Transportation of a Pet From Abroad to Israel: Step-By-Step Guide

Bringing a pet to Israel is entirely possible to arrange independently; however, it requires several months of advance planning to meet all legal and veterinary requirements. Alternatively, specialized pet relocation companies can manage the process on your behalf, though this involves additional costs.

The following procedure applies to dogs and cats only.

Step 1: Meet Import Requirements for Pets Entering Israel

Make sure your dog or cat meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Age: Pets must be at least 4 months old to enter Israel. Pets from Rabies-Free Countries* are permitted from the age of 3 months.
• Ownership Duration: You must have owned your pet for at least 90 days prior to entry.
• Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped with a device compliant with ISO standards 11784 and 11785.
• Rabies Vaccination: Vaccinated against rabies at the age of 3 months or older, not more than one year and not less than 30 days before arrival in Israel. Dogs from Rabies-Free Countries* will be required to get a rabies vaccination within 5 days of entering Israel.
• Rabies Titer Test and Veterinary Certificate: See steps 2 and 3
• Import License: According to Israeli law, an import license is required when bringing an animal into Israel, unless an exemption applies.
  • If the following conditions are met, an exemption applies:
    • The owner is over 18 years old.
    • The importation is of up to two pets maximum (dogs and/or cats). 
    • The pets arrive with their owner on the same flight.
    • The pets were in the physical possession of the owner for at least 90 days prior to the flight to Israel.
    • The pets meet all listed health requirements.
    • The pets are not of a breed whose entry into Israel is restricted (see below). 
    • The pets will remain in Israel with their owner, who will arrive with it on the same flight, and are not intended to be given or sold.
  • In case you do not meet the exemption requirements, you must apply for an import license. At the moment, only Israeli residents can apply for an import license online. For inquiries, please contact the Import-Export Unit – Veterinary Services and Animal Health: Vs-ie@moag.gov.il

*Animals from Rabies-Free Countries: An animal that was either born in one of the rabies-free countries (Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Cyprus, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, or Ireland) and remained there continuously until its arrival in Israel, or it has stayed continuously in one of these countries for more than one year.

Importation of Restricted Breeds

Importing certain animal breeds classified as “dangerous” requires an import license. The following breeds are currently regulated:

• Dogs: American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Amstaff), Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Spitz, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (English Staff), Pit Bull Terrier, Brazilian Fila, and Rottweiler
• Cats: Bengal, Savannah, and other hybrid breeds with wild cats.

Additionally, some airlines restrict or prohibit transportation of these breeds. Always confirm with your airline in advance.

Step 2: Rabies Titer Test

A rabies antibody titer test must be performed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, but no more than 12 months prior to travel. Results typically take 3–6 weeks, depending on the laboratory:

• The test must be preformed in an EU or WOAH-approved laboratory
• The test must show that the rabies neutralizing antibody titer is equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml.
• If the animal has been vaccinated more than once against rabies and at least 30 days have passed since the first vaccination, only a 14-day waiting period is required.

Pets from Rabies-Free Countries* (see above) are exempt from this requirement.

Step 3: Veterinary Health Certificate

Once you have the Rabies Titer Test results and your travel date is set, the next step is to obtain a veterinary health certificate. Your pet must travel with a certificate that meets the following requirements:

• In accordance with the Israeli certificate model.
• Signed and approved by a government veterinarian from the country of origin.
• The health certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to the date of import.
• The health certificate must declare that the animal has been examined, shows no signs of infectious or contagious disease, and meets the above-listed requirements.

This certificate will be valid for 10 days from the date of issue. Therefore, plan the arrival to Israel accordingly.

Step 4: Pre-Flight Clearance

Once you have the Veterinary Health Certificate ready, and at least two business days before departure, it’s time to obtain a flight clearance for your pet:

1. Fill the Personal Import of Dogs and Cats online application form:
   • Personal details of the owner
   • Stay address in Israel
   • Flight details
   • Animal details
   • Owner declaration
2. Attach the veterinary health certificate
3. Attach the Rabies titer test results (when applicable).

You will receive confirmation. Do not proceed with travel unless you have received official approval.

*This procedure only applies to arrivals via Ben Gurion Airport, for applications that don’t require an import license.

Step 5: Arrival in Israel!

It’s time! Once you get the approval for personal import of dogs and cats (flight clearance), your pet can board a flight to Israel!

• If your pet has been granted an import license exemption and flight approval, you may enter Israel with them through the passenger terminal.
• Upon arrival, go through the red customs track, declare your pet, and show the flight approval. Have your veterinary health certificates and rabies titer test results available, just in case.
• If you’re bringing a dog, you must register it with your local authority and get a dog license within 5 business days of arrival, as required by Israeli law.

Important! Don’t forget a travel authorization for yourself! Travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply from ETA-IL before their flight to Israel.

Preparation & Travel Tips

Before Booking:

• Verify airline policies regarding pet travel. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin (typically up to 8 kg), others only in cargo.
• Book your pet’s place on the flight early. Most airlines allow only one pet per passenger in the cabin, with additional animals permitted in cargo.

Travel Crates:

• Cabin: Use a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat; dimensions vary by airline.
• Cargo: Use a hard-sided IATA-compliant crate large enough for your pet to stand and turn around comfortably.

Acclimatization:

• Introduce your pet to the crate in advance.
• Leave the crate accessible at home and offer treats inside to create a positive association.

Medications:

• Airlines generally prohibit sedatives. Only natural calming aids may be used. Consult your veterinarian for safe options.

Day of Travel:

• Line the crate with absorbent pads (e.g., puppy pads).
• Place a worn t-shirt or item with your scent inside the crate for comfort.
• At the airport, pets must be removed from their crates during security screening. Train them to wear a harness, or request a private screening room if escape risk exists.
• Upon arrival, have all original documentation ready for customs inspection.
• Consider arranging a transport from the airport, as not all taxis at Ben Gurion Airport take animals.

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Please review the Official information on the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture guide.