travel documentation, including the International Health Certificate.
- The veterinarian will collect a blood sample from your pet and send it to a certified laboratory for analysis.
- The laboratory will issue a report with the rabies titer test results.
Additional Considerations:
- The rabies titer test should be performed at least 30 days before your pet’s travel date.
- The International Health Certificate must be endorsed by the USDA no more than two (2) calendar days prior to departure to Turkey.
- It’s advisable to check with the Turkish authorities for any updates or changes in the rabies titer test requirements.
By understanding the rabies titer test requirement and following the outlined steps, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey for your pet to Turkey. Remember, proper preparation and adherence to regulations will contribute to a memorable and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.
Additional Resources:
- USDA APHIS: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/traveler/intl-travel/travel-turkey-with-pet
- The Trash Can Turkey: https://thetrashcanturkey.com/rabies-titer-test-turkey/
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the cost of a rabies titer test?
The cost of a rabies titer test can vary depending on the laboratory and your location. It typically ranges from $100 to $200.
- How long does it take to get the rabies titer test results?
The rabies titer test results usually take 2-3 weeks to be processed and delivered.
- What happens if my pet’s rabies titer test result is negative?
If your pet’s rabies titer test result is negative, it means that your pet is not immune to rabies and will not be allowed to enter Turkey. You may consider re-vaccinating your pet and repeating the titer test after 21 days.
- Can I get a rabies titer test for my pet online?
No, rabies titer tests cannot be performed online. You must consult a licensed veterinarian to schedule the test and collect the blood sample.
Additional Tips:
- Start the rabies titer test process early to allow sufficient time for testing and results.
- Keep a copy of your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate and rabies titer test results for your records.
- Consider microchipping your pet for identification purposes.
- Ensure that your pet is up-to-date on all other required vaccinations and treatments.
+90 2422 30 23 88
- Home
- Buyer Guide
- How to Bring your Pets into Turkey
People who are moving to Turkey frequently worry about this, so the good news is that it’s simple to bring your pet into Turkey from a nation that participates in the Pet Passport Scheme (PPS).
When traveling to Turkey, there is no need for your dog or cat to be quarantined as long as the following guidelines are followed:
- A 15-digit, non-encrypted ISO 11784 pet microchip should be used to microchip your pet. You can provide your own microchip scanner for the authorities to use if your pet’s microchip isn’t compliant with ISO 11784.
- Before entering Turkey, your dog or cat must receive a rabies vaccination, either 30 days or 12 months beforehand. Your pet should travel with an original rabies color certificate that lists all of their rabies vaccinations.
- Additionally, your pet should have a rabies titer (blood) test at least 90 days before entering Turkey in order to avoid a three-month home quarantine and 30 days following the rabies vaccination. The sample should be processed in a laboratory approved by the EU. Your pet must be placed under home quarantine for the full ninety-day period if they have not had a rabies titer test or if ninety days have not gone by since the blood sample was taken for the test.
- The Veterinary Certificate for Turkey must be completed by a certified veterinarian no later than ten days prior to departure in order for it to be approved by the government body in charge of animal import and export in your nation. The vet can do it quickly and easily; it shouldn’t take long at all.
- At the port of entry into Turkey, all domestic dogs and cats will be inspected and required to be free of diseases that can infect humans. If your pet doesn’t seem to be in good health, the authorities can demand that a licensed veterinarian perform an additional examination at your expense.
- Your pet should arrive at customs by 11:30 AM for same-day customs clearance to avoid delays.
Travelling With Your Pet
- Tax-free entry is available for two pets per person as long as they are accompanied. The owner must be present when their pet(s) are cleared through customs, or they must have given their representative a Power of Attorney along with their original passport or a notarized copy that proves they arrived in Turkey no later than 30 days after the pet was acquired.
- Make sure you have enough food and water for your pet to last the entire flight if they are traveling in the cabin with you. When checking your pet into the hold, provide the airline assistant with food and water, along with feeding instructions, if your pet is traveling in cargo.
- It’s also a good idea to inquire about the airline’s policies and recommendations regarding pet-friendly travel.
- When their mother satisfies the above-mentioned requirements, puppies and kittens under three months of age are permitted entry into Turkey. Prior permission from the Turkish Ministry is required. When the import is processed, the Ministry should have access to the owner’s passport.