Israel requires all pet dogs and cats to be at least 4 months old with an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and rabies antibody test. Advance notification to the Ramla Quarantine Station is required at least 2 Israeli business days before departure. No quarantine is imposed if all regulations are met. Several dog breeds require a translated import license.
Companies Listed
3
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
Dogs and cats must be at least 4 months old (3 months from rabies-free countries)
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required (implanted before or on same day as rabies vaccination)
Rabies vaccination at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before arrival
Rabies antibody test required (30 days after vaccination, within 12 months of entry)
USDA-endorsed Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Advance notification to Ramla Quarantine Station at least 2 business days before departure
Entry through Ben Gurion Airport, Haifa, Ashdod, or Eilat seaports
Requirements for relocating a pet to Israel vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds can be brought into Israel, limited to no more than two birds. They need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by a government veterinarian. An import permit is not required for owner-accompanied non-commercial pet birds, but CITES-listed species (most parrots) require a permit from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
Maximum of 2 pet birds per owner for non-commercial import
Veterinary health certificate (parrots/psittacine and passerine) issued no more than 10 days before arrival, endorsed by a government veterinarian of the origin country
No Veterinary Services import permit required for owner-accompanied non-commercial pet birds (required for commercial imports)
CITES import permit from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for protected/CITES-listed species (most parrots)
Notify Veterinary Services / point of entry in advance of arrival
Lead authorities are the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Services (health certificate) and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (CITES). The 10-day certificate window and 2-bird limit are per published guidance and can change; confirm current conditions and whether the avian-influenza status of the origin country affects entry before travel.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Israel under an import permit issued by the Israeli Veterinary Services and Animal Health (IVSAH, Ministry of Agriculture). A government-endorsed veterinary health certificate is required, with advance notification to the entry point. Israel is internationally recognized for equine trade, so disease testing follows IVSAH conditions for the origin country.
Israeli importer applies for an import permit from the Israeli Veterinary Services and Animal Health (IVSAH, moag.gov.il)
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian of the country of origin
Disease testing per IVSAH import conditions for the origin country (equine diseases typically include EIA, glanders, dourine and equine piroplasmosis)
Advance notification to Veterinary Services / the point of entry before arrival
Enter via an approved point of entry (e.g. Ben Gurion Airport) and pass on-arrival veterinary inspection
Israel is a country from which the US accepts horses on a short quarantine, indicating it is recognized for equine health trade; the specific test panel, any isolation, the quarantine station and exact advance-notice windows are set on the IVSAH import permit and were not all confirmed against a single official figure. Confirm the current protocol and fees with IVSAH before shipping.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Reptiles can be imported into Israel with permits. An import permit from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) is required, with species declared by full scientific name or White-List code, and CITES permits for listed species such as many tortoises and turtles. CITES Appendix species are not permitted even if captive-bred. Veterinary Services must also be consulted for a reptile-specific health certificate.
Obtain an import permit from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA); assessment takes up to 30 days
Provide supplier details, quantities and full scientific names (or White-List code numbers) on the import form
Check that the species appears on Israel's White List of permitted species before importing
Israel does not permit import of CITES Appendix species, even if the animal was born in captivity
Contact Veterinary Services (Ministry of Agriculture) to confirm whether an animal-specific health certificate is required
Notify the INPA representative of flight/shipment details in advance of arrival
Species not on Israel's approved White List, or CITES Appendix species (even captive-bred), are refused. The INPA assessment period is up to 30 days; permit validity, fees and the exact health-certificate requirement depend on the species and were not confirmed against a single official figure. Verify your specific reptile with INPA and Veterinary Services before purchasing travel.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Israel?
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