This is a big worry for many people who are moving to Turkey. The good news is that it’s easy to bring your pet into the country from a country in the Pet Passport Scheme (PPS).
There is no quarantine period for your cat or dog when you enter Turkey as long as you follow these rules:
Planning a trip to Turkey with your furry companion? As a pet owner one of the most important things you need to prepare is getting your pet properly vaccinated and certified for international travel. For entry into Turkey pets are required to have a valid rabies vaccination and get a rabies titer test, also known as a rabies serology test.
What is a Rabies Titer Test and Why Does Turkey Require It?
A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies serology test, is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s bloodstream. It serves as proof of your pet’s immunity against the rabies virus.
Turkey requires this test to ensure imported pets do not pose a risk of spreading rabies into the country. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals including dogs cats, and humans. It poses a serious public health risk, so Turkey wants confirmation that incoming pets are protected and not incubating the virus.
When Should the Rabies Titer Test Be Done?
To meet Turkey’s entry requirements, the rabies serology test must be conducted at least 21 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination and the blood sample taken no more than 12 months prior to arrival in Turkey
Your pet must also be at least 12 weeks old before receiving its first rabies vaccine. This initial shot should be given 30 days to 12 months before entry into Turkey.
- Minimum Age: 12 weeks old at the time of first rabies vaccination
- First Rabies Shot: 30 days to 12 months before entering Turkey
- Rabies Titer Test: At least 21 days after last rabies vaccination and no more than 12 months before arrival
Be sure to plan the timing of your pet’s vaccination and titer test accordingly to meet Turkey’s health regulations.
What Test Results are Required?
The rabies serology test will check for a minimum acceptable rabies antibody level in your pet’s blood. The test result must show a neutralizing antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Any titer level below this, such as “less than 0.5 IU/ml,” would be considered invalid for entry purposes. Only a positive quantitative titer result that meets or exceeds 0.5 IU/ml will be accepted.
Where Can the Rabies Titer Test Be Performed?
The rabies serology test must be conducted at an approved USDA accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Your veterinarian can take the blood sample from your pet and submit it to an accredited lab on your behalf.
Examples of laboratories where the rabies titer test can be performed include:
- Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Contact your veterinarian to discuss having them arrange for the bloodwork and serology testing at an approved facility.
What Documentation is Needed for Entry into Turkey?
To bring your pet into Turkey, you will need to provide the following documentation:
- Certified Rabies Serology Test Report: Must show antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Original lab report required.
- APHIS Endorsed Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Completed by your vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS veterinary authorities.
- Pet Passport: Contains identifying information and rabies vaccination details.
All forms must be completed in English. Work with your vet clinic to obtain the necessary documents for travel.
Other Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Entry into Turkey
To avoid any hassles or delays getting your pet into Turkey, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Work with your vet to ensure all document requirements are met.
- Double check the date of the rabies titer test is within the 12-month window.
- Bring original lab reports – photocopies may not be accepted.
- Make sure your pet’s microchip is working and matches paperwork.
- Carry copies of all documents in your carry-on luggage.
- Check the port of entry allows live animal imports ahead of time.
By following Turkey’s rabies titer test and vaccination rules, and having complete and accurate paperwork, your pet has the best chance of breezing through the import process.
Why a Valid Rabies Titer Test Matters
Getting your pet properly vaccinated and tested for rabies prior to international travel is not just an arbitrary requirement – it has important implications for your pet’s health and preventing the spread of a deadly virus.
Ensuring your pet meets Turkey’s protocol demonstrates you are a responsible pet owner committed to protecting the health and safety of animals and people. It minimizes the risk of your pet contracting rabies while abroad or bringing the virus into a new environment.
So although preparing the paperwork and adhering to Turkey’s timeline takes some effort, it’s a small price to pay for disease prevention. The rabies titer test provides you, Turkish authorities, and the public with confidence that your beloved pet poses no threat.
