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Making Aliyah with pets

January 30, 2025 159 Time to read: 6 min.

Moving to Israel is an exciting and life-changing experience, but for pet owners, it comes with an extra layer of planning. Bringing your furry companion along on your Aliyah journey requires careful preparation to ensure their safety, comfort, and compliance with Israeli regulations. From vaccinations and import permits to travel arrangements and settling into a new environment, this guide will help you navigate the process and make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your pet.

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    Current restrictions

    To enter the country with animals, there are definite regulations and restraints that must be observed. Here are the main points to note:

    • Documents and Testimonials: Your pet must have a valid vet testimonial confirming that it is healthy and free from contagious diseases. The testimonial must be issued 10 days before. If you have a passport, it must also be carried.
    • Immunisation: Your pet must have a rabies vaccination. The immunisation must be administered at least 30 days and no more than one year prior to entry the country. The animal must be chipped for identification.
    • Quarantine demands: Depending on the country from which you arrive, quarantine measures may be required. Pets with a high risk of disease may require mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
    • Convey: Pets must be hauled in accordance with airline regulations. A special container for transporting pets that meets IATA standards is usually required. When crossing the border by country convey, it is also essential to comply with all vet demands and carry the essential documents.
    • Restraints on species: Canines, felines, ferrets and definite other pets are allowed. However, there are restraints on importing definite breeds of canines such as pit bulls and Rottweilers.
    • Customs Procedures: Entering Israel, pet must be declared to the customs authorities. Customs duties and fees may be charged.

    Your pet must be over a definite age to be imported. This is usually at least 3 months of age for canines and felines.

    Pre-Flight preparations

    The first step is to select the right airline. Not all airlines afford the convey of animals and conditions may vary considerably. It is vital to check with the airline about policies regarding the convey of animals, including container demands, documentation and convey conditions. Some airlines afford pets to be hauled in the cabin if they meet definite size and weight demands, while others require to be hauled in the hold. The next vital step is to visit a vet. The vet should examine the animal and confirm its health before the voyage. This is especially vital for pets with chronic illnesses or older animals.

    The vet should also issue a health testimonial, which may be required by the airline and customs authorities of the destination. In some cases, additional immunisations or parasite treatment may be required. Choosing the right container to convey the animal is critical. The container must meet IATA standards, which include demands for size, ventilation, strength and security. The container must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn and lie down in a natural posture. The inside of the container should be padded to keep the pet comfortable. It is also advisable that identification tags with the owner’s contact information be attached to the container.

    The pet should be accustomed to the container before the voyage. This will help reduce stress and anxiety during the voyage. It is advisable that the container be left open in the house so that the pet can explore and get used to it. You can also place your pet’s favourite toys or blankets in the container to create a familiar and calming environment.

    Traveling with pets

    It is vital to properly ready your domestic beast for the voyage in terms of nutrition and hydration. A few hours before the voyage, it is advisable that feeding and drinking be restricted to avoid indigestion or the need to toilet during the voyage. However, the domestic beast should have access to water in a container to avoid dehydration.

    On the day of travel, you should arrive at the airport early to afford time to complete all essential procedures. This includes registering your pet, checking documents and possibly an additional examination by the airport vet. The pet owner should remain calm.

    After arriving at the destination, it is vital to pick up the domestic beast as soon as possible and check on its condition. The domestic beast may be disorientated and stressed, so it is vital to provide a calm and comfortable environment for the domestic beast to recover.

    Requirements and certification

    The first step is to receive a vet testimonial. The animal must be examined by a vet who will confirm that it is healthy and free of contagious diseases. The testimonial must be issued no earlier than 10 days before entering Israel. The testimonial must include all essential details about the beast, including its age, breed, sex, identification tags (e.g. microchip) and immunisation information.

    In some cases, additional certification such as a testimonial of parasite treatment may be required. This is particularly vital for coming from countries with a high risk of disease. The vet must certify that the beast has received the essential treatment and does not pose a health risk to other beasts or humans.

    Upon arrival in the country, the animal must undergo veterinary control at the airport. The airport veterinary services will check all documents and examine the animal. If the animal meets all requirements, it will be allowed to enter the country. If the animal is not compliant or shows signs of illness, it may be quarantined or sent back to the country of departure.

    In addition, beast owners should be prepared that there may be additional costs associated with importing the beast. These may include customs duties, vet inspection fees and other administrative costs. It is advisable to clarify all possible costs in advance and ready the essential funds.

    FAQ

    What are the vaccination requirements for animals when importing them into Israel?

    Rabies immunisation is required when importing canines and felines into Israel. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days prior to arrival. It is also advisable to check that the beast is vaccinated against other diseases such as leptospirosis and parvoviruses, although this is not mandatory.

    Do animals need a health certificate before traveling to Israel?

    Yes, before travelling, your beast must be examined by a vet who will issue a health testimonial.

    What identification does my animal need before traveling to Israel?

    Every beast must be identified with a microchip that complies with international standards ISO 11784/11785. If your beast does not already have a microchip, you should have it fitted prior to rabies immunisation.

    How do I obtain a permit to bring my animal into Israel?

    Before coming to country, you must receive an import permit from the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture. To do this, you need to fill out an application form and provide all the essential documents such as a health testimonial, vaccine record and microchip information. The process usually takes several weeks, so it is advisable to do this in advance.

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