Taking your Pet to North Cyprus

Tigger says - I've said I'm coming but how do I get there?

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS
1) Export Health Certificate issued by DEFRA UK
Accompanies all dogs and cats exported from the UK. Contact the Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO) that covers your area, for an application form. When you return it they will send out a certificate to your nominated “official veterinarian” who will complete the certification.
NB. Only an “official veterinarian” can issue the Export Health Certificate. Your local AHDO can advise on who they are. The next four medical procedures can be carried out by any registered veterinary surgeon

2) Microchipping

This is done at the same time as or before the rabies vaccination. It provides positive proof of your pet’s identity and medical record.

3) Rabies Vaccination

A rabies vaccination must be given not more than twelve months prior to export, and a Rabies Vaccination Certificate completed by the veterinary surgeon.
Make sure you arrange the vaccination early enough to allow time to complete the rest of the procedures (a minimum of two months before departure).

4) Blood Test
Must be done one month after the rabies vaccination. A “pass” means the vaccination has given sufficient protection against rabies, and a Rabies Diagnostic Test Report will be issued. Allow at least a month for these results to come back. In a small number of cases, the animal will “fail” the test, which means both vaccination and test will have to be repeated.

5) Examination by a Vet 48 Hours Before Travel
Required by the airline to confirm that your pet is fit to travel

6) Import License for North Cyprus
This must be obtained from the North Cyprus Veterinary Authorities, and accompany the animal.

7) Statutory Declaration

Owner’s declaration stating that the animals are intended for export from the UK and have not been imported into the UK during the past six months.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
You will need to obtain a travel box, the size and construction of which must conform to IATA standards. Seek advice from your airline or the official veterinarian.
Contact Turkish Airlines regarding air freight of your animals. All flights to North Cyprus arrive at Ercan Airport.

QUARANTINE IN NORTH CYPRUS
Currently, when you bring your dog or cat into North Cyprus, it will have to go into quarantine for three or four weeks. (This applies EVERY TIME your pet re-enters the country). This also applies even though your pet may have a Pet Passport as North Cyprus is not able to participate in this scheme.

The only quarantine premises in North Cyprus are the government run Lefkoşa Quarantine Kennels. When you arrive at Ercan airport, Customs will phone through to the Veterinary Department and they will send someone from the Veterinary Department to escort your animal to the kennels. (They have staff on duty 24 hours). You may accompany your pet to the kennels and settle them in. Owners are advised that they will have to provide all food for their animals and may need to clean out their pet’s quarters themselves. We have been told that staff at the kennels will feed animals if food is left, provide water and do cleaning, however, it goes without saying that owners should regularly visit to check on their pets. Most owners go daily. Dogs may be taken out for exercise within the quarantine area.

COSTS IN NORTH CYPRUS

At the time of writing, the costs within North Cyprus are as follows:
- Airport charge on arrival TL 17 lira (about £6.60)
- Veterinary Department transport TL 18 lira (about £7.00)
- Quarantine TL 2 lira per day (about £0.78p)
(based on an exchange rate of £1.00 to TL 2.563)

HAVING SOMEONE ORGANISE IT FOR YOU
Companies in the UK which specialise in pet travel, such as Airpets, will make some of the arrangements for you, primarily UK documentation and travel arrangements. However you will still have to arrange the veterinary procedures yourself. Costs vary according to animal, location and so on, but you can expect to pay a minimum of £400 - £500 for this service. Always get a personalised quote which clearly shows which activities will be carried out by the company.

THE PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS)
Unfortunately North Cyprus can no longer participate in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) after the 30th September 2004, following a ruling by the European Commission.
All animals therefore that return to the UK from N. Cyprus will be subject to six months quarantine.

MOVING TO NORTH CYPRUS
Although the quarantine situation is not ideal, many people moving here do bring their pets with them and experience no problems. (Some new residents have commented that if you are having building work done, it may be better for your pets to be in the quarantine kennels during this time).
If you are moving to North Cyprus but intend spending some of the year in the UK, you will need to think about how your pets are going to be cared for during your absence. Several small private boarding kennels are available for dogs for around £5.00 per day but places may be limited at popular times. Only limited short-term accommodation for cats is available at the moment, however a purpose built cattery will shortly be under construction. Various “housesitting” services are available which may include pet feeding, and many residents rely on family members or friends.

NOTE: It is now illegal for any animal to cross the border from South to North Cyprus and from North to South Cyprus.