Service Dogs and Pets at Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Travel with Pets: Service Dogs and Pets at Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Navigating airport procedures and facilities can be complex for anyone travelling with their pet(s), whether that is vacationers with animals or those relying on service animals as assistance. Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul / Turkey provides services designed to assist passengers travelling with pets.

This guide is here to assist in planning an enjoyable journey with your service dog or pet, covering rules, amenities and essential information about airport policies that could reduce stress during travel and make for a smoother journey for both of you!

General Pet Policy at Sabiha Gokcen Airport

• Pet ID Requirements

All pets (dogs and cats) moving into or within Türkiye must be identified. A clearly visible tattoo is acceptable, as well as an electronic chip that complies with ISO 11784/11785. If a chip is used, the reader should be ISO-compliant.

• Rabies Vaccination

Pets must receive an approved vaccine for rabies. The rabies vaccine is only valid after:

• The manufacturer's instructions require that the vaccine be administered within 21 days of the initial vaccination.
• A veterinarian must record the vaccination in the passport or health certificate of your pet, and indicate its validity period. To maintain the status of the previous vaccine, booster vaccinations must take place within the validity period.

• Health Certificate

Pets entering or leaving Turkey must have a certificate of veterinary health issued by an official veterinarian. This certificate must confirm the pet's health and that it is free of specific diseases.

• Entry Points and Exit Points

The Ministry has designated specific entry points for cats, dogs and ferrets. They include airport gates and points of entry where animals are inspected for health.

• Movement Within Türkiye

Pets travelling domestically should be accompanied by a document containing all the relevant information. This includes information such as owner information, contact details, and vaccination information. When requested, this document must be shown to the competent authorities.

• Documentation requirements

A veterinarian should issue a pet passport that clearly states the details of rabies vaccination and any other vaccinations administered or medication prescribed against specific diseases.

• Young Pets Exemptions

If certain health conditions are met by the Ministry, unvaccinated kittens, puppies, and ferrets younger than three months may be allowed into Turkey.

• Blood Test for Rabies Antibody Titer

A blood sample must be taken from pets entering Türkiye at least 30 days after vaccination to test for antibodies against rabies. The test must be performed by a laboratory approved by the EU. If the pet's passport shows a history that includes regular rabies vaccines, then retesting will not be required.

Travelling With Pets in Cabin at SAW Airport

Here's everything you should know about taking pets on flights departing Sabiha Gokcen Airport, such as dogs and cats, including how best to bring them aboard the plane.

• Eligible Pets

Only cats and canines with valid vaccination certificates, health certificates and entry permits to transit countries are allowed in the cabin. Pets must also be in a cage that meets airline requirements. Please note that some breeds are classified as "dangerous", such as the Japanese Tosa and Dogo Argentino.

• Airline Policies

Pets may be allowed in cabins on certain airlines; please check ahead of your travel to ensure the most up-to-date information regarding size restrictions, fees and total number of animals allowed onboard.

• Booking Requirements

As only certain animals can travel on each flight, reservations for your pets in the cabin must be made well in advance. When booking your flight it's essential that a space for your furry friend can be secured in the cabin.

• Transportation Charges

Pets are usually charged a fee to transport them in the cabin. This may be based on the weight of both the cage and the animal when you check your baggage. This fee may be charged by some airlines at the time you book, so make sure to check with them.

• Specifications for Cages

Pets are required to be transported in cages that meet the dimensions specified by the airline. The cage must be comfortable, well-ventilated and secure for the pet. The cage must be provided by the passenger, and it should be suitable for travel.

• Cage Labeling

The pet carrier should be labelled with the name of the passenger and the animal to avoid confusion. The airline staff can easily identify your pet when boarding or checking in.

• Health and Behavior Standards

Pets should be clean and healthy. They must also not smell. Airport staff may refuse boarding if an animal is restless, aggressive or displays signs of illness. It's important to keep an eye on your pet before and during travel.

• Documentation

Passengers must keep their pet's vaccination record, health certificate and identification documents readily available during the boarding procedure. The airline staff may require these documents for verification.

• Country Regulations

Note that certain countries impose restricted regulations regarding entry, departure and transit of animals. For more detailed information about those applicable to your destination country, passengers should speak with their airline's ticket counter or reservation office directly.

Specific Airline Pet Policy: Turkish Airlines & Pegasus

Each airline has its own set of rules for travelling with pets. It is important to understand these differences to have a pleasant travel experience. Here's an overview of the major airlines that operate at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, their pet policies and tips on booking flights with service dogs and pets.

1. Turkish Airlines Pet Transport Policy

General Guidelines

• Pets must have a health certificate from a veterinarian before international travel.
• Certain indigenous breeds from Türkiye (e.g., Sivas Kangal) may require special approval for international flights.
• Pets are not allowed on flights terminating in the UK or on commercial flights to Canada from Türkiye.

Transport in the Cargo Compartment

Pets not allowed in the cabin must be transported in the cargo section, provided their carrier meets size criteria (max 50 kg; 75 cm height, 75 cm width, 125 cm length).

Weight Allowances

Pets travelling in the aircraft cabin cannot exceed a total of 8 kg, including their carrier. The carrier dimensions must be no more than 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width and 40 cm in length.

