Brit holidaymakers heading to Turkey this summer are being urged to exercise caution after the Foreign Office issued a safety warning concerning stray dogs, particularly in busy urban areas and tourist hotspots. The update, highlighted in new travel advice, warns British travellers to avoid approaching stray animals, citing both the risk of aggressive behaviour and the presence of rabies in the country.
“Most towns and cities have stray dogs,” the Foreign Office said. “Packs gather in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive. Be cautious and avoid approaching stray dogs. If you’re bitten, seek medical advice immediately. Rabies and other animal-borne diseases are present in Turkey.”
The warning comes as Turkey remains a top destination for UK tourists, with the port city of Marmaris recently named the cheapest short-haul holiday location for British families.
According to Post Office Travel Money, a basket of 10 holiday essentials, including a three-course meal for four, costs just £67.67, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious travellers.
However, officials are reminding tourists that safety should never be compromised for savings.
High rates of pet abandonment, especially during the peak holiday season, have contributed to a growing population of stray animals across Turkey. Many of these dogs roam the streets in search of food, water, and shelter, sometimes forming territorial packs.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) classifies Turkey as a “high risk” country for rabies in terrestrial animals. Rabies, a viral disease spread through animal bites and scratches, is almost always fatal if untreated. However, prompt post-exposure treatment is highly effective at preventing infection.
Between 2000 and 2024, six cases of human rabies linked to animal exposures abroad were reported in the UK, urging the need for increased awareness among international travellers.
The NHS recommends travellers to rabies-affected countries consider pre-exposure vaccination, especially if they’re likely to come into contact with animals.
Tourists are also advised to take immediate action if bitten, scratched, or even licked by an animal. The wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, and medical advice sought as soon as possible, even in cases where symptoms seem minor.
The Foreign Office encourages British nationals to review the latest travel advice and health guidance on the Foreign Office website before going abroad.