Job Discussion Forums

istanbullheaded · Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Posts: 23

I'm leaving Turkey with my cats in one month, and part of the process is getting damga pulu, government stamps. Supposedly I can get these in kirtasiye (stationery stores) and newspaper kiosks but I've asked many and no one knows anything. Please help. Also, if you know anything about getting cats out of here -- anything -- please let me know.

Bogazicibaby · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 68 Location: Istanbul

where are you taking them? Most countries require a health certificate within a certain amount of days and current rabies vaccinations. I'm thinking that if you have one cat, you can buy a ticket and place the cat in an airplane approved travel bag under the seat in front of you. If you have two or more, it requires the cats to be shipped in the cargo hold.

what your destination is determines what kind of paperwork you need to get the cats into the country. I was reading something the other day about cats going into EU countries. It sounded like a bit pain in the rump.

I'll have to worry about this same issue one of these days. Good LUCK!

gelin · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

I have travelled with my dog on numerous occasions in and out of the States and Turkey. I had to obtain a health certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture (in charge of animals) and it had to be less than a week old -- I took the vet's records of a rabies shot within the week and then go the papers -- and they put on the stamps. I don' t know where you are in Turkey, but call the consulate/embassy and ask to be sure.

istanbullheaded · Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Posts: 23

Thanks a lot Gelin. I asked the US consulate in Istanbul about what to do, and they just referred me to their wbsite, which sounds as if I need to get the damga pulu myself. I live in Beyoglu and have a municipal building info, which is where I was told to go by a Turkish friend who called for me. Thanks again.