Bringing Pets To Israel
Bringing Your Pet to Israel: The Complete Aliyah Guide
Microchips, rabies timing, quarantine, airlines and costs — everything you need to relocate your dog, cat or other pet to Israel.
Bringing your pet to Israel is one of the most stressful parts of making aliyah. You'll worry, second-guess yourself, and lie awake over paperwork. That's completely normal — and thousands of people do it successfully every year, almost all of them saying it was worth it. For most owners it isn't really a choice at all: the pet is family, and family comes too.
The process is expensive, bureaucratic and stressful for everyone involved. But with planning and realistic expectations, it's entirely doable. Here's the full picture.
Can you — and should you?
Israel allows the import of dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and some other pets, provided they meet the health and documentation requirements set by the Israeli Veterinary Services (part of the Ministry of Agriculture). At a glance, you'll need a microchip, a correctly-timed rabies vaccination, vet and government health certificates, an import permit, an approved airline, possibly quarantine, and a budget somewhere between $500 and $5,000+.
Bring your pet if they're young to middle-aged and healthy, handle stress reasonably well, and you're making permanent aliyah — and if you can afford the cost and have pet-friendly housing lined up.
Consider alternatives if your pet is very elderly or seriously unwell, extremely anxious, or if you're unsure about staying long-term, can't absorb the substantial cost, or own a breed that's banned or restricted in Israel.
The hardest truth: sometimes the most loving decision is not to put an elderly or fragile pet through international relocation. Only you can make that deeply personal choice — but for most owners, the reunion at the other end is worth the stress.
The regulations: who's in charge, and the country categories
All animal imports are regulated by the Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS), which issues permits, inspects at Ben Gurion, and manages quarantine. Their general line is +972-3-968-8500 (vet@moag.gov.il), and the airport veterinary office (+972-3-975-5874) operates 24/7.
Where you're coming from matters. "Approved" (low-risk) countries — including the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore — face simpler procedures, fewer restrictions, and may avoid quarantine entirely if every requirement is met. "Other" (higher-risk) countries — including the United States, Canada, most of Europe and the rest of the world — face more complex requirements, stricter documentation, and possible mandatory quarantine depending on vaccine timing.
Every pet, regardless of origin, needs:
A microchip — ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit), implanted before the rabies vaccination
A rabies vaccination — given after the microchip, with critical timing (see below)
A health certificate — from a licensed vet, government-endorsed, issued within 10 days of travel
An import permit — obtained from IVS in advance, specific to your pet's microchip
A blood titer test — for young animals or where vaccine timing falls short
Microchip and rabies: the detail that decides quarantine
This is where most relocations succeed or fail, so read carefully.
The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785-compliant and 15 digits, implanted by any licensed vet ($25–75). It must go in before the rabies vaccination — if done after, you'll have to revaccinate and start the clock again. The microchip number must appear on every document; any mismatch causes delays or rejection. If your pet has an older non-ISO chip, add a new ISO chip (don't remove the old one) or bring your own reader.
The rabies vaccination is the rule that catches people out. For pets aged 4+ months at travel, the vaccine must be given at least 30 days before arrival (and not more than a year before, unless boosters are maintained), with the microchip already in place. Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old before they can be vaccinated at all.
TimelineOutcomeMicrochip day 0 → vaccine day 1 → travel day 31+Correct — home quarantine possibleVaccine given, travel after only 20 daysToo early — facility quarantineVaccine first, microchip afterWrong order — must revaccinate, wait 30 days
The rabies certificate must show the pet's name, microchip number, vaccination and expiry dates, vaccine brand and batch number, and the vet's signature, licence number and clinic stamp. Both 1-year and 3-year formulations are accepted. A pet last vaccinated over a year ago needs a booster at least 30 days before travel.
The blood titer test
A titer test confirms rabies-antibody immunity. It's required for pets under 4 months at travel, where vaccine timing misses the 30-day minimum, or occasionally for high-risk areas or specific breeds.
The blood is drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sent to an approved lab (such as Kansas State University in the US); a passing result is ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Results take 2–4 weeks and cost $100–250 — so budget an extra 6–8 weeks into your timeline if you need one.
Two health certificates — don't skip the second
You need two separate documents, and the second is the one people forget.
The veterinary health certificate — from your licensed vet, within 10 days of travel (7 is safer), on the official IVS template. It must carry full pet ID, the microchip number, current rabies details, a fit-to-travel statement, and the vet's signature, licence number and stamp.
The government endorsement — after your vet signs, the certificate must be endorsed by your national authority. In the US that's USDA-APHIS (~$38, around 2 hours in person or 3–5 days by post); in Canada, CFIA runs a similar process; in the UK, the APHA vet certificate is usually sufficient with no separate endorsement; in the EU, you'll use an EU Pet Passport or an export certificate from an authorised vet.
Skipping the government endorsement is one of the most common — and most costly — mistakes. A vet's signature alone is not enough; Israel needs the national authority's stamp on top.
