Yes. Turkish Airlines (TK) allows small pets to travel in-cabin and larger animals to travel as cargo. The cabin weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lbs) total (pet plus carrier combined), and the carrier must not exceed 40 cm x 30 cm x 23 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 9.1 in).
Pet booking cannot be completed during initial online booking and must be added after a PNR is obtained, either through the website, mobile app, or by calling the Turkish Airlines reservation center.
Policies verified against the Turkish Airlines official pet transport page at turkishairlines.com. Last research retrieval: March 2026. Fees, weight limits, and breed restrictions change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with Turkish Airlines before booking.
Quick Reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cabin weight limit | 8 kg (17.6 lbs) total, pet plus carrier |
| Carrier dimensions | 40 cm x 30 cm x 23 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 9.1 in) L x W x H |
| Domestic Turkey fee | Approximately $0-15 USD (verify via pet fee calculator before booking) |
| European route fee | Approximately €70-100 (approximately $75-110 USD) per segment |
| Intercontinental/US fee | Approximately $100-150 USD per segment |
| Cargo fee (all weight tiers) | $150 USD fixed, up to 50 kg (110 lbs) total |
| Booking method | Add pet via website/app with PNR, or call center at +1-855-546-5048 (US callers) |
| Cabin class | Economy only |
| Minimum pet age | Dogs 24 weeks, cats 10 weeks (per secondary sources; verify with Turkish Airlines) |
| Breed restrictions | Brachycephalic dogs restricted in cargo; dangerous breeds not accepted in cabin |
| Service animals | Dogs only, free, DOT documentation required for US flights |
In-Cabin Pet Policy
Turkish Airlines permits dogs, cats, and small songbirds (budgerigars and canaries) in the cabin on economy class flights only. Business Class and First Class cabin pet travel is not permitted. The combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you at all times.
Two pets of the same species may travel with one passenger if each meets the individual weight and size limits and the total cabin pet capacity for the aircraft is not exceeded. Cabin pet space is limited and allocated per flight, so early booking is essential.
Key Takeaway: Cabin pets fly economy class only. The 8 kg (17.6 lbs) total limit includes the carrier. No extra seat is assigned. Two same-species pets are permitted per passenger if both meet size and weight limits.
Carrier Requirements
- Dimensions: Maximum 40 cm x 30 cm x 23 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 9.1 in) (L x W x H).
- Material: Soft-sided bags or cages only.
- Ventilation: At least three sides must have holes with a minimum diameter of 2.5 cm (1 in).
- Security: Secure zip or fastening that cannot be opened by the pet from inside.
- Labeling: Attach a label with your name, contact number, and destination.
Pro tip: Measure your carrier before you leave home. Carriers that are even 1 cm over the limit can be refused at the gate. Soft-sided carriers that compress slightly are more likely to fit under the seat without issue.
How to Book a Pet on Turkish Airlines
Pet reservations cannot be added during the initial flight booking step. Follow this process:
- Check eligibility and calculate fees using the Turkish Airlines pet fee calculator at turkishairlines.com/en-us/any-questions/traveling-with-pets/pet-fee-calculator/ before committing to a flight.
- Book your flight through the Turkish Airlines website or app and obtain your PNR (booking reference number).
- Add your pet by logging back into the reservation with your PNR on the website or mobile app, or by calling the Turkish Airlines reservation center. US callers can reach the center at +1-855-546-5048. Call at least 48 hours before departure to allow time for health certificate preparation, and ideally 7 or more days in advance to secure cabin pet space.
- Prepare all required documents (see the documentation section below) before your appointment at the airport.
- Receive confirmation by email or PNR update. Save this confirmation and bring it to the airport along with all pet documents.
Warning: Cabin pet space is capped per flight. If you delay adding your pet to the reservation, the quota may be full and your pet will be required to travel as cargo instead.
Fee Breakdown
Turkish Airlines charges pet fees per flight segment. For multi-stop itineraries, fees are summed across segments. Use the official pet fee calculator at turkishairlines.com to confirm the exact amount for your specific route before booking.
| Travel Type | Route Category | Fee | USD Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin (pet + carrier up to 8 kg / 17.6 lbs) | Domestic Turkey | Approximately $0-15 USD | $0-15 USD | Verify via fee calculator; rate not published as a fixed figure |
| Cabin (pet + carrier up to 8 kg / 17.6 lbs) | European routes | Approximately €70-100 | Approximately $75-110 USD | Per segment; verify current exchange rate |
| Cabin (pet + carrier up to 8 kg / 17.6 lbs) | Intercontinental / US routes | $100-150 USD | $100-150 USD | Per segment; example: FRA-IST plus IST-JFK sums both segment fees |
| Cargo AVIH (0-23 kg / 0-50.7 lbs, pet plus crate) | All routes | $150 USD | $150 USD | Fixed tier |
| Cargo AVIH (24-32 kg / 52.9-70.5 lbs, pet plus crate) | All routes | $150 USD | $150 USD | Fixed tier |
| Cargo AVIH (33-50 kg / 72.8-110 lbs, pet plus crate) | All routes | $150 USD | $150 USD | Maximum pet plus crate weight is 50 kg (110 lbs) |
Fees are payable at booking or check-in. No seasonal surcharges are published, but temperature embargoes may make cargo unavailable on certain routes during summer months. Verify with Turkish Airlines before booking cargo travel between May and September.
