Pets allowed to travel on bus rides in Turkey

Duvar English

Pets equipped with vaccination cards will be allowed to travel alongside passengers on commercial bus rides, Turkey's Official Gazette reported Jan. 10.

"Pets like cats, dogs (except for dangerous ones) and birds (goldfinches, parakeets and canaries) endowed with their vaccination cards will be allowed on board on the condition their carrier is locked," the statement from the Transportation Ministry said.

Passengers will be allowed to keep their caged pet on their lap or under the seat in front of them.

The statement also noted it will now be possible to organize special trips with no human passengers and only pets.

Prior to the decision, many bus companies forbade pets on board or would have them travel in the luggage compartment, which likely affects the animals' well being.