Here's what I wish someone had told me before my first cargo booking: the airline you pick decides half your stress. Turkish Airlines accepts dogs in the cabin, and for a small pup that changes everything. Cooper has done this trip three times now, and knowing your dog can ride up front with you instead of below takes the biggest worry off the table.
Turkish Airlines's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Turkish Airlines handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe only animals permitted to travel in the cabin are cats, dogs and small songbirds (budgies, canaries). verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ Nowith respiratory problems are permitted in the cabin (PETC) if they do not exceed 8 kilograms in their carriers/bags verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 10 weeks …dogs. Age requirements Veterinary approval is required to transport puppies or kittens that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers. Veterinary approval is also required to transport puppies… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 6 hours A reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesA reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 ed an import permit for each pet. TA will allow one pet to fly per passenger, but if your dog is small enough to fly in the cabi verified 2026-07-20 Cold-weather embargo 27°C The temperature at the place of origin and destination must be below 27°C. verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ YesAs of September 28, 2022, bringing dogs to Canada for commercial purposes from 100 countries, including Türkiye, is prohibited until further notice. verified 2026-07-14 Min age weeks 10 weeks up to three live animals (cats/dogs) born to the same mother and aged between 10 and 24 weeks, may be transported in the same cage/carrier. verified 2026-07-20 Nursing allowed ✓ YesVeterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets who have been given sedatives prior to the flight will not be accepted for the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on flights. Passengers bear sole responsibility for their pet’s health and safety, as well as management and compliance with the conditions and approvals required by governments, including… verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 40 × 30 × 23 cm Crate sizes should not exceed 23 cm height, 30 cm width and 40 cm length. verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg The weight of the pet with its crate should not exceed 8 kg. verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Crate sizes should not exceed 23 cm height, 30 cm width and 40 cm length. verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedin : Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant carrier stowed under the seat. Checked Baggage : Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Minimum age 10 weeks Veterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesA reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Cold-weather embargo 27°C The temperature at the place of origin and destination must be below 27°C. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Nursing allowed ✓ YesVeterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets who have been given sedatives prior to the flight will not be accepted for the flight verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on flights. Passengers bear sole responsibility for their pet’s health and safety, as well as management and compliance with the conditions and approvals required by governments, including… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 125 × 125 × 75 cm For pets traveling in the aircraft hold, carriers/cages cannot exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width and 125 cm in length verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg If the total weight exceeds 8 kg, the pet and its carrier are transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling in the aircraft hold, carriers/cages cannot exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width and 125 cm in length verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets that are not permitted in the cabin (due to carriers/bags that are not in compliance with the criteria specified for the cabin) are transported in the aircraft’s aircraft hold section if the carrier dimensions are… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesAs of October 1, 2021, cats and dogs with respiratory problems have been restricted from being transported in the aircraft’s aircraft hold section. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 3 weeks …visit our Pet Acceptance on Flights page. On European flights, unvaccinated kittens/puppies younger than 3 months may be accepted on our flights provided they fly with their mother and have a V verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 6 hours A reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesA reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold verified 2026-07-24 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 2 A maximum of two pet cages/carriers per passenger are accepted on the aircraft (excluding shipments via Turkish Cargo). However, only one carrier is permitted in the cabin. The other pet must be transported in the hold,… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✓ YesVeterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets who have been given sedatives prior to the flight will not be accepted for the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Banned breeds list Doberman Dangerous breeds such as the American Bulldog, Bandog Tosa Inu, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, French Mastiff, Pincher and all Doberman breeds, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Mastiffs (except Bullmastiff), Wolfhounds, Anatolian… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on flights. Passengers bear sole responsibility for their pet’s health and safety, as well as management and compliance with the conditions and approvals required by governments, including… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Carrier size 125 × 75 × 75 cm The pet carrier must weigh less than 50 kg, and be a maximum of 75 cm high, 75 cm wide and 125 cm long. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg If the total weight exceeds 8 kg, the pet and its carrier are transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label, a carrier The pet carrier must weigh less than 50 kg, and be a maximum of 75 cm high, 75 cm wide and 125 cm long. verified 2026-07-14 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesRelated: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant Forms required All permits, licenses, test results as well as rabies and health certificates must be presented at check in verified 2026-07-20 Microchip · Required ✓ YesPets must have a microchip (birds are excluded). verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ Yesg or departing from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, you must obtain an import permit from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s Veterinary Department before we can transport your pet. