Aug 19

Making Aliyah with Pets: A Comprehensive Guide to Bringing Your Furry Family to Israel

Bottom Line Up Front: Bringing pets during aliyah requires 2-3 months of advance planning, costs $2,000-5,000+, and involves strict veterinary requirements. While challenging, thousands of olim successfully relocate with their beloved companions each year.

For many families making aliyah, leaving behind a beloved pet is simply not an option. As one oleh shared, “Moving to Israel would be harder with a pet, but worth it in the end.” This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of bringing your furry, feathered, or scaled family member to the Jewish homeland.

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

Multiple Authorities Oversee Pet Immigration

Three primary Israeli authorities govern pet importation:

  • Misrad Hachaklaut (Ministry of Agriculture) - Sets health and safety standards
  • Reshut Hateva V’haganim (Nature Parks Authority) - Regulates wildlife and exotic animals
  • Airlines - Each carrier has specific pet transport policies

Israel’s Misrad Hachaklaut (Ministry of Agriculture), Reshut Hateva V’haganim (Nature Parks Authority), and each airline have specific regulations determining which pets are eligible to travel on aircraft and be approved for entry into Israel. Coordinating your pet’s Aliyah requires advanced planning.

No Mandatory Quarantine with Proper Documentation

Unlike many countries, there is no mandatory quarantine in Israel when pets meet all requirements. However, animals that don’t comply with regulations may face quarantine, return to origin country, or euthanasia at the owner’s expense.

Essential Requirements for Dogs and Cats

Microchip Identification

The first step of the process is to implant them with a microchip. The microchip should be subcutaneous (applied under the skin) and it should comply with the ISO standards (#11784 and #11785). If your pet has a non-compliant chip, you must provide your own scanner.

Rabies Vaccination Protocol

Timing Requirements: Must be administered within the year, and no less than a month prior to the pet’s arrival in Israel. (This is an Israeli requirement, even if the vaccine given to your pet is valid for more than a year.)

Documentation: Obtain an International Certificate of Rabies Vaccine from your veterinarian immediately after vaccination.

Exceptions: A rabies vaccination isn’t required if the dog/cat was born in a rabies-free country (Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Cyprus, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom or Ireland) and remained there continuously until its flight to Israel.

Rabies Serological (Titer) Test

This crucial test measures antibody levels after vaccination. Obtaining the results of the rabies serological test may take anywhere from 1-3 months depending on the lab in your area, making it the longest lead-time requirement in the process.

Key Details:

  • Must be conducted 30+ days after rabies vaccination
  • Requires results showing ≥0.5 IU/ml antibody titer
  • Must use an OIE-approved laboratory
  • Not required for pets from rabies-free countries

Health Certificate Requirements

Timing: Dogs & Cats – Completed no more than 10 days and no less than 2 Israeli business days prior to flight (Israeli work week is SUN – THR)

Authorization: Only a USDA or CFIA-licensed veterinarian may fill out and complete the health certificate. The certificate must then be endorsed by USDA/CFIA officials at least 2 business days before travel.

Ownership Declaration

Attach a declaration to the health certificate, confirming that the pet had been in the owner’s possession at least 90 days prior to being brought to Israel.

Import Permits and Special Cases

When Import Permits Are Required

A Veterinary Import License is issued by the Director of the Veterinary Services in Israel in these situations:

  • Bringing more than two of each animal type (dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents)
  • Importing animals other than standard pets
  • Wildlife or exotic animals
  • Dangerous dog breeds

Restricted and Dangerous Breeds

While there are no banned dog breeds in Israel, certain breeds require additional documentation:

  • Pit Bull Terriers
  • American Staffordshire Terriers
  • Staffordshire Bull Terriers
  • American Bulldogs
  • Dogo Argentino
  • American Bully – In 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture decided that an American Bully shall be considered a dangerous dog breed

Important: Miniature Bull Terriers and pets that need an import permit can only be imported as cargo!

Prohibited Animals

According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, a Bengal cat can’t be imported into Israel. Wolf hybrids and Savannah cats (unless 5th generation removed) are also prohibited.

Transportation Options and Airline Policies

Three Transportation Methods

Bringing pets to Israel can be done in 3 ways: in cabin, as excess baggage and as manifested cargo.

