Living with Pets in the TRNC: Cat and Dog Guide

Short answer: Living with pets in Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is possible and common; however, four matters should be planned from the outset: entry documents for the island, pet permission in rental homes and residential complexes, long and hot summers, and local rules for dogs. Under the regulation within the scope of the Animal Welfare Law, dog breeds declared dangerous are prohibited from being brought into and kept in the TRNC. Apart from this, with a good veterinarian and the right home, cats and dogs can live a comfortable life on the island.

This article has been prepared for readers planning to move to the island with their cat or dog, or considering adopting an animal while living here. We briefly summarize entry documents and focus mainly on daily life on the island. For details of travel preparations, you can see the pet section in our guide to moving to the TRNC.

Bringing a pet to the TRNC: brief summary

To bring your cat or dog to the TRNC, you need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination administered after the microchip, and a veterinary health certificate issued shortly before departure. In practice, the rabies vaccination is required to have been administered at least 21 days before travel.

• Microchip: The vaccination must be administered after the chip; the order is important.
• Rabies vaccination: It must be recorded in the vaccination booklet with the date and serial number.
• Health certificate: Obtained from an authorized veterinarian a few days before travel.
• Transport: On airlines, small animals travel in the cabin and larger ones in the cargo hold; if you are arriving by ferry, ask the company about the rules in advance.

The current entry requirements (vaccination period, whether a titre test is required) are determined by the Veterinary Department under the TRNC Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Since rules may change, be sure to confirm them before setting off. As travel can be tiring for animals in the hot months, schedule the move for spring or autumn if possible.

Living with pets in the TRNC: legal framework

The main regulation concerning pets in the TRNC is the Animal Welfare Law No. 8/2013. The Stray Dogs and Dangerous Dogs Regulation issued on the basis of this law contains rules that particularly concern dog owners.

• Dangerous breeds: It is prohibited to breed, keep, bring into the TRNC, or sell dog breeds included in the list of dangerous animals created under the law. If your dog's breed may be related to this list, consult the Veterinary Department before moving.
• Public areas: Dogs registered as dangerous dogs must be walked in public areas with their owner, on a short leash, and muzzled.
• Registration: The regulation assigns municipalities the duty of registering owned dogs within their boundaries and preventing them from roaming stray. The issuance of dog identity documents is also regulated by a separate regulation. After you move, ask your municipality and the Veterinary Department about the registration steps.
• Lost dog: The owner of a lost and found dog is obliged to cover the expenses incurred by the municipality and shelter for the dog. This is another reason why it is important for your chip registration to be up to date.

This summary is based on the basic provisions of the regulation text and does not replace legal advice. As of October 2026, confirm the current practice with the Veterinary Department and your municipality.

Pets in rental homes and residential complexes

The most common problem faced by newcomers to the island is finding a rental home that accepts pets. Many landlords include a pet clause in the lease agreement; some do not accept pets at all, while others request an additional deposit.

Clarify the following before renting:

1. Written permission in the agreement: Pet permission should be written in the agreement, not verbal. Specify the type and number of animals.
2. Deposit and damage: Discuss in advance how scratches, odours, and furniture damage will be assessed; add entry photos to the agreement.
3. Complex rules: Resort complexes may have rules regarding common areas, pool surroundings, and elevator use. Ask management for written complex rules.
4. Garden and fence: If you have a dog, check whether the garden perimeter is enclosed.

We explained what should be included in a lease agreement in our article how to make a lease agreement in Cyprus. If you are a homeowner and rent out your apartment short term, clearly stating your pet rule in the listing text and house rules reduces disputes.

Hot summers and health: care on the island

For pet owners, the most challenging aspect of Cyprus is the long and hot summer. According to averages, daytime temperatures in July and August are around 33 °C in Girne and around 37 °C in Lefkoşa; during heatwaves, these values rise even higher.

• Walking times: Walk dogs early in the morning and after sunset in summer. Asphalt and sand can cause paw burns at midday.
• A cool corner: Leave a shaded, well-ventilated area at home; shade and plenty of water are essential for animals that stay outside for long periods.
• Do not leave them in the car: Even during a short grocery stop, a parked vehicle heats up very quickly.
• Parasite protection: Regular protection against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes is important in the hot and humid climate. Consult your local veterinarian about which vaccines and preventives are required.
• Power outage: In the event of outages that may occur during the summer months, consider how your animal will stay cool in a home dependent on air conditioning.

