Turkish Airlines Pet Policy: How to transport a pet 2026

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Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026

Turkish Airlines (THY) offers a rare “triple threat”: they allow cats, dogs, and small songbirds (budgies and canaries) in the cabin. If your pet is too big for the cabin, they have a world-class climate-controlled hold where your pet will travel in “Paw-some” comfort.

Pets are not accepted for carriage in the business class cabin. Owners who wish to transport their pets in the cabin are advised to book in economy class.

In the Cabin: Small Travelers

If your pet is a lightweight, they can stay right at your feet.

• The Weight Limit: Total maximum weight (pet + carrier) is 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
• The “Two-for-One” Hack: You can carry two small dogs in a single carrier if they are used to each other and their combined weight is under 8 kg.
• The Extra Seat Option: Want more room? You can actually buy an additional ticket for your flight to bring another pet, though they must remain on the floor under that extra seat.
• Cost: Fees usually start from $65 USD depending on the route.

Approved Carrier Sizes (Cabin)

• Dimensions: Maximum 23 cm (H) x 30 cm (W) x 40 cm (L).
• Material: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are allowed in the cabin.

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In the Hold: For the Big Barkers

If your pet + carrier exceeds 8 kg, they’ll head to the pressurized hold.

• Weight Limit: Up to 50 kg (110 lbs) including the crate.
• Cost: Fees start from $100 USD.
• Species Alert: Pigeons and parrots are strictly hold-only passengers.
• Shared Space: Up to three animals from the same mother (aged 10–24 weeks) or two adult animals of the same breed (under 14 kg each) can share a crate if they are buds.

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The “Paws-port” & QR Code Paperwork

In 2026, Turkish Airlines is all about high-tech verification. You must submit your request at least 6 hours before your flight.

Your Essential Checklist:

1. QR Code Verification: For travel to the UK or EU, your Rabies Titer Test (Antibody Test) result must have a verified QR code. No QR code = no flight.
2. The 30-Day Rule: The rabies vaccine must be given at least 30 days before departure but no more than 1 year.
3. Turkish Ministry Approval: If you are leaving from Turkey, you must obtain a health certificate from a local Ministry of Agriculture veterinarian before heading to the airport.
4. Microchip: Mandatory for all dogs and cats.

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Crucial Restrictions

• The “Antagonist” Rule: To keep things peaceful, Turkish Airlines will not transport a cat and a dog (or a cat and a bird) on the same aircraft—even in different cabins! It’s a first-come, first-served booking system.
• Age Limit: Pets must be at least 10 weeks old.
• The Snub-Nose Safety: Unlike many airlines, Turkish Airlines does allow brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) in the cabin or hold, provided they meet the weight and size limits and have an appropriate crate.
• Banned Breeds: Prohibited dogs include Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Japanese Tosa.

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Expert Tips for 2026:

• The “Scent” Trick: Since the hold is climate-controlled and pressurized just like the cabin, put an unwashed T-shirt that smells like you in your pet’s crate to keep them calm.
• Istanbul Airport Pet Rooms: If you are transiting through Istanbul (IST), look for the free pet rooms located on the departure floor. They even have a pet toilet!
• Window Seats Only: In the cabin, you’ll be assigned a window seat. Exit rows and bulkhead seats are off-limits for pet parents.

How to transport dangerous dog breeds can be read here

Turkish Airlines Official Information on Carrying Pets on Flights