The import permit and arriving at Ben Gurion
Apply to IVS 2–4 weeks before travel (online or via vet@moag.gov.il). You'll provide owner and pet details, the microchip number, country of origin, flight and arrival information, and vaccination details — and attach the rabies certificate, pet records, your passport or Teudat Oleh, and proof of an Israeli address. Processing takes 1–2 weeks and the fee runs ~₪400–600 ($108–162). Print multiple copies; you cannot enter without it.
On arrival, cargo pets go to the airport animal-holding facility while you clear passport control first. Then head to the Veterinary Services office in the cargo/freight area (open 24/7), present your permit, endorsed certificate, rabies certificate, microchip documents and ID. The vet reviews everything, scans the chip and inspects the pet. The inspection fee is ~₪200–400 ($54–108), plus an after-hours surcharge. A smooth clearance takes 1–2 hours — if your documents are in order, your pet is released to you immediately.
Quarantine: home or facility
Home quarantine is the goal and is granted when every requirement is met perfectly — rabies vaccine 30+ days before arrival, proper documentation, and no health issues at inspection. Your pet comes home with you immediately, the (occasionally surprise) inspections happen at your address, it usually lasts 30 days, and it costs nothing.
Facility quarantine becomes mandatory when vaccine timing falls short, documents are irregular, the pet is a young animal without a titer test, or health or behaviour issues are found. Your pet stays at a government facility near Ben Gurion (Rishon LeZion area), typically for 30 days (occasionally up to 90), with very limited visits and a cost of roughly ₪50–100/day — about ₪1,500–3,000 ($405–810) for a month.
To avoid facility quarantine: microchip first then vaccinate; wait 31+ days after the rabies vaccine before travelling; travel when the pet is 4+ months old (or have a titer test); secure the import permit in advance; use a government-endorsed certificate; carry multiple copies of everything; and have proof of pet-friendly housing. The two most common triggers are vaccine timing under 30 days and a missing government endorsement.
Getting your pet on the plane
In-cabin travel is very limited — a soft carrier under the seat, with pet plus carrier usually capped at 8–10 kg, for very small pets only. It's less stressful and lower-risk (~$100–200 each way), but there are only 1–4 spaces per flight, so book early.
Cargo hold is how most pets fly. The hold is climate-controlled and pressurised — the same conditions as the cabin — with an IATA-approved crate and professional ground handling. It accommodates larger pets but they travel alone, and temperature delays are possible. Costs run from ~$200–500 (medium) to $300–800 (large) one way; book 4–6 weeks ahead and reconfirm.
Airlines that carry pets to Israel include El Al (cargo and small cabin; experienced, but no Shabbat/holiday flights and temperature limits apply), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt/Munich), Swiss (via Zurich), Air France/KLM (via Paris/Amsterdam) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul — mind the long layovers). US carriers generally offer limited or no direct service, usually requiring a European hub connection. Direct flights are always preferable; if you must connect, choose layovers of 3+ hours and ideally a single airline.
The crate, preparation and sedation
The crate must let your pet stand fully upright, turn around and lie down comfortably. It should be rigid plastic or wood, ventilated on 3–4 sides, with a secure bolted door and a leak-proof floor, clearly labelled "LIVE ANIMAL" and "THIS WAY UP" with your contact details and an attached water bowl. Airline-approved models (like the Petmate Sky Kennel) run $50–200 — and you should test your pet in it well before the day.
Start crate training 4–6 weeks out: feed meals inside and turn it into a safe den. Get a vet check-up 2–3 weeks before and ensure all vaccines are current (some airlines want bordetella). On the day, give a light meal 3–4 hours before, water until 2 hours before, plenty of exercise, and a calm goodbye. Arrive 3–4 hours early, and freeze the water bowl so ice cubes travel without spilling.
On sedation: most vets and airlines advise against it. At altitude it can impair breathing, balance and temperature regulation, and IATA recommends against it. Better alternatives are pheromone sprays (Adaptil, Feliway), calming supplements, an anxiety wrap, and thorough crate training. Only sedate under specific veterinary direction.
What it actually costs
A realistic budget is $2,000–5,000+, swinging widely with pet size, country of origin, airline, whether you use a relocation service, and whether quarantine is required.
ItemCostMicrochip (if needed)$25–75Rabies vaccine$15–35Health exam & certificate$50–150Blood titer (if needed)$150–250Government endorsement$38–100Import permit~$108–162Travel crate$50–200Airline (cabin → large cargo)$100–800Airport inspection~$54–108Facility quarantine (30 days)$405–810Relocation service (optional)$500–2,000+
Some realistic worked totals: a small dog done DIY, direct flight, no quarantine, comes to around $1,000; a large dog DIY with a connection and home quarantine, around $1,650; a medium dog using a service with facility quarantine, around $3,300.
Don't forget the easily-overlooked extras: a pet taxi to the airport ($50–150), the Israeli arrival vet check and municipal registration, an apartment pet deposit (₪1,000–3,000 / $270–810) and higher rent for a pet-friendly unit. The seasoned advice is unanimous: budget about 50% more than your estimate.
