Moving Your Pet from the United States to Israel: Complete Guide
I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I can tell you: moving a pet across continents is doable, but it demands planning, patience, and precision. When I first considered bringing Cooper to Israel, I was overwhelmed by the requirements. Now I'm here to walk you through it step by step so you don't have to be.
This guide covers dogs and cats of all sizes traveling from the United States to Israel. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a new chapter in your life, your pet can come with you—if you follow the rules and start early.
The Big Picture: Timeline & Checklist
Here's what surprised me most: the process isn't complicated, but it's sequential. You can't skip steps or do them out of order. Plan for 4–6 months minimum from start to travel date.
- Month 1–2: Microchip your pet (must come before vaccination)
- Month 2–3: Rabies vaccination + booster (wait 21 days after primary)
- Month 3–4: Rabies titer test (must be 30+ days after vaccination)
- Month 4–5: Health certificate from accredited vet (valid 10 days)
- Month 5–6: Import permit (2 days lead time, but apply early)
- Week of travel: Notify airline 48 hours before arrival
Step 1: Microchipping (Month 1)
Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip before any vaccination. This is non-negotiable for both Israel and most countries worldwide.
If your pet already has a microchip, verify it's the ISO standard. If it's an older, non-ISO chip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner—or get a new ISO chip implanted. Most vets can do this in one visit for $25–50.
When Cooper got his microchip, I registered it immediately with the manufacturer and kept the certificate. Israel will check this during inspection.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination & Booster (Month 2–3)
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccine. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and must be current (not more than 12 months old at the time of travel).
Important: If your pet has never been vaccinated for rabies, you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before the booster. If your pet already has a current rabies vaccine, you just need the booster.
Israel also requires annual boosters to keep immunity current. Plan to vaccinate every 12 months.
Step 3: Rabies Titer Test (Month 3–4)
This is the step that surprised many expats I've spoken with. Israel requires a rabies antibody titer test showing immunity levels of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Key rules:
- Test must be performed by an approved laboratory (ask your vet which labs they use)
- Test must be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination
- The titer result is valid for lifetime if you maintain annual booster vaccinations
The test costs $100–200 and takes 1–2 weeks for results. This is where I learned patience with Cooper's move—waiting for lab results felt endless, but it's a critical document.
Step 4: Health Certificate (Month 4–5)
Your veterinarian must issue an official health certificate certifying your pet is healthy and fit to travel. This certificate is valid for 10 days, so time it carefully.
The certificate must be:
- Issued by a licensed veterinarian (not just any vet—must be accredited)
- Endorsed by the USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) in the United States
- An original document (copies are not accepted)
- Government-endorsed by Israeli Veterinary Services
Here's the tricky part: after your vet issues the certificate, you must submit it to USDA APHIS for endorsement. This takes 3–5 business days. Then, you'll need to send the endorsed certificate to Israeli Veterinary Services for their endorsement. Plan for 5–7 additional days.
I recommend issuing the health certificate about 3 weeks before your travel date to allow time for both endorsements.
Step 5: Import Permit (Month 5–6)
Both dogs and cats require an import permit from the Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Good news: the lead time is only 2 days. However, Israel offers an import permit exemption if your pet meets all these conditions:
- You are over 18 years old
- You and the pet are on the same flight
- You will possess the pet for at least 90 days
- All health requirements are met (microchip, vaccination, titer, health cert)
- The breed is not on the banned list
- The pet is not for sale or transfer
If you qualify for the exemption, you don't need a separate permit—but you still must notify Israel Veterinary Services 48 hours before arrival.
Breed Restrictions: Know Before You Go
Dogs: The following breeds are banned in Israel:
- American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Argentinean Dogo
- Japanese Tosa
- Brazilian Fila
Cats: Bengal and Savannah breeds are banned.
If your pet is one of these breeds, Israel will not allow entry, regardless of how well-trained or gentle your pet is. Check your pet's breed before committing to the move.
Quantity Limits
You can bring up to 2 pets per person to Israel without commercial import restrictions. If you're traveling with more than 2 pets, contact Israeli Veterinary Services in advance.
Airline Options: Cabin vs. Cargo
Cooper weighs 28kg, so he couldn't fly in the cabin on any of these routes. If your pet is over 8–9 kg, cargo is your only option. Here's what's available:
| Airline | Cabin | Cargo | Brachy OK | Weight Limit (Cabin) | Cabin Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Yes | Yes | No | 9.07 kg | $150 |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes | Yes | No | 8.0 kg | $125 |
| United Airlines | Yes | No | No | 8.0 kg | $150 |
| British Airways | No | Yes | No | — | — |
| Air France | Yes | Yes | No | 8.0 kg | €75 |
Important: All airlines ban brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians. If your pet is brachycephalic, check our brachycephalic breed guide for alternatives.
For cargo travel, I recommend booking 6–8 weeks in advance. Cargo fees vary widely ($1,500–$4,000+) depending on the airline and pet size. Get quotes from multiple carriers.
Approved Ports of Entry
Your pet can only arrive at these locations in Israel:
- Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv)
- Ashdod seaport
- Haifa seaport
- Eilat seaport
Most expats arrive via Ben Gurion. You must notify Israeli Veterinary Services 48 hours before arrival at your chosen port. A veterinary inspection will occur upon arrival—this is routine and typically takes 1–2 hours.
After Arrival: Municipal License & Quarantine
Good news: Israel does not require quarantine for pets arriving with complete, valid documentation (microchip, vaccination, titer, health certificate).
However, dogs must be registered for a municipal license within 5 working days of arrival. Contact your local municipality for details.
Documents Checklist
Before you travel, gather these originals:
- Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
- Rabies vaccination record
- Rabies titer test results (≥0.5 IU/ml from approved lab)
- Health certificate (USDA APHIS endorsed + Israeli Veterinary Services endorsed)
- Import permit or exemption confirmation (if applicable)
- Airline cargo booking confirmation
- Proof of 48-hour advance notification to Israeli Veterinary Services
I kept digital copies of everything and printed originals. Customs can be thorough, and having duplicates saved me stress more than once.
Final Thoughts
Moving Cooper to Israel was one of the most rewarding decisions I've made. Yes, the paperwork is extensive. Yes, the timeline is long. But every step exists to ensure your pet arrives healthy and safe.
Start early, follow the sequence, and don't skip steps. Your pet is worth it.
For a personalized timeline and document checklist tailored to your pet, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.
This guide reflects official requirements from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA APHIS), Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and individual airline policies. Data is verified from official sources and auto-updated as of April 2026. Always confirm requirements with your veterinarian and the relevant authorities before travel, as regulations can change.