Nefesh BNefesh

For most animal lovers, a household pet is another member of the family. Pets are required to go through a separate approval process before they will be allowed entry into Israel. Israel’s Misrad Hachaklaut (Ministry of Agriculture), Reshut Hateva v’Haganim (Nature Reserves Authority) and EL AL Israel Airlines each have specific regulations that determine which pets are eligible to travel on flights and are approved for import into Israel. Coordinating your pet’s Aliyah requires advanced planning.

DISCLAIMER:

NBN will not be held responsible should you not fulfill all the requirements of Misrad Hachaklaut & EL AL in a timely fashion, and/or if your pet is denied passage on the flight by EL AL or is not granted permission to enter the State of Israel. The information noted herein is strictly a resource/guide to assist you in understanding the basic rules and requirements. Please make sure to contact both Misrad Hachaklaut and EL AL to verify their requirements for your pet(s) and to ensure you have correctly fulfilled all governmental & airline requirements in time for your flight. In addition, the information noted here is strictly in reference to Israel’s import regulations. The United States and Canada may have additional export requirements to fulfill. It is your responsibility to research and fulfill any additional requirements of these countries.

The information in this article was taken from the Misrad Hachaklaut and EL AL websites as of May 2010 and/or was communicated to Nefesh B’Nefesh by Dr. Shlomo Garazi, Misrad Hachaklaut’s Chief Import & Export Veterinary Officer. It is your responsibility to follow up with Misrad Hachaklaut, Reshut Hateva v’Haganim and EL AL to verify their most current policy.

Eligibility for Import
Exams, Procedures & Documentation required for Import
EL AL’s Pet Policy
Wildlife
For Further Information

Eligibility for Import:
All animals without proper documentation, as mandated by Misrad Hachaklaut, Reshut Hateva v’Haganim and EL AL, and animals under the age of 4 months are illegal to import. 

• Cats, household birds (not including rare or exotic bird), rabbits, rodents & most dogs are generally approved for import provided they arrive in good health and are properly certified.
• It is prohibited to import a dog belonging to one of the following dangerous breeds, as well as a dog that is the result of a cross with a dangerous breed and that exhibits behavior patterns and/or physical traits similar to those of a dangerous breed: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), Bull Terrier, Fila Brazileiro, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (English Staff), Tosa Inu (Japanese Tosa), Rottweiler and Argentinian Dogo.
• Reptiles, amphibians and rare or exotic birds are classified as wildlife.  Animals that fall into one of these categories, that in general are considered normal household pets, are usually approved for import after receiving special approval from Misrad Hachaklaut and Reshut Hateva v'Haganim.
• It is illegal to import monkeys and a number of animals classified as wildlife by Misrad Hachaklaut and Reshut Hateva v'Haganim, i.e., species that do not usually live with human beings in their natural habitat.
• To determine if your pet is considered wildlife, see: Wildlife

Misrad Hachaklaut reserves the right to refuse entry to Israel or destroy all pets that are not properly certified and/or pets that are illegal to import. 

Exams, Procedures & Documentation required for Import Approval:
This section outlines the procedures and exams that must be administered, and the documentation that must be obtained, completed and submitted before your pet will be allowed entry into the country.  In addition, it is noted when each item should be taken care of prior to your pet’s departure to Israel.

• International Certificate of Rabies Vaccine & Rabies Serological (Titer) Test – for Dogs & Cats: At least 4-6 months prior to your pet’s arrival in Israel
  The rabies vaccine must be administered no more than one year and no less than one month prior to your pet’s arrival in Israel and an International Certificate of Rabies Vaccine should be issued by your veterinarian.  Your veterinarian must administer a special blood test (and obtain results of the blood test) from an authorized laboratory, confirming that your pet is responding to a recent rabies vaccine and producing antibodies.  Finding out the results of the rabies serological test may take anywhere from 1-3 months depending on the lab in your area, and at least month must have passed between your pet receiving the rabies vaccine and doing the blood test.  If your pet fails the test, another rabies vaccine will need to be administered and your pet will need to be retested a month later. 
• Written Permission to Import Animals Considered Wildlife: Several months prior to your pet’s arrival in Israel
  If your pet is classified as wildlife, you must obtain written permission to import your pet from Reshut Hateva v’Haganim in advance of your pet’s Aliyah, in addition to complying with the regulations of Misrad Hachaklaut & EL AL.  Reshut Hateva v’Haganim usually requests detailed information about your pet before issuing written permission for your pet to be imported. They may request additional documentation that is not required for other kinds of animals.  For further information see Wildlife.
• Veterinary Import License (If applicable): No less than 10 days before your pet’s date of departure
  A Veterinary Import License is issued by the Director of the Veterinary Services in Israel and states the conditions and requirements pertaining to each animal. 

