Many families planning to relocate to Türkiye want to bring their pets with them. In 2026, the rules for bringing animals into the country remain clear and straightforward, and the attitude toward pets in Türkiye is traditionally warm. Coastal regions such as Kemer offer ideal conditions for living with animals — green streets, seaside promenades, convenient walking areas and developed veterinary services.

Bringing pets into Türkiye is allowed, but it is important to prepare all documents in advance and meet the veterinary requirements. The pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip before receiving the rabies vaccination. The vaccination must be administered at least a month before travel and remain valid on the day of entry. Shortly before departure, the owner must obtain an international veterinary certificate issued by the official veterinary authority of the departure country. The certificate records the animal’s data, microchip number and vaccination details. The veterinary passport must match this information.

Upon arrival in Türkiye — whether in Antalya, Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir — pets undergo a veterinary inspection. Officers check the microchip, documents and vaccination dates. If everything is in order, the animal is released immediately. If there are discrepancies, authorities may require observation or quarantine.

Airline rules also play an important role. Each carrier has its own regulations, but generally small pets may travel in the cabin in a travel bag, while larger animals fly in the cargo hold in an IATA-compliant crate. Space for pets is always limited, so reservation should be made in advance. Many international airlines offer convenient routes from Europe, the USA and Canada. Requirements are usually standard, though the UK has separate export regulations.

Life with pets in Türkiye is usually very comfortable. Locals treat animals kindly, and municipalities provide feeding stations, water bowls and veterinary services. Many districts have parks and designated dog-walking areas. In Kemer and Antalya, there are even pet-friendly cafés.

When choosing housing, it is important to check the rules of each residential complex. Most accept pets, but some may limit certain breeds or sizes. Second Home Turkey helps clients find apartments and villas in Kemer that are suitable for families with animals — whether close to parks or near the sea.

Moving to Türkiye with a pet is not difficult when well-prepared. With the right documents, flights and suitable housing, your pet will quickly adapt and enjoy the warm climate of Kemer. If you need help selecting pet-friendly real estate, our team at Second Home Turkey will be happy to assist.