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required ✓ YesCould you please confirm whether a rabies titer test is required for my cat in this case? verified 2026-07-20 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days 30 days 12, 2025 Kim – your cat must be microchipped, then vaccinated for rabies, then wait for 30 days, then get a rabies titer test. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Issuer an official veterinarian g dog, and Zağar İzci (hunting and pointing scent hound) must have a Veterinary Health Certificate issued by an official veterinarian authorized to issue certificates at the Provincial/District Directorate of the verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued within ten days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Microchip required · Microchip required ✓ YesMicrochip: Mandatory for all dogs and cats. verified 2026-06-19 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesYour pet’s rabies vaccination must have been completed at least one month and no more than 12 months prior to the flight; you must bring the original laboratory report indicating the level of rabies a verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ Yesctorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, must be presented prior to the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 10 weeks Pets over the age of 10 weeks may be transported with their mother if they have a passport, have lived in the Pet Carriage Fees |… verified 2026-06-29 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesTurkish Ministry Approval: If you are leaving from Turkey, you must obtain a health certificate from a local Ministry of Agriculture veterinarian before heading to the airport. verified 2026-06-19 Other rules Minimum age 10 weeks Veterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers. verified 2026-07-20 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesThese animals cannot be accepted for transport as AVIH with the passenger. verified 2026-07-14 Restricted breeds list Tosa Inu …are not permitted to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage with Turkish Airlines: American Bulldog, Bandog Tosa Inu, Caucasian Ovcharka, Dogue de Bordeaux, Doberman (Pincher Doberman and all Doberman verified 2026-07-20 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesThese animals cannot be accepted for transport as AVIH with the passenger. verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on flights. verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ Yesee all HELP CENTER Help center Feedback Get in touch Announcements e-Ticket Invoice Service animals (SVAN) Service animals refer to trained assistance animals that travel with passengers who need service or medical… verified 2026-07-14 Service & assistance animals In-cabin · Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAll lines permit service dogs (SVAN), guide dogs for the visually impaired, guide dogs for the hearing impaired, and medical alert dogs to travel free of charge in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAll lines permit service dogs (SVAN), guide dogs for the visually impaired, guide dogs for the hearing impaired, and medical alert dogs to travel free of charge in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Fee free ✓ YesAll lines permit service dogs (SVAN), guide dogs for the visually impaired, guide dogs for the hearing impaired, and medical alert dogs to travel free of charge in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Fee waived ✓ Yesbin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability. Pets flown by Turkish Airlines in… verified 2026-07-20 Recognized ✓ YesTransportation for the acceptance of service dogs. Passengers traveling with a service animal must receive confirmation of their reservation at least 48 hours before their f verified 2026-07-14 Cabin allowed ✓ YesMore information Service animals (SVAN) Learn more about the service animals that assist our disabled passengers. More information Transport in the cabin Check out the breeds of dogs, cats and birds that can be carried… verified 2026-07-14 Forms required ✓ YesService animals do fall under the new US CDC rules , besides the US DOT forms, all necessary US CDC documents should be provided verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours Passengers traveling with a service animal must receive confirmation of their reservation at least 48 hours before their flight. verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 48 hours Passengers traveling with a service animal must receive confirmation of their reservation at least 48 hours before their flight. verified 2026-07-14 Documentation required ✓ Yeso submit the application at least 72 hours before the departure time. Detailed information regarding the HARC application process, required documentation, and approval steps is available on the official website below:… verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesPassengers traveling with a service animal must receive confirmation of their reservation at least 48 hours before their flight. verified 2026-07-14 Training certificate required ✓ YesThe service dog must be professionally trained and certified. verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe only animals permitted to travel in the cabin are cats, dogs and small songbirds (budgies, canaries). verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ Nowith respiratory problems are permitted in the cabin (PETC) if they do not exceed 8 kilograms in their carriers/bags verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds list Burmese Bombay British Longhair British Shorthair Burmese Burmilla Chinchilla Exotic Exotic Longhair Foldex Himalayan Munchkin Persian Scottish Fold Selkirk Rex Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold Breeds Restricted by Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines has classified the following breeds as brachycephalic (snub-or flat-nosed) and verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 10 weeks …dogs. Age requirements Veterinary approval is required to transport puppies or kittens that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers. Veterinary approval is also required to transport puppies… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 6 hours A reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesA reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 ed an import permit for each pet. TA will allow one pet to fly per passenger, but if your dog is small enough to fly in the cabi verified 2026-07-20 Booking method website …and that our passengers have a pleasant and worry-free flight experience. Make a reservation using our website or mobile app. verified 2026-07-14 Banned destinations ✗ Yestatus PNR name correction Seat selection Business Upgrade Extra baggage Car rental Travel insurance Hotel booking E-Visa See all EXPERIENCE CABIN CLASSES FLIGHT EXPERIENCE MORE Business Class Economy Class Dining… verified 2026-06-02 Min age weeks 10 weeks up to three live animals (cats/dogs) born to the same mother and aged between 10 and 24 weeks, may be transported in the same cage/carrier. verified 2026-07-20 Nursing allowed ✓ YesVeterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets who have been given sedatives prior to the flight will not be accepted for the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on