You must obtain a Veterinary Import License if:

• You are bringing more than two of each of the following animals: dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and rodents.
• You are bringing one animal (or more) that is not a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or rodent.
• Your pet is considered wildlife.

A written application for a Veterinary Import License must be submitted as soon as your flight date is determined, but no less than 10 days before the planned date of departure of the animals. The application must be accompanied with a check (approximately 42 NIS) and should include the following details:

• Animal species
• Sex
• Breed
• Age
• Date of expected arrival in Israel
• Country of origin

The application should be faxed to +972-3-977-2033 or +972-3-960-5194 and addressed to:
The Director of Veterinary Services/Import-Export Officer
P.O. Box 12
Bet Dagan 50250
Israel

• Electronic Chip – for dogs, cats & certain animals classified as wildlife: At least a week prior to your pet’s flight (earlier is better)
  Dogs, cats and certain types of animals that are classified as wildlife must be tagged with a subcutaneous electronic chip prior to entering Israel. Regulations require that the chip transmits on a frequency of 134.2 Kilohertz and can be read with a chip reader that conforms to the provisions of the ISO standard No. 11784 or of Annex A of ISO Standard 11785. If the chip does not conform to these standards, the importer or the importer’s representative is required to be in possession of another means to read it. This is not the standard chip used in the United States. Before getting your pet chipped, verify that your veterinarian is implanting the correct model. If not, you may be required to have your pet chipped again within five days of arriving in Israel.  If your vet does not carry them, ask if he/she can order it, or if he/she would be comfortable implanting the chip if you order it online. The chip is available for purchase on some pet websites.

• Health Certificate (aka Veterinary Certificate for Entering Israel) – Completion & Endorsement:
• Dogs & Cats – Completed no more than 10 days and no less than 2 Israeli business days prior to flight (Israeli work week is Sunday – Thursday)
• Other Pets - No more than 7 days and no less than 48 hours prior to your pet’s arrival
• UPDATE For All Pets - Endorsement of the completed health certificate by a USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Veterinary Services Officer or CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) Veterinary Inspector - no less than 2 business days prior to flight

* Your veterinarian should be able to obtain the Israeli health certificate on your behalf.

Completion of the Health Certificate:

• Only a USDA or CFIA licensed veterinarian may fill out and complete the health certificate.
• Book an appointment in advance with your veterinarian to ensure there is availability the week prior to your pet’s Aliyah. This appointment is for your veterinarian to give your pet a final check up and to complete the health certificate.
• Verify in advance that your veterinarian will have the Israeli health certificate in time for the appointment.

Endorsement of the Health Certificate:

• Once the Health Certificate has been completed by your licensed veterinarian, it must then be endorsed by either a USDA Veterinary Services Officer or a CFIA Veterinary Inspector.
• The endorsement is required for your pet to enter Israel.  
• To locate your regional USDA Veterinary Services Officer or CFIA Veterinary Inspector view the following links. Please note that your regional office might not be located in your city or in some cases even in your State. Please plan accordingly for travel.

USDA Veterinary Services Area Offices

CFIA Animal Health Office

For Dogs & Cats see Part A. For all other pets see Part B:

Part A: Fax the Ramla Quarantine Station & Veterinary Services - for dogs & cats: 2 Israeli business days prior to your dog and/or cat’s departure date (Israeli work week is Sunday – Thursday). As part of the import process, you are required to fax the Ramla Quarantine Station & Veterinary Services at Ben Gurion Airport, at +972-3-977-2033,with the following information:

• Name of owner
• Veterinary Health Certificate
• Notification of Pet Arrival - Click here for the form (known as Annex B)
• List indicating the type of animal (dog/cat), breed, sex, date of birth, identification number of electronic chip (for dogs) and date of last vaccination against rabies
• Flight number
• Approximate date/time of arrival
• Declaration of Animal Possession View the declaration form (known as Annex C).
• International Certificate of Rabies Vaccination (for cats and dogs only)
• Veterinary Import License, if applicable

Part B: Fax the Ramla Quarantine Station & Veterinary Services - for all other pets: No more than 7 days and no less than 48 hours prior to your pet’s arrival in Israel.
As part of the import process, you are required to fax the Ramla Quarantine Station & Veterinary Services at Ben Gurion Airport, at +972-3-977-2033,with the following information:

• Name of owner
• Animal species
• Age
• Flight number
• Approximate date/time of arrival
• Veterinary Health Certificate
• Declaration of Animal Possession
• International Certificate of Rabies Vaccination (for cats and dogs only)
• Veterinary Import License, if applicable

EL AL’s Pet Policy:
If you are flying on an airline other than EL AL, please be in touch with the airline directly regarding their pet policy; some airlines, including US Airways, do not allow pets on their flights.

