European Countries (Schengen Zone)
*The information on this page was last updated on Jun 24, 2025.
1. Find a Dog for Adoption
Search through online listings, shelters, or rescue organizations (you can find a list of options here). Contact the individual or organization managing the adoption to confirm whether they facilitate international adoptions and learn about their specific process.
2. Choose the Right Dog
Even if you have prior experience, take the time to read, research, and educate yourself about dog ownership. Carefully assess your family situation, current household members, and plans. Look through the listings to identify dogs that might be a good match for you.
Consider the dog’s age, breed, size, and temperament to ensure compatibility with your lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to request additional photos, videos, or detailed information about the dog.
Please also take a look at the Choosing a Dog section on our website.
3. Start the Process
If you haven’t already contacted the individual or organization, this is the stage to discuss whether the dog is eligible for international adoption and how the process works. Be prepared to provide detailed information about yourself, your family, your home, your lifestyle, and any prior experience with pets. This will allow the organization or volunteer to assess whether you and the dog are a good match. Once you receive approval for adoption, you can begin collecting the required paperwork.
4. Arrange Accommodation for Your Dog
While waiting for the paperwork to be finalized, your dog will need a place to stay. The volunteer or organization may suggest options such as a paid boarding kennel or a foster home.
Ideally, a foster home provides the dog with a safe and nurturing environment while awaiting travel. Foster parents handle daily needs, including feeding, exercise, and veterinary care. This can be a volunteer, friend, or family member.
If a foster home isn’t available, the dog can stay at a reputable boarding kennel for a fee. While not as personal as a home environment, a professional kennel ensures proper care and a secure space.
5. Prepare Travel Documents
Official procedures can be carried out by the dog’s registered owner or another authorized person. Depending on the dog’s status, the following documents will need to be arranged:
Rabies titration test (if not already completed)
Pet passport, including updated vaccination records
Health certificates issued by a licensed veterinarian
Microchip implantation and registration
International travel permits from Turkish authorities
Please note: Government authorities occasionally change or update the required documents and procedures. Therefore, working with an experienced veterinarian and verifying the latest requirements through official sources is essential. Be sure to check the website of the Provincial or District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry (‘İl/İlçe Tarım ve Orman Müdürlükleri’ in Turkish) and also confirm details by phone. Below are the websites of some directorates that provide a detailed list of required documents:
6. Arrange Travel
Select a travel method (flight or car) that complies with regulations in Türkiye and the destination country.
👉 If traveling by air: book a flight for the dog, either accompanied by you, a friend, or a flight volunteer. Check the airline’s pet policies to ensure compliance.
Check the websites of airlines that frequently operate international flights from Türkiye and accept pet transport;
Organize an IATA-approved travel crate (ask your veterinarian or the adoption contact for guidance on crate size and model to meet regulations). One widely accepted brand on the market is Scudo, which is commonly used for international pet transport.
Then, prepare all necessary documents and finalize the travel itinerary.
7. Welcome Your Dog!
Once your dog arrives, give them time to adjust to their new home and routine. Seek veterinary follow-up if needed and enjoy building your life together! Click here for more information.
If you have more questions, we recommend checking our FAQ page. Beyond that, while timelines and costs can vary greatly, they can be summarized as follows:
COSTS OF ADOPTING A DOG FROM TÜRKİYE:
Adopting a dog from Türkiye involves some costs that vary depending on your country of residence, the dog's breed, age, health, and logistical factors. Typical expenses include:
Vaccinations, rabies test and general health care (e.g., spaying/neutering)
Microchip and passport
Accommodation fees, if the dog stays in a foster home or kennel while awaiting travel, may include costs related to housing, feeding, and basic care during that period
Airline cargo fees, which vary depending on the dog’s size and weight, as well as the destination country and airline policies
Export documentation issued by the District Directorate of Agriculture, required by the customs authorities
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The timeline for adopting a dog from Türkiye to an EU country depends on whether the dog’s travel documentation is already in place.
If the dog already has valid travel papers, including a rabies titration test and official health certification, the adoption process can often be completed within a few weeks, allowing time for final preparations and travel booking.
If the dog does not yet have these documents, the process typically takes 4 to 6 months. This includes vaccinations, a rabies antibody (titration) test, a required waiting period (usually 3 months after the blood sample), and final health checks.
As with all international adoptions, the actual departure date also depends on the availability of a flight volunteer and the confirmation of travel arrangements. Once all the paperwork is ready, the dog may be able travel within just a few days, depending on flight options and logistics.
Klicken Sie hier, um den deutschsprachigen Leitfaden für EU-Länder aufzurufen.
Clicca qui per accedere alla guida in italiano per i paesi dell'Unione Europea.
Haz clic aquí para acceder a la guía en español para los países de la Unión Europea.
Cliquez ici pour accéder au guide en français pour les pays de l'Union Européenne.
Klik hier om toegang te krijgen tot de Nederlandstalige gids voor EU-landen.
Avrupa Birliği ülkeleri sahiplenme rehberinin Türkçesi için buraya tıklayın.