Aliyah with a pet

Three things are always required, regardless of departure country:

• 1MicrochipCompliant microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 standard), implanted before the rabies vaccine to be valid.
• 2Rabies vaccineUp-to-date vaccination, with a mandatory waiting period before the pet is cleared to travel — it varies by country and whether it is a first vaccination or a booster.
• 3International health certificateIssued by a licensed vet, usually endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the departure country in the days before the flight.
• 4Import permitIssued by Israel's Veterinary Services (Ministry of Agriculture) before travel — apply online well in advance.

The most important point: start early. The post-vaccination waiting period and document validity windows are non-negotiable.

1. 1
   See a licensed vet — As soon as you know your Aliyah date, book an appointment to review the microchip, existing vaccines, and the timeline ahead.
2. 2
   Microchip and rabies vaccine — Implant the chip if not already done, then get (or update) the rabies vaccine — in that order.
3. 3
   Respect the waiting period — The rabies vaccine requires a waiting period before the pet is cleared to travel. Don't book a flight before knowing that date.
4. 4
   Health certificate and permit — Get the international health certificate and the Israeli import permit within the precise time windows required before the flight.
5. 5
   Book the flight and crate — Check the airline's pet policy (cabin, hold, freight) and order an IATA-compliant crate if needed.
6. 6
   Check at Ben Gurion — On arrival, present the full file at the veterinary check.

The mode of transport depends on the pet's weight and the airline's policy.

• A veterinary check is done at the airport — keep all original documents accessible, not just copies.
• A complete, compliant file generally does not trigger quarantine, but a check is always done.
• A pet from a rabies-risk country or with incomplete paperwork may be held — the scenario to avoid by preparing everything in advance.
• Plan to pick up your pet at the cargo area if you traveled in the hold/freight separately — check the hours before your flight.

Certain breeds are completely banned from import into Israel, with no exceptions or permits available: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (English Staff), Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu (Japanese Tosa), Rottweiler and Argentinian Dogo — as well as any crossbreed showing the characteristics of these breeds. If your dog belongs to one of these breeds or a related crossbreed, do not book a flight before checking its exact classification with Israel's Veterinary Services (Ministry of Agriculture): there is no workaround. Other breeds are not affected by this import ban but may be subject to separate local rules once in Israel (municipal permit, insurance, muzzle in public depending on the breed) — check with your municipality (Iriya) after arrival.

• Municipal license (Israel)Dogs must be registered and vaccinated yearly with the municipality (Iriya) — a local rabies booster is generally required even after arrival.
• Find a vetLocate a veterinary clinic near you as soon as you arrive, for follow-up care and vaccine boosters.
• Heat and climateAdjust walks to cooler hours in summer — high temperatures are a real risk for pets not yet acclimated.
• HousingSome leases exclude pets or set conditions — clarify this with the landlord before signing (see the Housing guide).