In-Cabin Travel:

  • Dogs and cats, whose weight including carrier, totals no more than 9kg, are eligible to fly in-cabin. There is limited availability of pet seats per flight, only 2.
  • Pet seats can only be reserved after aliyah flight approval

Cargo Restrictions:

  • Required for pets needing import permits
  • Dangerous breeds must travel as cargo
  • Larger pets exceeding weight limits

Service Animal Policy Changes

The US DOT (Department of Transportation) has issued a new definition of a “Service animal” (E.g. Seeing Eye dog, a dog trained to detect if / when the passenger is in distress, such as Epilepsy, etc.). This new definition includes “only dogs” and only “dogs specifically trained to assist” a person with a disability. Therefore, Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are no longer recognized.

Timeline and Planning Requirements

Recommended Timeline: 3-6 Months

Month 1-2:

  • Install microchip (if not already done)
  • Administer rabies vaccination
  • Begin researching airlines and veterinarians

Month 2-3:

  • Conduct rabies titer test (allow 1-3 months for results)
  • Apply for import permits if needed
  • Book veterinary appointments

Final Month:

  • Complete health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
  • Submit USDA/CFIA endorsement paperwork
  • Notify Israeli veterinary services (2 working days prior)

In general, the process should take anywhere from two weeks to three months. However, most experts recommend allowing 3-6 months for a stress-free process.

Cost Considerations

Major Expense Categories

Veterinary Costs:

  • Microchip installation: $50-75
  • Rabies vaccination: $20-50
  • Titer test: $150-300
  • Health certificate: $150-300
  • USDA endorsement: $121-173

Transportation Costs:

  • Airline pet fees: $200-1,000+ each way
  • IATA-compliant carrier: $150-400
  • Professional pet shipping service: $1,500-3,000+

Additional Expenses:

  • Import permits (if required): $50-200
  • Airport veterinary inspection: $50-150
  • Potential quarantine costs (if non-compliant): $500-2,000+

Total Expected Range: $2,000-5,000+ depending on pet size, breed, and chosen services.

Pre-Arrival Notifications

Required Airport Notification

The importer/owner is required to notify the Veterinary Services at the point of entry (Ben Gurion airport, Haifa seaport, Ashdod seaport and Eilat seaport) at least two working days prior to the pet’s arrival.

Send the notification form and the photocopy of the veterinary certificate to the offices of the Veterinary Services at the airport. It must be sent 2 workdays prior to departure.

Other Animals: Birds, Rabbits, and Exotic Pets

Birds (Parrots, Psittacine, and Passerine)

  • Require separate health certificates
  • Need pre-import permits from wildlife authorities
  • Other Pets – No more than 7 days and no less than 48 hours prior to your pet’s arrival for health certificate timing

Small Mammals

Rabbits: Standard health certificate required Chinchillas: Specialized health certificate with APHIS endorsement Ferrets: Allowed with standard pet procedures

Wildlife and Exotic Animals

Written Permission to import any animal considered as wildlife, must be obtained from Reshut Hateva v’Haganim several months prior to your pet’s arrival in Israel. This is in addition to complying with the regulations of Misrad Hachaklaut & the airline.

Life in Israel with Pets

Veterinary Care in Israel

Israel has excellent veterinary care with modern facilities throughout the country. Many veterinarians speak English, particularly in areas with large Anglo populations like Ra’anana, Modi’in, and Jerusalem.

Pet-Friendly Environment

Israeli society is very pet-friendly, with numerous dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, and accommodating policies in many rental properties. Tel Aviv has been ranked among the world’s most dog-friendly cities.

