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Dog travel guide

Istanbul Airport IST

Turkish Airlines Pet Lounge in Istanbul, Türkiye: where dogs go after landing, what to bring, and how collection usually works.

Plan this routeCabin, cargo, breed and crate checks
Dog airport guide for Istanbul Airport
Dog arrival guide

Turkish Airlines Pet Lounge

Turkish Airlines opened a dedicated soundproof Pet Lounge at Istanbul Airport in December 2024, designed for maximum comfort for pets before flights. The airline also has dedicated pet check-in desks at Istanbul. The airport features free pet rooms and relief areas after passport control. Istanbul is an increasingly popular transit hub for pet relocations between Europe and Asia/Middle East.

Collection Point

The Pet Lounge is within Istanbul Airport, accessible to departing passengers. Pet relief rooms are located after security on the Departures floor. Cargo pet collection is through the cargo terminal — contact Turkish Airlines Cargo.

Hours

24/7 (airport); Pet Lounge during operating hours

Dog-Owner Tip

Turkish Airlines allows cabin pets up to 8 kg (including carrier, max 23×30×40 cm). Pets exceeding these dimensions travel in the hold or cargo. The Pet Lounge is designed for larger pets awaiting flights. Turkish Airlines is one of the most pet-friendly major carriers globally.

Facility map

Map the animal facility, not just the passenger terminal.

The critical address is usually the cargo, animal reception, quarantine or border-inspection facility. Use this as a starting map search, then confirm the exact entrance with the airline, facility or receiving agent before travelling.

  • AirportIstanbul Airport (IST)
  • CityIstanbul, Türkiye
  • FacilityTurkish Airlines Pet Lounge
  • Hours24/7 (airport); Pet Lounge during operating hours
  • Phone+90 212 463 63 63
Istanbul Airport airport location view

Before the flight

Send document scans early where the facility offers pre-checks, and confirm whether the airline treats your dog as cabin, checked baggage, AVIH or manifest cargo.

After landing

Wait for clearance updates. Cargo and animal reception facilities are often outside passenger terminals and may need a taxi, car or agent appointment.

What to carry

Bring photo ID, original veterinary documents, microchip details, airway bill numbers, agent contacts and a charged phone.