Key Takeaway: Domestic Turkey cabin travel costs approximately $0-15 USD. European cabin routes average €70-100 (approximately $75-110 USD). Intercontinental and US cabin routes cost approximately $100-150 USD. Cargo travel is a flat $150 USD across all weight tiers up to 50 kg (110 lbs).
Cargo and Hold Travel
Pets that exceed the cabin weight or size limits, or that belong to restricted breeds, must travel as manifest cargo (AVIH) booked through Turkish Cargo separately from the passenger reservation.
Weight limit: Maximum 50 kg (110 lbs) total, including pet and crate combined. Three weight tiers apply (0-23 kg, 24-32 kg, 33-50 kg), all charged at $150 USD.
Crate dimensions: Maximum 125 cm x 75 cm x 75 cm (49.2 x 29.5 x 29.5 in). The crate must be rigid, IATA Live Animals Regulations (IAR) approved, ventilated, and secured with latches that cannot be opened by the animal.
Temperature restrictions: Ground temperature at any point in the journey must remain between 7°C (45°F) and 29°C (85°F). Cargo embargoes apply from approximately May through September when temperatures exceed these thresholds. Brachycephalic breeds face stricter temperature limits and may require a cold-weather acclimation certificate for winter travel.
Booking: Contact Turkish Cargo directly to book cargo pet transport. This is a separate process from the passenger reservation and cannot be completed through the standard flight booking system.
Warning: Summer temperature embargoes (May through September) may make cargo pet transport unavailable on routes where ground temperatures exceed 29°C (85°F). If you are traveling with a large pet or a brachycephalic breed during summer, contact Turkish Cargo well in advance to confirm availability.
Breed Restrictions
Turkish Airlines applies breed restrictions differently for cabin and cargo travel. Verify current restrictions for your specific route directly with Turkish Airlines, as these change without notice.
Brachycephalic dogs restricted in cargo (may travel cabin if within weight and size limits):
Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows, Tibetan Spaniels.
Dangerous dog breeds not accepted in cabin (cargo acceptance varies by route):
Rottweilers, Dobermans, Dogue de Bordeaux, Tosa Inu, American Bulldogs, Caucasian Shepherds, Anatolian Shepherds, wolf-dog hybrids.
Brachycephalic cats permitted in cabin under standard weight and size limits:
Birman, Persian, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Burmese, Scottish Fold.
No breed-specific health documentation beyond standard vaccinations is required. However, destination country import regulations may impose additional breed-specific restrictions that are separate from Turkish Airlines policy. Cross-reference your destination country’s official government import requirements before booking.
Pro tip: If your dog is a brachycephalic breed, confirm cabin availability with Turkish Airlines at least one week before departure. Cabin acceptance for these breeds depends on weight compliance and route, and policies can vary by destination.
Required Documents and Health Certificates
Bring all documents to the airport check-in desk. Turkish Airlines does not issue its own pet travel forms. Required documents vary by destination; the list below covers standard requirements.
- Veterinary health certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian. Timing requirements vary by destination. Check your specific destination’s requirements, as some countries require issuance within 10 days of travel and others within 48 hours.
- Rabies vaccination record: Valid between 1 and 12 months prior to travel.
- Species-specific vaccinations: Dogs require Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, and Leptospira records. Cats require Feline Enteritis and Influenza records.
- Rabies titer test: Required for certain destinations such as Northern Cyprus (TRNC). A laboratory report must accompany the titer result.
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard microchip is the international standard and is required by many destination countries.
- EU Pet Passport: Accepted where applicable for EU and UK travel.
- Destination import permit: Required for specific destinations including Northern Cyprus. Check the official government import requirements for your destination country before travel.
Cross-reference destination-specific import requirements with official government sources for your destination country. The IATA Live Animals Regulations (IAR), available at iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/, provide the international baseline standards that Turkish Airlines cargo procedures follow.
Route-Specific Restrictions
- Strict quarantine destinations: Cabin and cargo pet travel to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Japan requires full compliance with those countries’ pre-entry import requirements. Turkish Airlines will accept pets on these routes only if all destination documentation is in order. Confirm requirements with the destination country’s official government biosecurity or agriculture authority.
- Cargo-only routes: Pets that exceed cabin weight limits or belong to restricted breeds must travel as cargo regardless of route.
- Transit at Istanbul Airport (IST): Multi-segment itineraries that connect through Istanbul may incur pet fees for each individual segment. Verify the total fee for your full itinerary using the Turkish Airlines pet fee calculator before booking.
