This is often a major worry for people going to live in Turkey so the good news is that bringing your pet into Turkey from a country in the Pet Passport Scheme (PPS) is straight forward.
As long as the following points are adhered to there is no quarantine period for your pet cat or dog upon entering Turkey:
Are you planning a trip to Turkey with your furry companion by your side? As a pet owner, one of the most important things you need to arrange before traveling internationally with your pet is their health certificates and vaccinations. For Turkey, there is an additional requirement that is easy to overlook – the rabies titer test
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what the rabies titer test is, why Turkey requires it, how you can get it done for your dog or cat, and what to do if you’re traveling to Turkey with an unvaccinated puppy or kitten.
What is a Rabies Titer Test?
A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody titer test, is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies present in your pet’s bloodstream.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight off viruses and other foreign substances. When your pet gets their rabies vaccination, their body produces rabies antibodies that will help protect them if they are ever exposed to the rabies virus.
The rabies titer test detects and measures the level of rabies antibodies. A high level of antibodies in your pet’s blood indicates they have strong immunity against rabies. This test can determine if a pet is still immune to rabies after vaccination
Why Does Turkey Require a Rabies Titer Test?
Turkey requires all dogs and cats entering the country to have a valid rabies titer test, regardless of their rabies vaccination status.
This test is mandatory – pets arriving without a valid, recent rabies titer test result may be denied entry or be forced into a 21 day quarantine in Turkey at the owner’s expense.
Turkey implemented this requirement in order to minimize the risk of rabies being brought into the country. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, humans and livestock animals.
Once someone starts showing symptoms of rabies, the disease is almost always fatal, so Turkey takes the precaution of requiring rabies antibody screening for all incoming pets.
When Should the Titer Test Be Done?
The rabies titer blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination.
There is no official maximum time frame for how long the titer test results are valid for travel to Turkey, but most countries require the test to have been done within the past year.
Ideally, you should schedule the rabies titer test about 2-3 months before your planned travel dates. This gives enough time for your vet to take the blood sample, send it to the lab for analysis, and for you to receive the results.
Where Can the Titer Test Be Done?
The rabies titer blood sample must be processed at an approved lab facility. Your regular vet clinic can draw the blood, but they will have to ship it to an authorized lab that is certified to analyze rabies titers.
In the US, some of the most commonly used labs for pet titer tests include:
- Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center
- Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Your vet will know which diagnostic laboratories they usually work with for titer testing. Globally, any laboratory approved by the European Union or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepted.
What Titer Level is Required?
Turkey requires a positive rabies titer result at a dilution of at least 1:5 (0.5 IU/ml) or higher.
This titer level indicates a satisfactory level of rabies antibodies in accordance with international standards for rabies prevention and control.
Pets with questionable results below the 1:5 dilution threshold may be denied entry or quarantined upon arrival in Turkey.
What If Your Pet Has No Prior Rabies Vaccination?
For unvaccinated pets, a rabies titer test alone will not be sufficient for entry into Turkey.
Puppies and kittens that are too young to be vaccinated, or pets who have missed their rabies booster shots should be vaccinated at least 30 days before entering Turkey. This gives enough time for protective antibodies to develop.
Their blood can then be tested for rabies titers at least 30 days after vaccination to confirm sufficient antibody levels.
Are Titer Tests Accepted for Re-entry Into the EU?
An added benefit of doing your pet’s rabies titer test at an EU approved lab is that the results can also be accepted for re-entry into the European Union and other countries that reciprocally accept the EU Pet Passport regulations.
So even if Turkey is your final destination, getting the EU-compliant rabies titer test facilitates travel to and from Europe for your pet in the future.
What Paperwork Do You Need to Bring?
To enter Turkey, you must carry:
- The original titer test report showing your pet’s rabies antibody levels
- Your pet’s complete rabies vaccination records
Have your vet list all vaccines your pet has received over their lifetime on their health certificate for international travel.
Digitize copies of the titer test and vaccine records to email to yourself as a backup. But you must bring the original documents required for entry into Turkey.
Traveling with an Unvaccinated Puppy or Kitten
Special rules apply for unvaccinated puppies and kittens under 3 months of age entering Turkey:
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They can enter with their vaccinated mother who meets Turkey’s entry requirements.
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Or they can enter with a health declaration from an official vet in a rabies-controlled country certifying details of their birthplace and that they have not had contact with rabid animals.
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An endorsed veterinary health certificate is also required stating the puppy/kitten is healthy for travel and parasite-free.
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Prior import permission must be obtained from Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
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The owner’s passport should be available upon arrival.
Are There Other Requirements to Enter Turkey?