Local Regulations

  • Dogs must be leashed in public areas unless in designated off-leash zones
  • Pet registration with local municipalities is required
  • Annual vaccinations and licensing are mandatory

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Documentation Errors

Problem: Incorrect microchip numbers or dates on documents Solution: Triple-check all paperwork and ensure consistent information across all documents

Timing Mistakes

Problem: Health certificates issued too early or too late Solution: Work backwards from travel date and coordinate carefully with veterinarians

Airline Policy Confusion

Problem: Each airline has different pet policies Solution: Confirm policies directly with your specific airline and get written confirmation

Insufficient Planning Time

Problem: Rushing the titer test results Solution: Start the process 3-6 months before intended travel date

Professional Assistance vs. DIY Approach

When to Use Professional Pet Relocation Services

  • Multiple pets or complex situations
  • Dangerous breeds requiring special handling
  • Limited time for personal coordination
  • High-value or anxious animals
  • First-time pet importers

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Professional services typically cost $1,500-3,000+ but provide:

  • Complete documentation handling
  • Airline coordination
  • Airport pickup/delivery
  • Peace of mind and expertise

DIY approaches can save money but require significant time investment and regulatory knowledge.

Recent Policy Changes and Updates

2025 Changes

  • Enhanced security screening for all pet documentation
  • Stricter enforcement of dangerous breed regulations
  • Updated health certificate formats for some countries
  • Digital submission options for some documentation

Post-COVID Considerations

While most COVID-related restrictions have been lifted, some enhanced health monitoring protocols remain in place for animal imports.

Success Stories and Real Experiences

Testimonials from Olim

Many families have successfully brought pets during aliyah, from single cats to multiple large dogs. One family shared their experience: “The paperwork seemed overwhelming at first, but taking it step by step made it manageable. Our dog Amelia adapted to Israeli life even faster than we did!”

Common Success Factors

  • Starting the process early (3-6 months ahead)
  • Working with experienced, licensed veterinarians
  • Maintaining detailed records and documentation
  • Having backup plans for potential complications

Emergency Procedures and Backup Plans

If Documentation Is Rejected

  • Have backup veterinary contacts in Israel
  • Understand quarantine facility options
  • Know your rights and appeal procedures
  • Consider temporary fostering arrangements

If Pets Cannot Travel on Your Flight

  • Arrange alternative transportation dates
  • Consider professional pet shipping services
  • Plan for extended separation periods
  • Ensure proper care arrangements in origin country

Resources and Contacts

Official Israeli Contacts

Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Services:

Israel Nature and Parks Authority:

Aliyah Organizations with Pet Resources

Nefesh B’Nefesh:

Shivat Zion:

Official Government Pet Import Resources

United States - USDA APHIS:

Canada - CFIA:

  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency pet export guidelines
  • Veterinary certificate endorsement procedures

Professional Pet Relocation Services

Pets2Fly:

PetTravel.com:

Airlines with Pet-Friendly Policies

El Al Israel Airlines:

  • Official pet policy and cargo requirements
  • In-cabin pet reservations for approved aliyah flights

Major International Carriers:

  • United Airlines pet travel policies
  • Delta Airlines pet transportation
  • Air Canada pet cabin services
  • Lufthansa pet travel services

Veterinary Resources

USDA Accredited Veterinarian Directory:

  • Find qualified vets for health certificate completion
  • Verification of veterinarian credentials

OIE-Approved Laboratory List:

  • Authorized labs for rabies titer testing
  • International standards compliance verification

Israeli Veterinary Medical Association:

Legal and Immigration Support

Legal Immigration Israel:

Helpful Planning Tools

Israeli Government ETA-IL System (for visitors):

Pet Travel Documentation Checklists:

  • Step-by-step timeline planning tools
  • Document verification checklists
  • Emergency contact lists

Conclusion

Bringing pets during aliyah is complex but entirely achievable with proper planning and attention to detail. The key is starting early, understanding the requirements, and maintaining meticulous documentation throughout the process.

While the bureaucratic requirements may seem daunting, remember that thousands of olim successfully bring their pets to Israel each year. The joy of having your beloved companion accompany you on this life-changing journey to the Jewish homeland makes the effort worthwhile.

Remember: Misrad Hachaklaut reserves the right to refuse entry to Israel or destroy any pet that is not properly certified and/or that is illegal to import. Therefore, strict adherence to all requirements is essential for your pet’s successful entry into Israel.

With careful preparation, professional guidance when needed, and patience with the process, your furry family member can join you in building a new life in Israel. The abundance of dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, and welcoming pet culture awaits both you and your companions in the Jewish homeland.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or veterinary advice. Always consult with licensed professionals and official government sources for the most current requirements and regulations.


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