Anyone over the age of 18 who can provide a safe, loving, and stable environment for a dog can adopt from Türkiye.

Make sure you understand all the information provided about the dog:

Carefully read the listing to learn about the dog’s needs, personality, background, health status, and the type of home they are looking for.

• Motivation & Intentions:
  Explain why you want to adopt a dog from Türkiye and describe what led you to make this decision.

• Introduce yourself clearly and thoroughly:

  • Share your age, where you live (city, country, type of home), and who you live with (any children or others).

  • Mention whether you have other pets, their kind and age, and how they get along with other pets.

  • Please ensure that no members of your household are allergic to cats or dogs. If any allergies exist, be sure to include that information in your application.

  • Confirm if your home is safe and suitable for a dog and if everyone in the household agrees with having a dog.

  • Briefly describe your daily routine and how much time you spend at home.

  • Explain how you plan to meet the dog’s exercise and social needs.

  • Also, explain why you’re interested in this particular dog and what kind of life you can offer.

• Dog Care & Experience: 

  • Have you had a dog before? What breed, and for how long?

  • Do you know basic dog training (housebreaking, leash walking, obedience)?

  • How will you manage your dog’s food, hygiene, and vet care?

• Financial & Time Commitment:

  • Are you aware of the long-term costs and responsibilities of dog ownership?

  • Can you afford international adoption costs (vaccines, transport, quarantine)?

  • Are you ready to hire professionals like vets or trainers if needed?

  • How will you ensure your dog stays with you through travel, moving, or life changes?

• Legal Process & Readiness:

  • Which country are you adopting from and have you researched its and your country’s legal rules?

  • Are you familiar with pet transport and quarantine procedures?

  • Do you know how to get the required documents (microchip, vaccination, health certificates, permits)?

• Are you working with an experienced person or organization, or managing the process alone?

• Be open to further steps:
  Let them know you’re willing to provide references, photos of your home, or accept a home check if required.

• Be respectful, clear, and helpful in your communication:

  Keep in mind, rescue volunteers are very busy and handle many requests. Be clear and concise while showing genuine interest. A polite and helpful tone makes a big difference.

Certain dog breeds are restricted for adoption due to Turkish laws or international travel regulations. Examples of commonly restricted breeds include:

• American Pit Bull Terrier

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

• American Staffordshire Terrier

• American Bully

• Crossbreeds or mixes of these restricted breeds

Additionally, some native Turkish breeds are under national protection and may either be prohibited from export or require special government authorization for international transfer.

🚫 Breeds with Export Restrictions or Permit Requirements from Türkiye:

Example Dog Breeds:

• Kangal Shepherd Dog

• Akbaş Shepherd Dog

• Kars Shepherd Dog

• Çatalburun (Turkish Pointer)

• Zağar (Turkish Scent Hound)

Example Cat Breeds:

• Ankara Cat (Turkish Angora)

• Van Cat
  

Please consult with the adoption organization and check your destination country's import regulations to ensure that the breed you are interested in can legally be transported and adopted internationally.

İstanbul

Ankara

İzmir

Bursa

Muğla

Yes, you can adopt cats from Türkiye, subject to similar regulations as dogs. Cats must meet specific health and vaccination requirements, including rabies vaccinations and microchipping, to travel internationally.

Adopting a dog from Türkiye involves several variable costs depending on your country of residence, the dog's breed, age, health, and logistical factors. Typical expenses include:

• Vaccinations, rabies test (in case of EU and UK) 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

• IATA-approved travel crate

• 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

The timeline for adopting a dog from Türkiye varies depending on two main factors:
1) The destination country, and
2) Whether the dog's travel documentation is already in place.

🇪🇺 For the EU:

• If the dog already has valid travel documents, including a rabies titration test and health certification, the adoption process can typically be completed within a few weeks, just enough time to finalize travel arrangements.
  

• If documents are not yet prepared, the process usually takes 4–6 months. This includes vaccinations, the rabies antibody (titration) test, a waiting period, and final health checks.

🇬🇧 For the UK:

• Due to strict UK import laws, avoiding mandatory quarantine often requires a longer travel plan (such as routing through an EU country), which can extend the process. Pre-planning is essential to ensure a smooth, quarantine-free arrival.

