Before boarding, sitters and kennels in Israel usually ask for an up-to-date vaccination booklet, a microchip and, for dogs, municipal registration. In Israel, rabies vaccination, microchipping and registration of dogs are legal requirements, so a dog without them cannot be boarded responsibly. Which other vaccines and treatments your pet needs is a question for your vet; this guide explains only what to prepare and why.
Why sitters ask for documents
When your pet stays with a sitter, it may meet other animals, walk in shared areas and be in a home where other pets live. Documents protect your pet, the other animals and the sitter. They also show that the pet can be identified and returned home if it ever escapes.
The usual documents
Vaccination booklet. Bring the booklet or a clear photo of the pages with the latest vaccinations. The sitter checks that the vaccinations are not expired.
Rabies vaccination for dogs. Required by law in Israel and checked by every responsible sitter or kennel.
Microchip. Dogs in Israel must be microchipped. Many cat owners also chip their cats, and some sitters ask for it. Make sure the phone number linked to the chip is current.
Municipal registration and licence for dogs. Registration with the local authority is required for dogs. Keep the licence details with the vaccination booklet.
Parasite treatment. Many sitters ask that dogs and cats have up-to-date treatment against fleas, ticks and worms. Ask your vet what is appropriate for your pet and when it was last given.
Timing
Do not leave this to the day before your trip. If a vaccination is due or overdue, your vet may advise a waiting period before boarding. Check the booklet at least three to four weeks before you travel, and book a vet appointment if needed.
Cats
Cats that stay at home with sitter visits rarely need documents for the sitter, although it is still good to have the booklet available in case of a vet visit. For cat boarding at a sitter's home, especially if other cats live there, sitters usually ask for the vaccination booklet.
Puppies and kittens
Young animals are in the middle of their vaccination schedule. Ask your vet when your puppy or kitten can safely meet other animals. Until then, home visits are usually the safer option than boarding. Puppy care with three visits a day starts at 280 ₪ per day.
Health certificate and special conditions
If your pet has a chronic condition, a recent illness or takes medication, bring a short note from your vet with the diagnosis and treatment. It helps the sitter care for your pet and gives the vet in an emergency the information they need.
What we ask for
For home boarding we ask to see the vaccination booklet and, for dogs, confirmation of microchip and registration, at the meet-and-greet. For home visits we ask where the booklet is kept, in case it is needed. We never give medical advice, and we follow the instructions you and your vet provide.
Keep copies
Take photos of every page of the booklet and save them on your phone and in the cloud. Send copies to the sitter before the booking. If your pet ever needs to see a vet while you are abroad, the sitter will have everything ready.
A short checklist before boarding
- Vaccination booklet checked for expiry dates.
- Rabies vaccination valid (dogs).
- Microchip number written down and the linked phone number current.
- Municipal registration details for dogs.
- Parasite treatment date recorded.
- Vet's note for any chronic condition or medication.
- Photos of all documents sent to the sitter.
Doing this once a year, for example before the autumn holidays, means you are always ready for a last-minute booking.