- Codeshare flights: Turkish Airlines applies its own fee structure to codeshare itineraries, but acceptance of pets depends on the operating carrier’s rules. Confirm pet acceptance with the operating carrier when your ticket involves a codeshare segment.
- Temperature embargoes: Cargo pet transport may be suspended on specific routes from May through September when ground temperatures exceed 29°C (85°F) or fall below 7°C (45°F) at any point in the journey.
Pro tip: For itineraries connecting through Istanbul, ask Turkish Airlines to confirm the total pet fee for the full journey at the time of booking. Segment fees can add up significantly on long-haul connecting routes.
Service Animals
Turkish Airlines recognizes trained service dogs only for passengers with disabilities. Service dogs travel in-cabin at no charge and do not require a carrier. They must remain leashed and under the handler’s control at all times. Bulkhead seating may be available if space permits.
Required documentation for service dogs:
- Identification papers confirming the dog’s training status.
- Current health and vaccination records.
- For flights to or from the United States: the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, as required under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). See transportation.gov/air-consumers/service-animals for current DOT requirements.
Turkish Airlines complies with U.S. DOT ACAA regulations for service animals on flights operating to and from the United States. Notify Turkish Airlines of your service animal as early as possible before departure.
Warning: Only dogs qualify as service animals under Turkish Airlines policy. Cats, birds, and other species are not accepted as service animals regardless of training or certification claims.
Emotional Support Animals
Following the 2021 U.S. DOT ruling, Turkish Airlines does not recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as a separate category from standard pets. ESAs must travel under the standard pet policy, paying all applicable fees and traveling in an approved carrier that meets size and weight requirements. This applies to all routes, including flights to and from the United States. Contact Turkish Airlines directly to confirm current ESA policy for your specific route.
Your Questions, Answered
Does Turkish Airlines allow pets in the cabin?
Yes. Turkish Airlines allows one pet (dog, cat, or small songbird such as a budgerigar or canary) in-cabin in economy class only. The maximum combined weight of pet and carrier is 8 kg (17.6 lbs). The carrier must not exceed 40 cm x 30 cm x 23 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 9.1 in). Business Class cabin pet travel is not permitted.
How much does Turkish Airlines charge for pets?
Fees vary by route. Domestic Turkey flights cost approximately $0-15 USD. European and Middle East routes average approximately €70-100 (approximately $75-110 USD) per segment. Intercontinental and US routes cost approximately $100-150 USD per segment. Cargo travel is a flat $150 USD for all weight tiers up to 50 kg (110 lbs). Always confirm the exact fee for your route using the Turkish Airlines pet fee calculator at turkishairlines.com before booking, as fees change without notice.
What dog breeds are banned on Turkish Airlines?
Turkish Airlines restricts brachycephalic breeds including Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows, and Tibetan Spaniels from cargo travel. These breeds may travel in-cabin if they meet the 8 kg (17.6 lbs) weight limit and carrier size requirements. Dangerous breeds including Rottweilers, Dobermans, Dogue de Bordeaux, Tosa Inu, American Bulldogs, Caucasian Shepherds, Anatolian Shepherds, and wolf-dog hybrids are not accepted in the cabin and may be restricted from cargo on certain routes. Destination country import regulations may impose additional breed bans that are separate from Turkish Airlines policy.
Can I book my pet online on Turkish Airlines?
Pet booking cannot be completed during the initial online flight booking step. After you have booked your flight and received a PNR, you can add your pet through the Turkish Airlines website or mobile app using your PNR, or by calling the reservation center. US callers can reach the center at +1-855-546-5048. Book at least 48 hours before departure to allow time for health certificate preparation, and ideally 7 or more days in advance to secure cabin pet space.
Does Turkish Airlines accept emotional support animals?
Turkish Airlines does not recognize emotional support animals as a separate category following the 2021 U.S. DOT ruling. ESAs must travel as standard pets under the full pet policy, including all applicable fees and carrier requirements. Contact Turkish Airlines directly at +1-855-546-5048 (US) to confirm current policy for your specific route.
What documents do I need to fly my pet on Turkish Airlines?
Required documents include a valid veterinary health certificate (timing varies by destination; check your specific destination’s requirements), a rabies vaccination record valid between 1 and 12 months prior to travel, species-specific vaccination records (Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, and Leptospira for dogs; Feline Enteritis and Influenza for cats), an ISO-standard microchip record, and any destination-specific import permits. An EU Pet Passport is accepted where applicable. A rabies titer test with laboratory report is required for certain destinations including Northern Cyprus. All documents must be presented at the airport check-in desk.
Are there weight restrictions for Turkish Airlines cabin pets?
Yes. The maximum combined weight of pet and carrier is 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Pets whose combined weight with their carrier exceeds this limit must travel as cargo. The cargo weight limit is 50 kg (110 lbs) total, including pet and crate.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Airline pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Turkish Airlines before booking at turkishairlines.com/en-us/any-questions/traveling-with-pets/ or by calling +1-855-546-5048 (US callers).
