Bringing a pet to Israel

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Israel enforces strict, origin-dependent import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Rabies vaccination, microchipping, and a valid rabies titer test are mandatory for pets from high-risk countries, while lower-risk origins face fewer hurdles. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets, but expect thorough document checks at the border.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Israel.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, batch number, and date of administration)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliance)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

No additional requirements for free-origin countries.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, batch number, and date of administration)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliance)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

No additional requirements for low-risk origin countries.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, batch number, and date of administration)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliance)
  • Import permit (issued by the Israeli Veterinary Services)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) result (if required)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, titer test ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

High-risk origin countries require a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a 90-day waiting period and an import permit. Quarantine is not applied if all requirements are met, but additional documentation is mandatory.

Frequently asked questions

No, Israel does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from free or low-risk origin countries. For high-risk origin countries, a titer test is required and must be performed at least 90 days before travel.
The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before your arrival in Israel. The vaccine must be given after the microchip is implanted, and the dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
No, Israel does not impose quarantine for dogs that meet all entry requirements, regardless of origin country. Dogs are cleared at the border upon presentation of valid documents.
Israel generally allows up to 5 dogs per non-commercial traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 5, additional requirements may apply — check with the Israeli Veterinary Services in advance.
No, Israel does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service dogs. All dogs must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements. Service dogs may need additional documentation for working status, but the import rules remain the same.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival date. If it is older, your dog may be denied entry or placed in quarantine at your expense. Always time the veterinary exam and certificate issuance carefully.
No, puppies must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccination, and the 21-day waiting period means the minimum age at entry is 15 weeks. No exceptions are made for younger puppies.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Israel.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine type, batch number, and vaccination dates
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian and endorsed by the origin's national veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (scan report or certificate)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccine $20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services (https://www.moag.gov.il).

Cats from rabies-free (EU-equivalent) origins face minimal requirements. No titer test or import permit needed.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine type, batch number, and vaccination dates
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian and endorsed by the origin's national veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (scan report or certificate)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccine $20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services (https://www.moag.gov.il).

Cats from low-risk origins (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia) follow the same rules as the free tier. No titer test or import permit required.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine type, batch number, and vaccination dates
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian and endorsed by the origin's national veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (scan report or certificate)
  • FAVN titer test certificate from an OIE-approved lab showing titre ≥0.5 IU/mL
  • Import permit from the Israeli Veterinary Services obtained before travel

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccine $20–50, FAVN titer test $100–250, import permit fees $50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services (https://www.moag.gov.il).

Cats from high-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/South Asia/Middle East) require a FAVN titer test and an import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Israel allows up to 5 cats per non-commercial import without triggering commercial rules. If you bring 6 or more, you must follow commercial import regulations, which require a different permit and additional health checks.
No. The United States is classified as a low-risk country for rabies. Cats from the US do not need a FAVN test. Only cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India) require the test.
No. Israel does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Israel. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK).
Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat and the cat is at least 8 weeks old. Check with your specific airline for size and weight limits (typically up to 8 kg including carrier). El Al Israel Airlines permits cats in the cabin on most international flights.
No. Cats from EU countries (free tier) do not need an import permit. Only cats from high-risk countries require a permit, which must be obtained from the Israeli Veterinary Services before travel.
The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the day of travel. If it expires before departure, your cat must be revaccinated and then wait 21 days before entering Israel. The 21-day wait applies after the booster shot.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Israel.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate
  • Microchip proof

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Ferrets are allowed as pets. No additional restrictions for rabies-free origin countries.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate
  • Microchip proof

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g., US, UK, EU) do not require a rabies titer test or import permit.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate
  • Microchip proof
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from Israeli Veterinary Services

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries require a rabies titer test and an import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Israel does not set a strict numeric cap for non-commercial pet movement, but if you bring more than 5 ferrets, authorities may treat it as a commercial import, requiring additional permits and possibly quarantine. For 1-5 ferrets, standard rules apply.
No. The US is classified as low-risk. Ferrets from the US only need a microchip, rabies vaccine (at least 21 days before travel), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test or import permit is needed.
No. Israel does not recognize emotional support animals as exempt from standard import rules. Your ferret must meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit requirements regardless of its role.
Israel requires the rabies vaccine to be valid at the time of entry. Once inside the country, you should consult a local veterinarian to maintain the vaccine schedule, but expired vaccines do not affect your pet's legal stay as long as it was valid on arrival.
No. The minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks, and the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. A ferret under 15 weeks old cannot meet the 21-day wait period after the 12-week minimum, so the youngest possible age at entry is 15 weeks.
Yes. If your ferret originates from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India), you must obtain an import permit from the Israeli Veterinary Services before travel. Apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance. The permit is not required for free or low-risk origin countries.
The ferret will likely be denied entry or placed in quarantine until a compliant ISO 11784/11785 microchip can be implanted and all other requirements met. Non-ISO chips are not accepted. Ensure your ferret is microchipped before the rabies vaccine is given.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip before rabies vaccination. Ensure the chip is readable before travel, as unreadable chips can cause delays or denial of entry.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Israel, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Israel's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.