Bringing a pet to Israel

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Israel permits compliant dogs to enter without quarantine, but requires an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, an official health certificate, and advance notification to the Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS). Rules differ by the origin country's rabies status: dogs from high-risk origins also need a rabies titre test and an import permit, while dogs from low-risk or free origins do not. Start planning at least 2–4 months ahead and confirm current requirements with the IVS and the Israeli embassy or consulate before travel.

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 veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Israel does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers on certain routes or during hot months — check with your airline. Additionally, the Israeli Veterinary Services may impose temporary restrictions on dogs from specific countries during rabies outbreaks; always verify current status before travel.

Documents checklist

ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate or record
Valid rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Advance notification to Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS) — typically at least 48 hours before arrival

Rough budget

Rough, approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, IVS notification fee varies (often ~$20–50). No titre test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Dogs from free (EU-equivalent) origins are treated as low-risk. No quarantine, no titre test, no import permit. The dog must be at least 3 months old at import. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority.

Apply / official dog 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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate or record
Valid rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Advance notification to Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS) — typically at least 48 hours before arrival

Rough budget

Dogs from low-risk (controlled rabies) origins follow the same core rules as free origins: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and advance IVS notification. No quarantine, no titre test, no import permit. The dog must be at least 3 months old at import.

Apply / official dog 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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate or record
Valid rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN rabies titre test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
Import permit issued in advance by the Israeli Veterinary Services
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Advance notification to Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS) — typically at least 48 hours before arrival

Rough budget

Rough, approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titre test ~$100–250, import permit fee varies (often ~$50–150), IVS notification fee varies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Dogs from high-risk (CDC-flagged for dog rabies) origins require a rabies titre test and an import permit. No quarantine is imposed if all requirements are met. The titre test must be done at an approved laboratory and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The dog must be at least 3 months old at import. Start the process at least 4 months before travel to allow for vaccination, titre test, and permit processing.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Israel allows up to 5 dogs per non-commercial traveller without a commercial import licence. If you bring more than 5 dogs, or if the dogs are intended for sale or resale, the shipment is treated as commercial and requires a special import permit and compliance with additional animal welfare and trade rules. The 5-dog limit applies per traveller, not per household.

No. Israel does not exempt service dogs or emotional support animals from the standard import requirements. All dogs, including guide dogs and psychiatric service dogs, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) titre test and import permit rules. Some airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but that is separate from the import compliance. Plan ahead and confirm with the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East) must have a FAVN rabies neutralising antibody titre test. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test is valid for 2 years if rabies vaccination is kept up to date. This test is not required for dogs from low-risk or free origins.

No quarantine is imposed for dogs that meet all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, a valid titre test and import permit). If a dog arrives without the correct documentation, it may be refused entry, returned, or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense until compliance is achieved. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets.

Start at least 4 months before travel if your dog is from a high-risk country, because the rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before the titre test, the titre test must be done at least 90 days before travel, and the import permit must be issued in advance. For low-risk or free origins, start at least 2 months ahead to allow for vaccination, microchipping, health certificate, and IVS notification. The health certificate is only valid for 10 days, so it must be issued close to the travel date.

Israel requires an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (15-digit, 134.2 kHz). If your dog has a non-ISO microchip (e.g., a 125 kHz chip common in the US or Canada), you must bring your own microchip scanner or have the dog re-microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip before travel. The microchip number must match the number on the rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate. Without a compliant microchip, the dog may be refused entry.

It depends on the airline and the dog's size. Many airlines allow small dogs in the cabin on flights to Israel, while larger dogs must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Israel does not require cargo transport for compliant pets, but airline policies vary. Check with your airline well in advance, as some carriers have breed restrictions (especially brachycephalic breeds) and seasonal embargoes. The import rules are the same regardless of whether the dog flies in the cabin or as cargo.

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 of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip US$30–50, health certificate US$100–200, rabies vaccination US$20–50. No import permit, titer test, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Free-tier origins are those Israel recognises as having no rabies risk (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City). The cat must be accompanied by the owner or a responsible person. The health certificate must be in English or Hebrew, or accompanied by a certified translation.

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 of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy

Rough budget

Low-risk origins follow the same requirements as free-tier origins. The cat must be accompanied by the owner or a responsible person. The health certificate must be in English or Hebrew, or accompanied by a certified translation.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Israeli Veterinary Services (valid for 90 days from issue)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip US$30–50, health certificate US$100–200, rabies vaccination US$20–50, FAVN titer test US$100–250, import permit fee US$50–100. No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Israeli Veterinary Services.

High-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East) require an import permit, a rabies titer test, and a 90-day waiting period after the titer test before travel. The cat must be accompanied by the owner or a responsible person. The health certificate must be in English or Hebrew, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Israel allows up to 5 pets (cats or dogs) per non-commercial traveller. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is considered commercial and requires additional permits and compliance with commercial import rules.

No. Israel does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit requirements.

Cats from high-risk countries must have a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The test must be performed at an approved laboratory.

An import permit is required only for cats from high-risk countries. The permit is issued by the Israeli Veterinary Services and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Cats from free or low-risk countries do not need an import permit.

The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days before travel. It must be in English or Hebrew, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Yes. All cats entering Israel must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.

No quarantine is required for cats entering Israel if all import conditions are met (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk countries, titer test and import permit). If conditions are not met, the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense.

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)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Israel Ministry of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 90 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark, not a guaranteed price: import permit ~$50-100, FAVN test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current fees with the Israeli Veterinary Services and a local vet.

Israel does not recognize any country as rabies-free for ferrets. All ferrets require an import permit and a rabies titer test, regardless of origin. The 'free' tier is a theoretical construct; in practice, no origin qualifies for reduced requirements.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Israel Ministry of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 90 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

All ferrets entering Israel require a rabies titer test and import permit. The 90-day wait after titer test is mandatory. No quarantine if all conditions met.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Israel Ministry of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 90 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Same requirements as low_risk. Israel does not impose additional quarantine for ferrets from high-risk countries if all import conditions are met. However, airlines may have stricter rules for ferrets from high-risk countries.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are subject to strict import rules. You need an import permit from the Israel Ministry of Agriculture, a rabies vaccination certificate, a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml taken at least 90 days before travel, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. The ferret must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 chip. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

Israel allows up to 2 pet ferrets per passenger for non-commercial import. If you bring more than 2, you may need a commercial import permit and comply with additional requirements. Always confirm with the Israeli Veterinary Services before travel.

Yes, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is mandatory for all ferrets entering Israel, regardless of the origin country. The test must be done after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. If the titer is below this, the ferret may be denied entry or quarantined.

No quarantine is required if all import conditions are met: valid import permit, rabies vaccination, titer test ≥0.5 IU/ml done at least 90 days before travel, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. If any condition is not met, the ferret may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry.

No. Israel does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import conditions: import permit, rabies vaccination, titer test, microchip, and health certificate. Airlines may also have their own policies for service animals.

The ferret must be at least 3 months old at the time of travel. This ensures it has received a rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior and meets the minimum age for titer testing.

Rough estimate: import permit ~$50-100, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Total can range from $300 to $650. These are estimates only; confirm current fees with the Israeli Veterinary Services and your vet.

Good to know

Israel's pet import rules are administered by the Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. All dogs must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries also require a rabies neutralising antibody titre test (FAVN) and a prior import permit. Advance notice to the IVS is required for all commercial and non-commercial imports. These rules apply to a single non-commercial dog; commercial imports (more than 5 dogs, or dogs for sale/resale) follow a different, stricter licensing route.

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).