Flying with a dog or cat to or from Israel requires planning weeks or months ahead: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, documents from your vet and the official veterinary authorities, and an airline booking for the animal. Requirements change and depend on the destination, so always check the official sources: the Israeli Veterinary Services (Ministry of Agriculture, on gov.il), the authorities of the other country and your airline. This guide only outlines the general steps; it is not legal or veterinary advice.
Step 1: Decide whether your pet should travel
Flying is stressful for animals, especially in the hold. For short trips, many owners decide a sitter at home is the better option. Flying makes more sense for moves, long stays abroad or returning home with a new pet. Discuss your pet's age, health and breed with your vet; some airlines restrict short-nosed breeds.
Step 2: Find the official requirements
Start with official sources only:
- Entering Israel: the Israeli Veterinary Services publish requirements for importing dogs and cats on the government website gov.il.
- Leaving Israel: check the destination country's official veterinary authority.
- Airline: each airline has its own rules on cabin and hold travel, carrier sizes, breeds and maximum number of animals per flight.
Forums and social groups are useful for practical tips, but they may be outdated. Confirm everything with the official source.
Step 3: Microchip and vaccinations
Most destinations, and Israel, require an ISO-standard microchip and a valid rabies vaccination, usually with specific timing between the chip, the vaccination and travel. Some countries also require a rabies antibody blood test, which can add months to the timeline. Your vet will tell you what is needed for your route.
Step 4: Documents
Expect to need:
- a health certificate from your vet within a set period before the flight;
- in many cases, an endorsement or certificate from the official veterinary authority;
- the vaccination booklet and microchip details;
- the airline's own forms.
Keep paper copies and digital copies, and take them in your hand luggage.
Step 5: Book the pet's place on the flight
Pets in the cabin are usually limited by weight including the carrier, and airlines limit how many animals can be in one cabin. Larger dogs travel in the hold or as cargo. Book early, because places for animals are limited, especially in summer and around holidays.
Step 6: Prepare the carrier
- Buy an airline-approved carrier of the right size well in advance.
- Let your pet sleep and eat in it at home for several weeks.
- Label it with your name, phone and the pet's name.
- Add an absorbent pad and a familiar blanket.
Step 7: Flight day
Follow your vet's advice on feeding before the flight. Arrive early, as check-in for animals takes longer. Do not give sedatives unless your vet has specifically prescribed them for travel.
While you wait: who looks after your pet?
Moving abroad often means weeks of packing, viewing apartments and travel. Many owners book home boarding or visits during that period, so the pet has a calm routine. If your pet will fly after you, a sitter can care for it until the departure date, while you or a professional pet relocation service arrange the transport. Home boarding with us starts at 220 ₪ per day for dogs and 140 ₪ for cats.