What do I need to bring a cat or dog from Turkey to Germany?

Turkey is one of the countries the EU considers high-risk for rabies. That's why the rules for cats and dogs coming from Turkey are strict and the process takes months. The steps must be done in this order:

1. Microchip: The animal gets a 15-digit chip that meets the international (ISO) standard. Vaccinations must be given after the chip.
2. Rabies vaccination: The first rabies vaccination can be given at 12 weeks old at the earliest.
3. Rabies antibody test: At least 30 days after vaccination, an authorised vet takes a blood sample. It's tested in an EU-approved lab, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
4. 3-month wait: The animal cannot enter the EU until at least 3 months have passed since the blood sample was taken.
5. Health certificate: An official vet issues an EU-format health certificate no more than 10 days before entry. Carry the vaccination records and test result as well.
6. Entry: You enter Germany through a designated point of entry (major airports, including Berlin BER) and declare the animal at customs.

Puppies and kittens: Because of this sequence, a young animal from Turkey can come to Germany at about 7 months old at the earliest.

If documents are missing: The animal may be quarantined at the border or sent back. The owner pays the costs.

Note: Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Bullterrier and their crosses cannot be brought into Germany. For private travel, you can bring a maximum of 5 animals at a time.