Shipping Pets

Members are authorized to bring their pets to Izmir. Please ensure you notify your local TMO and sponsor of your plans to bring your pets early in your PCS process. It is up to the member to ensure your pet’s documentation meet both airline and customs requirements when attempting to bring them to Turkey. Entry of pets is authorized through customs, however there is no pet care provided at airport/entry points. It is for this reason it is not advised to ship your pets through cargo. There is a limited number of hotels in the area that allow pets.

Once in Izmir, you may be limited on what housing might be available for you. However, there are many English speaking veterinary offices that you can choose from, along with animal sitting services. The city has many areas to walk your dog and overall is pet friendly.

Lastly, as of July 14, 2021 the CDC has temporarily suspended dog imports from certain countries, to include Turkey. While as of December 1, 2021 the CDC has updated its guidance you might have to apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit prior to flying your dog back to the states. Please review the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/high-risk-dog-ban-frn.html

Additional resources for shipping your pet OCONUS:

• USDA for the latest information on documentation requirements of pets traveling to Turkey: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country
• SPCA provides grants to offset the cost of moving your pet: https://www.spcai.org/our-work/operation-military-pets
• Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society offers interest-free loans to cover the cost of moving a pet: https://www.nmcrs.org/press/entry/navy-marine-corps-relief-society-offers-assistance-with-pet-travel
• Army Emergency Relief no-interest loans for moving a pet: https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/news/petassistance/
• Air Force Aid Society is offering grants and interest free loans to help cover cost associated with moving a pet: https://afas.org

There are no pet quarantines in Turkey.

For the latest requirements for entering Turkey with your pet please check the USDA for the latest information on documentation requirements of pets traveling to Turkey: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country

There are a few good veterinary services/pet boarding/kennels available on the local economy in and around the Izmir City. Be sure to notify your sponsor prior if you plan to bring your pet and request to have your lodging reservations at the Swiss Hotel. They are the only contracted hotel that accepts pets.

There are English speaking veterinarians in the city of Izmir and outside of Izmir. So don't be intimidated to bring your family pet, just be sure to speak with your sponsor ahead of time to get all the proper updated information about bringing your family pet to Turkey.