🇨🇦 For Canada:

• Since Canada does not require a rabies titration test, the adoption and travel timeline is usually significantly shorter compared to the UK and EU countries.

In short, the time it takes to adopt a dog from Türkiye depends heavily on the destination country's regulations and the current status of the dog's documentation.

For detailed timelines and requirements by country or region, please check our country-specific information pages.

A foster home provides a safe and nurturing environment for the dog while awaiting travel. Foster parents take care of the dog’s daily needs, including feeding, exercise, and veterinary visits. This can be a volunteer, a friend, or a family member.For more details, please take a look at our foster home page.

If you're curious about how to become a foster home, click here for detailed information.

The rabies titration test is a requirement for dogs traveling to EU countries and some other regions, including the UK. Here’s how it works:

• A rabies vaccine must be administered at least one month before the test.

• A blood sample is taken and sent to an accredited lab to verify sufficient antibody levels.

• If the test is successful, the dog can travel 3 months after the sample date.

These procedures are determined and updated under regulations set by theProvincial Directorate of Agriculture (İl/İlçe Tarım ve Orman Müdürlükleri. For the latest requirements and documentation, always refer to the official website of the relevant authority. This process should be coordinated with an experienced veterinarian and the organization handling the adoption, ensuring that all steps are based on the most up-to-date information.

İstanbul

Ankara

İzmir

Bursa

Muğla

While air travel can be challenging for animals, proper preparation can minimize stress. Use an appropriately sized, IATA-compliant crate and introduce your pet to it well before travel. Ensure the pet is calm, comfortable, and hydrated before departure.

An IATA-approved travel crate is a pet carrier that meets the standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Airlines require these standards to ensure the safe and comfortable transport of animals. It is highly recommended to check both your airline’s regulations and IATA’s guidelines to confirm which type of crate is accepted for travel. Choosing a crate that is the correct size for your dog is essential.

Bringing your new dog home is an exciting moment, but it also requires preparation and patience to help them settle into their new environment. Here’s what to expect and how to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Give Your Dog Time to Adjust

The journey and new surroundings can be overwhelming for your dog. Allow them a quiet and safe space to decompress. Avoid overwhelming them with too much activity or attention in the first few days.

2. Introduce a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This helps your dog feel secure and understand what to expect.

3. Stay in Touch with the Adoption Organization

During the adjustment period, it's highly recommended to maintain communication with the person or organization you adopted the dog from. Keep them updated on the process and seek their advice or support when needed. Their insights can be invaluable as they are familiar with the dog’s background and behavior.

4. Schedule a Veterinary Check-Up

Even if all health checks were completed before adoption, it's a good idea to visit your local veterinarian within the first week. This helps ensure your dog is healthy and provides an opportunity to discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, and other care needs.

5. Provide Proper Training and Socialization

Your dog may need training to adapt to house rules, learn basic commands, or address behavioral challenges. Positive reinforcement methods are highly recommended. Gradually introduce them to new people, pets, and environments to build confidence and comfort.

6. Create a Safe and Comfortable Space

Set up a designated area with their bed, water bowl, and toys. Ensure your home is pet-proofed to prevent accidents or injuries.

7. Build a Bond

Spend quality time with your dog to build trust and strengthen your bond. Patience, consistency, and affection will help your dog feel like a part of the family.

Remember, the transition period can vary for each dog depending on their temperament and past experiences. Be patient and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if challenges arise.

We understand that, despite everyone’s best intentions, sometimes a match may not work out or unforeseen circumstances may arise. However, placing the dog in a local shelter or returning them independently is not permitted and goes against our shared commitment to the dog’s lifelong safety and well-being.

If you experience a mismatch or are no longer able to continue caring for the dog, you are expected to contact the volunteer team immediately and to actively support the rehoming process. This includes helping coordinate the safe transfer of the dog—either to a foster home or a new adoptive family—under the guidance of the volunteer network.

This approach ensures that the dog remains protected, never ends up in a shelter, and transitions responsibly and compassionately into a new safe environment.
Being part of this process is a meaningful part of the adoption commitment.