Job Discussion Forums

[gursky]

It's not a problem to bring a dog in to Turkey, and although Turkey is not as animal friendly as some Western countries there are a lot of people who love animals. If you're planning to live in a flat, it might be a bit tricky, not impossible, it depends on your landlord etc.

I don't know where you're from but it's very difficult and expensive to take the animal back. It's much easier bringing a pet in to Turkey especially if your coming from a country like the UK. I'm in the process of taking my cats to Turkey but I'm not going to bring them back.

[Shalana]

I brought my cat into Turkey 5 years ago - had all her shots, papers, ID chip, etc. They did not even look in her direction let alone ask to see any of these papers at Ataturk airport when I arrived from the Czech Republic. You could probably walk a gorilla on a leash through customs, but I recommend you do have all the appropriate paperwork as it's not worth the risk.

As for landlords, I haven't noticed hardly any that advertise saying you can't have pets. Pet friendly landlords seem to abound on craigslist. I would also recommend www.sahibinden.com and looking for places for rent by owner as they may be more pet friendly and you can avoid the real estate agent fee that way.

Pets are becoming more and more common, especially among Turks. I don't think you will have too many problems. You could also adopt a don't ask/don't tell kind of thing. If the landlord doesn't mention pets, then you don't either - if you're comfortable with that.

[geegcurtin]

Hi everybody! Myself and my boyfriend are considering teaching in Turkey next year (arriving between May/September.)
We have a cocker spaniel that we will be taking with us. I would love to hear from the original poster if she did go to Turkey with her dog and how it turned out?

[sixthchild]

God I would really love to have a dog, but although my apartment block is dog-friendly I feel that having to keep an animal cooped up all day while I work would be a bit too much. On top of that, there is the issue of other dogs who roam the streets freely and are very territorial, they usually run in packs and someone walking a dog, especially a small one would be vunerable, so for that reason I have made the choice about not getting one even though there are so many here who could do with a home!
I admire your bravery, hope your pet appreciates it!

[geegcurtin]

Oh,that does sound scary!
I would hate to put my dog through that!
Where do you live? Is it like that all over Turkey?

[sixthchild]

Some may say I'm overstating the case but after been here a while like 15 years + I think I have seen the true picture. I live in Izmir and generally people want to be animal lovers but in their minds a dog is a dirty animal, you can see how they shy away from them in the street and so many I have seen in pretty grim circumstances especially in markets and wait for it;;;;;;;; Pet shops!!! The best you can do if you really feel the need is to leave yours back home with someone who will give it affection and then rescue one from the clutches of cruelty in this blighted godforsaken country!
Now thats real bravery!!

[scot47]

Having a dog is one of the delights of retiring to God's Own Country (even if it p**s with rain all the time !)