By understanding Turkey’s rabies serology testing requirement and properly scheduling your pet’s vaccine and bloodwork, you can travel there worry-free knowing your furry companion’s health and documentation is in order. This allows you to focus on enjoying your trip while keeping pets, people, and animal populations safe on both sides of your travels.
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- How to Bring your Pets into Turkey
This is a big worry for many people who are moving to Turkey. The good news is that it’s easy to bring your pet into the country from a country in the Pet Passport Scheme (PPS).
There is no quarantine period for your cat or dog when you enter Turkey as long as you follow these rules:
- You should get an ISO 11784 pet microchip for your pet. It has 15 numbers and is not encrypted. If the microchip in your pet doesn’t work with ISO 11784, you can bring your own microchip scanner for the police to use to check.
- Your dog or cat must have been vaccinated against rabies 30 days to 12 months before it can enter Turkey. Your pet should travel with you on an original rabies color certificate that lists all of its rabies shots.
- Also, to avoid having to stay away from your home for three months after getting a rabies shot, your pet should have a rabies titer (blood) test at least 90 days before entering Turkey. The test should be done in an EU-approved lab. It will be necessary to keep your pet in a home quarantine for 90 days if it has not had a rabies titer test or if it has not been 90 days since the blood was taken for the test.
- Not more than ten days before you leave, an approved vet must fill out the Veterinary Certificate for Turkey so that it can be approved by the government agency in your country that handles animal imports and exports. The vet should be able to do it quickly and easily.
- At the port of entry into Turkey, all domestic dogs and cats will be checked to make sure they don’t have any diseases that can be spread to humans. A licensed veterinarian can do another exam on your pet, but you will have to pay for it, if the authorities think your pet is not in good health.
- Your pet should get to customs by 11:30 a.m. to avoid delays and get cleared the same day.
Travelling With Your Pet
- People with two pets can enter tax-free as long as they are with them. When pets go through customs, the owner must either be there with them or give their representative a Power of Attorney along with either their original passport or a notarized copy that shows they got to Turkey within 30 days of their pet.
- If you are taking your pet with you on the flight, make sure they have enough food and water to last the whole trip. If your pet is traveling in cargo, you should give the airline worker feeding instructions as well as food and water when you check your pet into the hold.
- Also, it’s a good idea to call the airline and ask what their pet travel rules and tips are.
- Young puppies and kittens (under three months) can come to Turkey with their mothers as long as the mothers meet the above requirements. Prior permission from the Turkish Ministry is required. The passport of the owner should be shown to the Ministry when the import is processed.
What Rabies actually looks like…
FAQ
Does Turkey require a rabies titer test?
What countries require a rabies titer test?
What is a titer test for rabies vaccine?
How much is a rabies antibody titer test for dogs?
What is a rabies titer test?
A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test, is performed to measure your pet’s immunity (antibodies in the blood) to rabies. The rabies titer test doesn’t guarantee that your pet can’t be infected with rabies. What it does indicate to us, is that a dog/cat with higher antibodies is more likely to survive the rabies virus.
Do dogs need a rabies titer test?
Most countries require your dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies, while others may also require your pets to get tested for rabies, by preforming a rabies titer test. What Is The Rabies Titer Test? A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test, is performed to measure your pet’s immunity (antibodies in the blood) to rabies.
How long does a rabies titer test last?
In general, the rabies titer will remain valid only if your pet will be revaccinated against rabies within the period of validity of your pet’s previous rabies vaccine. The period of validity could be 1, 2 or even 3 years. If you’ll renew your pet’s rabies vaccine even a day late, your pet’s titer test won’t be valid anymore.
Why is a rabies titer test important for relocating pets?
In conclusion, the rabies titer test is a crucial component for relocating pets. It ensures the safety and well-being of both pets and humans during the process of international travel. By verifying the effectiveness of rabies vaccinations, this test helps prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
How much does a rabies titer test cost?
The cost of a rabies titer test is based on 3 factors: Your private vet – each vet charges a different amount for their service. This amount could range from $100-$300 USD. The lab – each lab charges a different price for their rabies serology test. For example, in the US, Kansas State University lab charge about $90 USD for their FAVN test.