flights. Passengers bear sole responsibility for their pet’s health and safety, as well as management and compliance with the conditions and approvals required by governments, including… verified 2026-07-20 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesInformation Sedated pets will not be accepted except in exceptional circumstances and only under veterinarian request and guidance verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 40 × 30 × 23 cm Carriers may be a maximum of 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 40 cm in length. verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg The weight of the pet with its crate should not exceed 8 kg. verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Carriers may be a maximum of 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 40 cm in length. verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedMore information Frequently asked questions about traveling with pets What types of pets are allowed on board? verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCats (Burmese, Exotic, Persian, Himalayan, Scottish Fold, British Shorthair, etc.) ... can be transported in the passenger cabin (PETC) ... The animals listed above are not accepted for transport in the aircraft's… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Minimum age 10 weeks erinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers. Veterinary approval is also required to transport… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yes-Ticket Invoice Pets allowed on board Pet transportation is not included in the checked baggage allowance and is subject to a fee. A reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Nursing allowed ✓ YesVeterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets who have been given sedatives prior to the flight will not be accepted for the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on flights. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesInformation Sedated pets will not be accepted except in exceptional circumstances and only under veterinarian request and guidance verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 125 × 125 × 30 cm For pets traveling in the aircraft hold, carriers/cages cannot exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width and 125 cm in length verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 50 kg The total weight of the carrier and the pet together cannot exceed 50 kg. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling in the aircraft hold, carriers/cages cannot exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width and 125 cm in length verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets that are not permitted in the cabin (due to carriers/bags that are not in compliance with the criteria specified for the cabin) are transported in the aircraft’s aircraft hold section if the carrier dimensions are… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesAs of October 1, 2021, cats and dogs with respiratory problems have been restricted from being transported in the aircraft’s aircraft hold section. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 3 weeks …visit our Pet Acceptance on Flights page. On European flights, unvaccinated kittens/puppies younger than 3 months may be accepted on our flights provided they fly with their mother and have a V verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 6 hours A reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesA reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours prior to the flight in order to transport a pet either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold. Even if a request to travel with a pet is granted during the… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 2 A maximum of two pet cages/carriers per passenger are accepted on the aircraft (excluding shipments via Turkish Cargo). However, only one carrier is permitted in the cabin. The other pet must be transported in the hold,… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo 27°C …must be submitted by the shipper. The temperature at the place of origin and destination must be below 27°C. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✓ YesVeterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets who have been given sedatives prior to the flight will not be accepted for the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on flights. Passengers bear sole responsibility for their pet’s health and safety, as well as management and compliance with the conditions and approvals required by governments, including… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Carrier size 125 × 75 × 75 cm The pet carrier must weigh less than 50 kg, and be a maximum of 75 cm high, 75 cm wide and 125 cm long. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 50 kg For pets traveling in the aircraft hold, carriers/cages cannot exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width and 125 cm in length. The total weight of the carrier and the pet together cannot exceed 50 kg. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The pet carrier must weigh less than 50 kg, and be a maximum of 75 cm high, 75 cm wide and 125 cm long. verified 2026-07-14 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yesuntry (Origin and Veterinary Health Certificate for non-commercial movements of cats, dogs, and ferrets with passengers to the Republic of Türkiye ). If the animal does not have this certificate, it will not be… verified 2026-07-14 Microchip · Required ✓ YesPets must have a microchip (birds are excluded). verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 10 weeks Veterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers. verified 2026-07-20 A pet reservation must be completed and confirmed at least six hours before departure. Book the cabin or hold slot for the dog no later than six hours prior to the flight. Confirm the reservation rather than only requesting it. Missing the six-hour cutoff means the dog cannot travel on that flight, so lock the slot in far ahead.
Dogs with respiratory problems have been restricted from the aircraft hold section since October 1, 2021. Snub-nosed and short-faced breeds fall under this restriction. Confirm the breed is not classified as respiratory-restricted before booking hold transport. Route affected breeds through an option that does not depend on the hold section, and check the breed status early.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Turkish Airlines? Turkish Airlines allows 2 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Turkish Airlines? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Heavier pets (up to 8 kg) travel in the hold. How far in advance must I book my pet on Turkish Airlines? Add your pet to the booking at least 6 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
We've all been there, staring at booking pages at midnight wondering if we've missed something. You don't have to guess. Every dog, route, and airline combination is a little different, so build a personalized plan for your actual trip rather than copying someone else's checklist. Pawgo's plan-builder walks you through it step by step, and it's the calmest way I know to get your dog ready to fly.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