For pets travelling in the aircraft cargo hold, carriers/cages cannot exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width and 125 cm in length. The total weight of the carrier and the pet together cannot exceed 50 kg.

Crate Requirements

• Carriers must have a hard surface; soft-sided carriers are not accepted in cargo.
• The carrier should allow the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, with ventilation and a lateral locking system.
• For flights over 8 hours or waits exceeding 4 hours, food, water, and identification tags are mandatory.

As of October 1, 2021, cats and dogs with respiratory issues cannot be transported in cargo.

Breed Restrictions

• Certain breeds (e.g., Birman, Persian cats; Pekingese, Bulldog dogs) may only travel in cargo and require reservations through Turkish Cargo.
• Dangerous breeds (e.g., American Bulldog, Rottweiler) can only travel in cargo with prior acceptance from Turkish Cargo.

Travelling with Multiple Pets

Up to three pets (10-24 weeks old, from the same mother) can share a carrier if each weighs up to 14 kg. Overweight pets must travel separately.

Service Animals

Must be trained and certified, with valid documentation. They may travel free in the cabin on most flights, with specific provisions for psychiatric service dogs.

Reservations

Pet transportation reservations must be made at least six hours before departure. Only two carriers are allowed per passenger (one in-cabin, one in cargo).

2. Pegasus Airlines Pet Transport Policy

Pegasus Airlines provides pet transportation as a Special Service at an additional fee, accepting cats, dogs and birds on domestic flights with international flights only permitting cats and dogs.

Prohibited Animals

Wild, predatory, and fighting dogs and birds are not allowed to be transported. Kangal dogs can only be transported up to six months of age. The following breeds are not permitted: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boxer, American Bulldog, Caucasian, Chow, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Mastiff, Mastino Napoletano, Pit Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, and Rottweiler.

Age Restrictions

Pets aged twelve weeks (3 months or older) or more will be accepted for travel. Pregnant animals, unweaned puppies/kittens, and nursing mothers are not allowed to fly.

Cabin and Cargo Transport

Pet Travel in Cabin (PETC): Pets that weigh less than 8 kilograms may travel aboard Pegasus aircraft in their cages or travel bags with maximum dimensions of 32 cm by 32 cm by 50 cm; two cats, dogs or birds from one mother may share one cage provided they belong together or can travel alone - the maximum accepted by Pegasus is two cats per cage, two dogs per cage or two birds in each.

Cargo Travel (AVIH): Pets over the weight limit must travel in the ventilated cargo compartment (AVIH). Please note that AVIH pets are only allowed on domestic flights.

PETC pets, except for birds, can be carried in the cabin on all Pegasus flights, except those to England, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Permitted bird species can only be transported on domestic flights in the cabin.

Legal Requirements

It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable legal regulations regarding pets at departure, arrival, transfer, and intermediate transit points.

Booking Process

All pet transport requests (PETC or AVIH) must be processed through the Pegasus Call Centre or travel agencies. Passengers are required to have a health certificate, vaccination certificate, and ID for their travelling pet. Additionally, those travelling to European Union member countries must possess a pet passport for their pet.

Seating Restrictions

Passengers travelling with PETC pets cannot sit in emergency exit seats or front-row seats with additional legroom.

For further details on the special rules regarding pets not carried in the cabin (AVIH), please refer to the Pegasus Airlines website.

Pet Fees Pegasus Airlines

Tips for Booking Flights for Service Dogs and Pets

#1. Check Airline Policies Early

It is important to find out the pet-related policies of the airline you’ll be booking with before you travel. The policies on this can be quite different and it is important to find out what the limitations of pet size, weight and breed are in relation to pet carriage in the cabin area.

#2. Make Reservations In Advance

Sometimes it is actually impossible to accommodate a pet in the cabin for a long time because of the lack of free space for it. So, it is wise to book a spot for your pet in advance. When booking a flight, tell the airline that you are going to bring your pet along.

#3. Gather Required Documentation

Ensure you have the all necessary vaccination records as well as the documents of identification of the pet will be necessary.  Bring the relevant documents that show registration of the service animals.

#4. Understanding Fees

As a final checklist, bear in mind and be prepared to pay extra cash if travelling with an animal. Live animal charges will depend on the airline company and whether the travel is with the cabin or as cargo. These costs should be confirmed during booking.

#5. Introducing Your Pet to the Carrier

Accustom your pet to the travel carrier at home before you put him or her in it to go for a trip. This will help to decrease the level of anxiety when on the day of travel.

#6. Travel Essentials

Include water, food and leashes, as well as any medications that your pet may need. Stuffed toys or small blankets may comfort them on the trip if you are taking them somewhere.

#7. Arrive early

Security checks may take a long time and you should factor this by arriving early at the airport. You and your pet will benefit from this by feeling less stressed.

#8. Consult with the airline for service animals

Contact the airline in advance to learn about their requirements if you plan on travelling with a guide dog. The registration and documentation may also vary with the airline that one uses as the service dog owner.

#9. Plan your Layovers

Check if your trip involves layovers to see if the connecting airlines have similar policies. Plan accordingly as it may be necessary to recheck both your pet's carrier and the pet itself.