Service or DIY?
A pet relocation service handles paperwork, permits, airline booking, the crate, and often airport drop-off and Israeli pick-up, for $500–2,500 on top of your other expenses (vet, cargo and quarantine usually excluded). It buys expertise, fewer mistakes and peace of mind — best for first-timers, complex cases, or anyone who dreads bureaucracy. Known names include PetRelocation, Airpets International, Starwood Pet Travel and IPATA-accredited firms; always ask how many pets they've brought to Israel and what's included.
Doing it yourself saves $500–2,000+ and gives you full control, but it's time-consuming, stressful, and mistakes can mean quarantine — plus Hebrew-language hurdles. It's best for organised, detail-oriented owners with a straightforward, healthy adult pet and time to research. If you go DIY, start 3–4 months out, build a checklist, join the Facebook groups, document everything, and verify rather than assume.
A hybrid is common and sensible: handle the vet work and documentation yourself, but pay a service to navigate the Israeli import permit and airline coordination (or the reverse). Put the money where you need the most help.
Special cases: breeds, ages and other animals
Israel restricts breeds deemed dangerous — including the Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and Tosa Inu, among others. They may be denied entry or require special permits, insurance and strict muzzle/leash compliance. Check current rules early and be honest about breed — the consequences of hiding it are serious.
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds — bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Persian cats — face higher breathing risk in flight and greater temperature sensitivity, and many airlines restrict them. If you must fly one, travel in cooler months, use a larger crate, and get a vet's fitness assessment.
Puppies and kittens can't be vaccinated before 3 months, so 6+ months is the safer travel age. Each additional pet needs its own documentation and crate, and airline limits (2–4 per flight) and costs multiply. For birds, rabbits and exotics, rules vary widely — birds face strict rules and often lengthy quarantine; rabbits are broadly like cats and dogs but not all airlines carry them; reptiles need species-specific permits and some are prohibited; fish are best rehomed. For any non-cat/dog pet, consult IVS and a specialist directly.
The timeline: start 3–4 months out
3–4 months before: Research IVS regulations and decide DIY or service. Confirm the ISO microchip (implant if needed), give the rabies vaccine (after the microchip), begin crate training, and research airlines and pet-friendly housing.
2–3 months before: Book your ticket and reserve pet space separately. Do the titer test now if it's needed. Buy the airline-approved crate and keep training. Start gathering import-permit documents.
4–6 weeks before: Apply for the IVS import permit, reconfirm the airline reservation, schedule the health-certificate vet visit and government endorsement, and finalise housing.
The final 10 days: Get the vet health certificate (within 7–10 days) and the immediate government endorsement, make multiple copies of everything, reconfirm with the airline, and prepare the crate, labels and bowls. On the day: light meals, extra exercise, a calm goodbye.
After you land: Clear at the airport vet office, then let your pet rest and decompress with a small meal and familiar routine. In the first week, register the pet with your municipality, find a local vet and book a check-up.
Life in Israel with a pet
Pet-friendly rentals are limited, especially in city centres. Many landlords say "no pets," deposits run higher (₪1,000–3,000), and large dogs face the most resistance. Search Yad2 specifically for pets-allowed listings, be upfront, offer a higher deposit and references, and present a well-behaved pet at viewings. Suburbs and beach towns like Herzliya and Netanya are easier than central Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
Veterinary care is excellent and modern, at costs similar to the US and Europe — check-ups ~₪200–400, vaccinations ~₪100–300, spay/neuter ~₪800–1,500. English-speaking vets are easy to find in the major cities.
And Israel — Tel Aviv especially — is a genuinely dog-friendly country: designated dog parks, dog-friendly beach sections, welcoming hiking trails, and outdoor cafe seating. Dogs ride buses and trains muzzled and leashed.
A few legal basics: register your dog with the municipality (annual ~₪100–200), keep the rabies vaccination current and the microchip registered in the Israeli database, observe leash laws, and muzzle restricted breeds. Expect a fortnight or so of disorientation as your pet settles — most do within 2–4 weeks. The real adjustment is the Israeli summer: walk early morning and evening, never midday on hot pavement, always carry water, and watch closely for heat stress in that first summer.
The two mistakes that cause most of the heartbreak
If you take nothing else from this guide: vaccine timing under 30 days and a missing government endorsement cause most of the quarantine stories. Get those two exactly right and you've removed the biggest risks.
Always verify
Regulations, fees and contact details change. Confirm current requirements with the Israeli Veterinary Services and your country's export authority before you act — this guide is comprehensive but general, and your situation may have its own wrinkles.
Families belong together. Your pet is more resilient than you fear. The journey is hard but temporary, the documentation is just details to be worked through, and the reunion at the other end is worth every shekel and every sleepless night.
Planning your pet's move, choosing a service, or untangling the rabies-timing rules for your situation? Olim Advice offers free guidance to every oleh — reach out and we'll help you build the timeline and point you to people who know the process. B'hatzlacha.