Making Aliyah is a significant life event, and for many, it means ensuring their furry, feathered, or scaled family members can join them in Israel. While the process requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations, bringing your pets to your new home is entirely possible. This guide provides factual, actionable information and essential links to help you navigate the requirements for pet import into Israel.
Essential Requirements for Bringing Pets to Israel
The primary authority governing pet import to Israel is the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Their regulations are designed to protect animal and public health. Always consult their official guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
1. Microchip Identification
Every animal must be identified with a microchip compliant with ISO Standard 11784 and 11785. This microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination is administered.
2. Rabies Vaccination
All dogs and cats (and certain other mammals) over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.
- The vaccination must be administered after the microchip is implanted.
- It must be given at least 30 days before entry into Israel.
- It must be valid for the date of entry (i.e., not expired according to the vaccine manufacturer’s validity period).
3. Rabies Serology Test (Blood Test)
For animals arriving from countries not considered rabies-free by Israel, a rabies antibody titer test (FAVN test) is mandatory. This blood test measures the level of antibodies to ensure the vaccination was effective.
- The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
- The test must be performed by an approved laboratory.
- There must be at least 90 days between the date the blood sample was taken and the entry date into Israel. This is a crucial waiting period that cannot be bypassed.
4. Health Certificate (Veterinary Certificate)
A certified health certificate is required, typically issued by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin and endorsed by the official government veterinary services (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
- The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your flight to Israel.
- It must state the animal’s microchip number, vaccination details (including rabies), and confirm the animal is healthy and free from infectious diseases.
5. Advance Notification
For most pets arriving as accompanied baggage or cargo, advance notification to the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and the airport veterinary services is required.
- You must send the required documentation (microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies serology test results, health certificate) by email to the veterinary services at Ben Gurion Airport at least 2 working days before the animal’s arrival.
6. Import Permit (For Specific Cases)
While dogs and cats generally do not require a special import permit when arriving as accompanied baggage and meeting all other requirements, an import permit may be required for:
- More than two animals per passenger.
- Certain animal species (e.g., non-domestic animals, specific dog breeds classified as dangerous).
- Animals arriving as cargo (unaccompanied). Always check the Ministry of Agriculture’s guidelines.
What Happens Upon Arrival in Israel (Ben Gurion Airport – TLV)?
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, your pet will undergo a veterinary inspection.
- Ensure you have all original documents ready for inspection.
- If all requirements are met, your pet will typically be released to you directly at the airport.
- In some cases, a home quarantine might be mandated, especially if there are any discrepancies in documentation or if coming from a high-risk country. This means your pet must remain at your registered address for a specified period.
Post-Arrival: Settling Your Pet in Israel
Once you and your pet are in Israel:
- Veterinary Care: Register your pet with a local veterinarian for ongoing care.
- Annual Vaccinations: Ensure your pet receives annual rabies boosters and other necessary vaccinations as required by Israeli law.
- Dog Licensing: In Israel, dogs are required to be registered and licensed with the local municipality, which often involves an annual fee. They must also be vaccinated against rabies annually.
Key Considerations & Tips
- Start Early: The rabies serology test with its 90-day waiting period means you need to begin the process at least four months before your Aliyah date.
- Airline Regulations: Separately from Israeli import laws, each airline has its own specific rules regarding pet travel, including crate size, breed restrictions, temperature policies, and whether pets can travel in the cabin or cargo. Contact your airline well in advance.
- Crate Training: If your pet will travel in cargo, ensure they are comfortable and accustomed to their IATA-compliant travel crate long before the flight.
- Consult Your Vet: Work closely with your veterinarian throughout the entire process to ensure all medical steps and documentation are correctly handled.
- Consider a Pet Relocation Service: For complex cases or simply peace of mind, consider using a professional pet relocation service that specializes in international moves to Israel.
Important Links & Resources:
- Israeli Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development – Veterinary Services:
- Official Guidelines for Importing Pets: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/guides/import_export_pet (Always refer to this page for the most current information)
- Nefesh B’Nefesh – Pets & Aliyah:
- Practical guide and support for North American & UK Olim: https://www.nbn.org.il/aliyah-resources/aliyah-articles/pets-aliyah/
- AACI (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel):
- Offers resources and support for Olim, including practical advice on various aspects of life in Israel, which may include pet-related queries: https://www.aaci.org.il/
- The Jewish Agency for Israel:
- General Aliyah information and support: https://www.jewishagency.org/aliyah/
Bringing your pet to Israel requires diligence and adherence to regulations, but with careful planning and by utilizing the resources available, your beloved companion can indeed join you on your new journey. Start early, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to consult the official sources!
