Official Import Rules
- Israel requires an ISO microchip (implanted before rabies vaccination), rabies vaccination at least 30 days and not more than 12 months old, and a rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) taken at least 30 days after vaccination.
- A veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's government must be issued within 10 days of travel.
- No import permit is required for personal pets.
- Dogs must arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) where Veterinary Services inspect on arrival.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
Israel bans importing dangerous breeds including American Staffordshire Terrier (non-pedigree pit bull types), Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa, Presa Canario, Rottweiler and their crosses — one of the few countries banning Rottweilers outright at import.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
El Al permits small dogs in the cabin on many routes (~8–9 kg incl. carrier); larger dogs as cargo with advance permit.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete; up to 30 days if not
City & Housing Notes
Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa have excellent vet care. Israel has a strong animal welfare culture and many dog rescue organizations. Street dogs are extremely common and generally well-tolerated. Tel Aviv in particular is very dog-friendly.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Excellent veterinary infrastructure. Israel has many highly trained vets. 24-hour emergency clinics in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. The hot climate means year-round flea and tick prevention is essential.
Leaving Israel With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a licensed Israeli vet, endorsed by the Veterinary Services division of MOAG. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Israel require a titer test?
Yes. A rabies antibody titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, conducted at least 30 days after vaccination at an approved FAVN laboratory.
Do I need an import permit?
Yes. Apply through the Israeli Veterinary Services before travel. Processing takes approximately 2–3 weeks.
Is Israel dog-friendly?
Very. Israel has one of the highest per-capita dog populations in the world. Community dogs are everywhere, especially in cities, and there's a strong TNR culture.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.