In winter, the situation is reversed: winter is mild, but homes can be colder and more humid than expected. A warm bed and a dry room are beneficial for older animals. For details of the climate, you can read our article on Cyprus climate and seasons.

Veterinarians, food, and daily needs

Veterinary clinics and pet shops are mainly located in settlement centers such as Lefkoşa, Girne, Gazimağusa, and İskele. If you live in Karpaz or remote villages, find out in advance the distance to the nearest clinic and to a veterinarian offering nighttime emergency services.

After arriving on the island, register with a local veterinarian, maintain the vaccination schedule, and keep your animal's health records with you. If you use a special food or medicine, research whether it is available on the island before moving; some products may occasionally be unavailable because they arrive via Turkey. Bringing a sufficient amount with you for the first weeks is a good precaution.

If you travel frequently while living on the island, also make a plan for the days you are away from home. If you will take your animal with you on short trips to Turkey or another country, remember that the same document and vaccination rules will apply on return; check in advance that vaccination dates match your travel schedule. If you will leave the animal on the island, you need to find a trusted neighbor, sitter, or a veterinary clinic that provides boarding services. For those living in residential complexes, the most practical solution is often mutual help among neighbors. Whichever option you choose, leave the sitter your veterinarian's phone number, the vaccination booklet, and your animal's daily routine in writing; especially remind them to ensure the continuity of air conditioning and water during the summer months.

Stray animals and volunteering

Stray cats and, from time to time, stray dogs are part of daily life in the TRNC. According to the regulation, municipalities are responsible for providing suitable shelters for stray dogs, supporting neutering programs, and organizing educational activities on this subject. A person who catches a stray dog must also notify the authorized person at the municipality.

Many residents living on the island volunteer with animal protection associations and shelters, donate food, or provide temporary foster homes. For newcomers, this is both a meaningful contribution and an easy way to meet the local community. If you are considering adoption, adopting from a shelter and having the animal neutered and vaccinated is the most responsible route.

Choosing an area and home with a pet

For someone who will live with a pet, the right home is often chosen according to the garden, flooring, and surroundings before the view. The table below summarizes frequently encountered housing types from a pet perspective.

The table is based on general observation. Whatever the type, look at the flooring material (slippery ceramic tiles can be difficult for older dogs), stairs, and whether the home stays cool. When choosing a home, you can evaluate climate and insulation together with our comparison apartment or villa in Cyprus.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog to the TRNC?

Yes; a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination administered after the microchip, and a veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel are required. However, dog breeds on the dangerous animals list are prohibited from being brought into the TRNC. Ask the TRNC Veterinary Department about the current requirements and breed list before setting off.

Is dog registration mandatory in the TRNC?

The regulation assigns municipalities the duty of registering owned dogs within their boundaries; the dog identity document is also regulated by a separate regulation. After moving, ask the municipality you are affiliated with and the Veterinary Department which registration steps are required. As of October 2026, confirm the current practice.

Can pets be kept in a rental home?

It depends on the landlord. Many landlords include a pet clause in the lease agreement; some do not accept pets, while others request an additional deposit. Be sure to have the permission written into the agreement and specify the animal's type and number. For homes within residential complexes, also separately check the management's common area rules.

Is the summer heat in Cyprus dangerous for dogs?

Yes, if care is not taken. In July and August, daytime temperatures are around 33 °C in Girne and 37 °C in Lefkoşa. Walk dogs early in the morning and late in the evening, keep them away from hot asphalt and sand at midday, provide plenty of water and shade, and never leave them in a vehicle.

Is it easy to find a veterinarian in the TRNC?

Veterinary clinics and pet shops are available in centers such as Lefkoşa, Girne, Gazimağusa, and İskele. If you live in remote villages, find out in advance the distance to the nearest clinic and to a veterinarian offering nighttime emergency services. After arriving on the island, register with a local veterinarian and maintain the vaccination schedule.

If you would like to evaluate the area and home type where you and your pet will be comfortable together, you can contact the Akol Global team.

This article is for informational purposes only; it does not replace legal, tax, or financial advice. Last updated: October 2026.