🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

Turkish Airlines (Turkey) is among the airlines that accept dogs both in the cabin and in the hold, under conditions. Weight, fees, affected breeds and booking: here is everything you need to know before you book.

In the cabin

Turkish Airlines accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 8 kg (18 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you.

Airline conditions: dog + carrier max 8 kg (18 lb), 40 × 30 × 23 cm (16 × 12 × 9 in); fee per segment depending on the route.

In the hold

Above the cabin limit, your dog travels in a pressurized, heated hold, in an IATA-compliant crate.

Airline conditions: hold (AVIH) up to 32 kg (70 lb); beyond that, via Turkish Cargo.

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, Turkish Airlines restricts flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, favor the cabin when its weight allows, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check your travel dates. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Turkish Airlines to add your dog to the booking.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, valid rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate depending on your departure country, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Comparing with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies widely from one airline to the next. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our “Can my dog fly?” comparison tool and check our comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Turkish Airlines? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Turkey, Germany, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Does Turkish Airlines accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 8 kg (18 lb) carrier included.
Does Turkish Airlines carry dogs in the hold?
Yes, in an IATA-compliant crate — brachycephalic breeds are usually excluded.

Sources

Turkish Airlines — pet transport, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly: confirm with Turkish Airlines before booking.