The complete guide to flying with dogs and cats to and from Israel.
Flying a dog or cat requires 3–4 months of preparation — microchip, rabies vaccine, blood tests, and an international health certificate. Every airline has its own policy, and the carrier must meet IATA standards. This guide summarizes everything about exporting and importing pets.
Departing Israel with a Pet
Basic requirements for any country: a microchip (mandatory, ISO 11784/11785 standard), a valid rabies vaccine (must be valid for the entire travel period), and an international health certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Crucial — every destination country has different requirements. Some require blood tests, deworming, etc. Check destination requirements in advance.
The Complete Process, Step by Step
1. Check destination requirements — at the embassy or Ministry of Agriculture website.
2. Visit the vet — general checkup, microchip scan, and vaccine validity.
3. Perform additional tests — per destination requirements (rabies antibodies, deworming).
4. Apply for a health certificate — on the Ministry of Agriculture website.
5. Pay the fee — online payment.
6. Receive the certificate — must be issued up to 10 days before the flight.
Airline Policies
El Al — in cabin up to 8kg (including carrier), in hold 9–100kg; pugs/bulldogs are banned in the hold.
Arkia & Israir — Israir: cabin only, up to 8kg. Arkia: up to 8kg in cabin, above that in the hold.
Most low-cost carriers (Wizz Air, Ryanair, EasyJet) do not fly pets at all.
Pet Carrier (IATA Standards)
Size — the pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably; ears must not touch the ceiling.
Material — hard plastic, fiberglass, or metal, with ventilation on 4 sides and a welded metal mesh door.
Required equipment — a water bowl attached to the carrier (no bottles), and 'live animals' stickers.
Day of Flight at Ben Gurion
Arrive at least 4 hours before the flight. Do not give sedatives without vet approval. Feed a light meal 4–6 hours before.
Terminal 3 has a dog relief area with synthetic grass, located in the public zone before security.
Entering Israel (Import)
Requirements include a microchip, a rabies vaccine over 30 days old, a rabies antibody test from an approved lab, a health certificate, and a minimum age of 4 months.
Receiving the pet at TLV — cabin pets get a vet inspection at the baggage claim hall in Terminal 3; hold pets are picked up at the cargo terminal (Maman or Swissport) in Airport City, which can take 2–4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with a large dog in the cabin? No — only pets up to 8kg (including carrier) can fly in the cabin. Larger dogs must fly in the cargo hold.
How far in advance should I start preparing? 3–4 months in advance. The process includes vaccinations, blood tests, waiting for lab results, and getting approvals.
Is there a quarantine in Israel? No, if all requirements are met. If there is an issue with documentation, the animal will be quarantined or returned to the country of origin.