Yes, while a valid rabies titer test is the most often missed requirement, Turkey has additional regulations including:
- Microchipping
- External and internal parasite treatments
- Pet passport and/or animal health certificate
- Arrival before 3pm local time
Be sure to check the most up to date requirements for Turkey and confirm with your veterinarian to ensure your pet has everything they need to enter the country smoothly!
Key Takeaways: Rabies Titer Testing for Pets Traveling to Turkey
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A rabies antibody titer test is required for all pet dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Turkey, regardless of their rabies vaccination status.
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Have your vet draw a rabies titer blood sample at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccine.
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Ship the blood to an approved laboratory for analysis – your vet can help determine which labs will have results accepted.
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Minimum titer level for entry is 0.5 IU/ml measured at a 1:5 serum dilution. Lower levels may result in entry refusal or quarantine.
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Unvaccinated pets must be vaccinated at least 30 days before arrival and have a titer test done 30+ days after.
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Bring the original titer test report and have your vet list your pet’s full vaccine history on their health certificate.
By understanding Turkey’s rabies titer test requirement and properly preparing for it ahead of time, you can ensure your furry family member is ready to explore and enjoy this beautiful country with you! Safe travels!
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- How to Bring your Pets into Turkey
This is often a major worry for people going to live in Turkey so the good news is that bringing your pet into Turkey from a country in the Pet Passport Scheme (PPS) is straight forward.
As long as the following points are adhered to there is no quarantine period for your pet cat or dog upon entering Turkey:
- Your pet should be microchipped with an ISO 11784 pet microchip that is a 15 digit and non-encrypted device. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO 11784 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner for use by the authorities to allow them to check.
- Your pet cat or dog must be vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to its entry into Turkey. An original rabies colour certificate – detailing all of your pet’s rabies vaccinations – should travel with your pet.
- And to avoid 3 months of home quarantine, and 30 days after the rabies vaccination , your pet should have a rabies titer (blood) test, with the sample processed in an EU-approved laboratory at least 90 days prior to entering Turkey. If your pet has not received a rabies titer test or 90 days have not passed since the date the blood was taken for the titer test, your pet will have to undergo home quarantine for the entire 90 day period.
- No longer than ten days before travel, an accredited vet must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Turkey for endorsement by the Governing Authority of your country responsible for the import and export of animals. It is a simple process for the vet to do and should take no time at all.
- All domestic dogs and cats will be examined at the port of entry to Turkey and must be free of disease communicable to humans. The authorities have the right to enforce a further examination – at your expense – by a licensed veterinarian if your pet appears not to be in good health.
- To avoid delays, your pet should arrive at customs by 11:30AM for same day customs clearance.
Travelling With Your Pet
- Two pets per person can enter tax-free as long as they are accompanied. The owner must be present with their pet/s at customs clearance or have issued their representative with both a Power of Attorney and either their original passport or a notarized copy, indicating that they arrived in Turkey within 30 days of their pet.
- If your pet is flying with you in the cabin make you sure you have enough food and water for them to last the duration of the journey. If they are travelling in cargo then you should supply feeding instructions plus food and water to the airline assistant when checking your pet into the hold.
- It is also a good idea to check with the airline to see what rules and tips they have for travelling with your pet.
- Puppies and kittens who are under three months of age are allowed entry to Turkey with their mother, provided that she meets the requirements as outlined above. Prior permission from the Turkish Ministry is required. The owner’s passport should be available to the Ministry at the time the import is processed.
2 of 12 puppies exposed to rabies test positive after being put down
FAQ
What countries do rabies titer tests?
What is the titer test for rabies vaccine?
What is the rabies titer for traveling dogs?
What is the veterinary certificate for a Turkey?
Do I need a rabies titer test for my Pet?
An original rabies certificate reflecting all of your pet’s rabies vaccinations should accompany your pet. 3. A rabies titer test is required for cats and dogs entering Turkey. Blood samples must be processed at an approved lab. Your pet can enter Turkey as soon as acceptable results are received.
What is a rabies titer test?
What is the Rabies Titer Test? The rabies titer test, also known as the Rabies Antibody Titre Test (RNATT), is a blood test that measures the effectiveness of a rabies vaccine. It’s required for pets entering rabies-free or rabies-controlled countries such as Australia, Singapore, Japan, and New Zealand.
How long is a rabies titer test valid?
t remains valid indefinitely as long as there has been no lapse in vaccination coverage since the date o the rabies titer test, and all vaccinations subsequent to the test date are documented on the health certificate. A copy of the rabies titer laboratory report should be attached to the International Health
How long does it take to get rabies test results?
Turn-around times may vary depending on laboratory workload. The Rabies Laboratory is currently experiencing staff shortages. AT THIS TIME, results are expected to take 7 to 8 weeks. “Stat” requests are currently NOT being offered. 1.0 mL (MINIMUM) of serum (cold pack) (suggest no additives).