Aliyah with pets

Microchip – ISO 11784/11785 (FDX-B). Must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination – must be valid at entry. If it’s the first vaccination or if there was a break, you must wait at least 30 days before travel.
Rabies titer test (RNATT) – blood test showing ≥ 0.5 IU/ml at an OIE/WOAH-approved lab, taken at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination. Valid for life as long as rabies boosters are kept current. (Yes, Israel requires the titer test.)
Veterinary health certificate – Israel’s official form, signed by an official vet authority, issued within 10 daysbefore arrival.
Advance notification – send arrival notice (Annex B/C) + endorsed health certificate by email to the Israeli border vet at least 2 business days before arrival.
Number of pets – Up to 2 dogs/cats per owner as “accompanied baggage” with no import permit. More than that requires an import permit (and usually manifest cargo shipping).
Restricted breeds – Certain breeds (e.g., Pit Bull, Amstaff, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Rottweiler, or mixes) are prohibited unless a very special permit is granted (rare).
Entry points – Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), and seaports Haifa, Ashdod, Eilat.

4–6 months before travel

Check microchip & rabies
- Ensure ISO chip is in place. If rabies is close to expiring, give a booster now. If it’s the first shot, start the clock for the titer test.
Do the rabies titer test (RNATT)
- Take blood at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccine. Results can take 2–8 weeks. Keep the original certificate safe – it’s valid for life as long as boosters are kept up.
Plan airline strategy
- Confirm pet travel rules (weight, carrier size, number of pets allowed per passenger). Some breeds can’t fly in cargo. Book early.

2–3 months before travel

Assign legal ownership
- Israel allows max 2 pets per owner. Since you’re two people with 3 dogs: split them 2 + 1 on paper (microchip registry, EU passports, insurance, receipts). Each pet must clearly belong to its “owner.”
- If all 3 dogs are under one owner → you’ll need an import permit and the dogs must fly as cargo.
Book your flights
- Confirm in writing with the airline how many dogs can be in-cabin vs. hold. Choose cooler flight times to avoid heat risks for the dog in hold.
Collect documents
- Pet passports, vaccination records, rabies titer results, chip proof, ownership documents.

10–14 days before travel

Get the official veterinary health certificate
- Must be issued within 10 days before entry by an official government vet in Sweden.
Send advance notification
- Email Israel’s border vet (Ben Gurion) with:
  - Endorsed health certificate
  - Annex B (arrival notice)
  - Annex C (90-day ownership declaration)
  - Flight info

Travel Day

Check-in early & carry originals
- Bring all originals in hand luggage: health certificate, titer, rabies proof, Annex B/C, ownership docs, airline confirmations.
On arrival at TLV

Go to Customs/Veterinary Services with pets and documents.
If any pet travels as cargo → collect from the cargo terminal (during office hours).

First 30 days in Israel

Dogs must be registered in the national dog registry and licensed with the local municipality (annual fee; discounted if spayed/neutered).
Certain breeds require a muzzle in public.

Airline Realities

Cabin: Pet + carrier must fit under seat. Airline-specific size/weight rules apply (often max 8kg incl. carrier).
Hold (checked baggage): Pressure- and temperature-controlled pet compartment. Some airlines ban pets in summer heat.
Cargo: If more than 2 pets per owner, they must be shipped as manifest cargo → collected from cargo terminal.

Common Mistakes (to avoid!)