Pet Movement Legislation
Country of Departure
Pet Transport from Turkey to the United Kingdom
– Rules and Documents
Legal Basis
Pet transport from Turkey to the UK follows regulations set by both the European Union and the United Kingdom. Since direct flights for pets to the UK are not allowed, pets must first enter an EU country and then continue to the UK by ground transport.
Required Documents for Pet Transport from Turkey to the UK
Microchip Identification
The pet must be identified with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards. The microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination
The pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The vaccination is only valid if the microchip was implanted first.
Rabies Antibody Titer Test
The test is mandatory for all pets traveling from Turkey to the UK.
- The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination.
- The test must be performed in an EU-recognized laboratory.
- The antibody level must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
- After a successful test result, a waiting period of 3 months is required before entry into the UK.
Parasite Treatment (Deworming for Dogs)
Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis) is mandatory for dogs entering the UK.
- Treatment must be administered 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before entry.
- The treatment must be recorded in the veterinary certificate by a veterinarian.
- The record must include the date, time, drug name, dosage, and veterinarian’s signature and stamp.
Official Health Certificates for EU and UK Pet Travel
To bring a pet into the United Kingdom via the European Union, two specific veterinary documents are necessary. Each certificate serves a different purpose, and both must be prepared before departure:
-
📄 EU Animal Health Certificate:
⬇ Download EU Certificate (Word)Required for entry and transit through any EU member state. It includes essential details such as microchip number, rabies vaccination records, and veterinarian confirmation of good health.
-
📄 UK Pet Health Certificate:
⬇ Download UK Certificate (Word)This is the final certificate used at UK border control. It must be issued before the trip and must meet all UK import requirements. The certificate must be presented together with the EU form during customs inspection.
Be sure to check both documents for accuracy — incorrect information may cause delays or refusal of entry at UK checkpoints.
- The UK Pet Health Certificate must be issued in Turkey at the same time as the EU certificate. It confirms that the pet complies with all UK import requirements and must be endorsed by the official Turkish veterinary authority prior to departure.
Entry via the EU
Pets must enter the UK from the EU via ground transportation, as direct pet flights to the UK are not allowed.
The most reliable route is through France (e.g., Paris) and then by car via the Eurotunnel.
Additional Recommendations
Number of Pets
For non-commercial purposes, no more than five pets are allowed per owner.
Transportation Conditions
Pets must travel in IATA-approved carriers that ensure safety and comfort during transportation.