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.

Starting August 1, 2023, the temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies has been extended. This includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months.

1. Dogs vaccinated against rabies in the United States by a US-licensed veterinarian may re-enter the United States from a high-risk country without a CDC Dog Import Permit if the dog:
   • has a current, valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate;
   • has ISO-compatible microchip;
   • is at least 6 months old;
   • is healthy upon arrival; and
   • arrives at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station
2. Expired US-issued rabies vaccination certificates will not be accepted. If the US-issued rabies vaccination certificate has expired, the dog must get a booster dose outside the United States and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs (see below).
3. Foreign-vaccinated dogs coming from high-risk countries are now required to use the CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record as proof of rabies vaccination. Use of this record is also encouraged for US-vaccinated dogs, though not required. Dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries are still required to meet all requirements of the temporary suspension (see www.cdc.gov/dogtravel).
4. Three or more dogs coming from high-risk countries must arrive at specific ports of entry with a prior reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility. All dogs must have a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record and adequate rabies serologic titer or they will be required to complete a 28-day quarantine at the US animal care facility. This option is also available to importers of 1-2 dogs who do not have a CDC Dog Import Permit.

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

Review County Guidance in DPS website for specific quarantine requirements for Izmir, Türkiye. Login into DPS at https://dps.move.mil/cust/standard/user/home.xhtml, once logged in find “Quick Reference Guides” on the top left, click and a drop down will appear. Hover over Shipment Information and another dropdown will appear. Select Consignment Guide. On that page find Country Instuctions on the top right and click on it. Next page, select box, choose Turkey and click search. Scroll down and find Pets/Quarantine. There you will can review current gudiance. Ensure you look for Izmir guidance.

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

Several excellent veterinary services, pet boarding facilities, and kennels can be found in and around Izmir.

Be sure to notify your sponsor prior if you plan to bring your pet and request to have your lodging reservations at the Marriot. They are the only contracted hotel that accepts pets at this time.

You can find English-speaking veterinarians both in Izmir and in surrounding areas. Be sure to consult with your sponsor beforehand to obtain the latest information on bringing your family pet to Türkiye.