Pet Fare: Rates are subject to change and are the same regardless of travel in-cabin or in the pet cargo hold.  Once your flight reservation has been made please follow up with EL AL to ensure your pet’s kennel meets EL AL’s criteria.  EL AL reserves the right to refuse carriage for oversized and/or extremely heavy kennels, or to charge additional fees, as it sees fit.

The rates are as follows for departure from JFK/Newark/Toronto:

• Pet plus container weighs up to 17 lbs (8 Kg): $250 USD
• Pet plus container weighs between 17 lbs (8 Kg) and 55 lbs (25 Kg): $350 USD
• Pet plus container weighs between 55 lbs (25 Kg) and 110 lbs (50 Kg): $500 USD
• Pet plus container, beyond 110 lbs (50Kg): $500 USD, plus $5 USD for each additional 2 lbs (1Kg)

In Cabin: In accordance with EL AL regulations, all pets weighing over 17 pounds (8 kilos), including the weight of their kennels, must be placed underneath the plane in pet cargo (provided there are no FAA regulations preventing this). There is a temperature-regulated cargo hold for pets, which is separate from the luggage hold.
Dogs, cats and birds weighing under 17 pounds (8 kilos) including the weight of their carrier, can come in the cabin of the plane ONLY if they are small enough to fit with their carrier underneath the seat in front of you, and only if there are in-cabin pet seats available. Your carrier – soft or hard – may not exceed 40 cm X 40 cm X 21 cm and must be stored under the passenger’s seat.  There are no exceptions to the rule.
Even if your pet meets the above criteria, there is no guarantee that your pet will be placed in the cabin. Once your flight reservations have been made and you have provided NBN with your pet’s details please contact EL AL to verify whether your pet will be able to fly in-cabin or will need to be placed in the pet cargo hold.  In addition, follow up with EL AL to ensure your pet’s kennel meets their criteria.  EL AL reserves the right to refuse carriage for oversized and/or extremely heavy kennels, or to charge additional fees, as it sees fit.
Even if the EL AL representative tells you there is room in the cabin of the plane, it is not guaranteed.  EL AL has the right to limit the placement of pets both in-cabin and in pet cargo, based on FAA regulations and the available space on the flight.

Note: Based on our past experience, EL AL does not allow most rodents and reptiles to travel in-cabin, regardless of size or weight.

In Cargo:
Your pet’s crate or kennel may not exceed the following dimensions when traveling in cargo. Please note that regulations vary based on the type of plane:

• 777: Width 32” X Height 40” X Length 123”
• 747: Width 40” X Height 47” X Length 95”

Wildlife
If you aren't sure whether your pet is considered wildlife, be in touch with Reshut Hateva v'Haganim with the following information:

• Type of animal (such as bird, lizard or frog)
• Exact species (English and Latin names)
• Where the animal was obtained or purchased (such as pet store, friend, zoo or nature)
• Copy of purchase certificate, if the animal was bought in a store
• Length of time the animal has been in your possession
• Animal size and weight

If your pet is eligible for import, Reshut Hateva v'Haganim may have additional requirements, in order to grant your pet written permission to enter Israel, such as:

• Export permit from the country or state of origin (where your pet currently resides or is departing from)
• Implantation of a Microchip and chip number
• Import permit from Misrad Hachaklaut
• Agra, or a processing fee (in addition to the fees collected by Misrad Hachaklaut and EL AL)

For Further Information:

Misrad Hachaklaut - Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture
Website: http://www.vetserveng.moag.gov.il/VetServENG/travel.htm
Additional information for cats & dogs:  http://www.vetserveng.moag.gov.il/VetServENG/ImportExport/General/
Misrad Hachaklaut’s official Regulations for Dogs & Cats and relevant forms
Contact: Dr. Shlomo Garazi, Misrad Hachaklaut’s Chief Import & Export Veterinary Officer
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Reshut Hateva v’Haganim - Nature Reserves Authority
The Licensing Department’s office hours are:
Sunday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Israel Time)
Phone:  02-500-5461
Fax:   02-538-3405
Mailing Address: Reshut Hateva v’Haganim, 78 Yirmiahu Street, Jerusalem, Israel

EL AL
Website: http://elal.com/ELAL/English/AllAboutYourFlight/BeforeYourFlight/Pets/PetsGeneral.htm
Contact is based on country of the departure city:

New York Area Office
John Jakubowski
Direct phone number: (718) 244-3165
Main phone number: (718) 244-3167/8/9
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Toronto Office
Zippy Brown
Phone: (416)967-4222 ext.223
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UK Office
Martin Haley
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Terminal 4 Pets
An Israeli agency for international pet transport, which provides support services (for a fee) when traveling with pets to or from Israel.
Website: http://www.terminal4pets.com/
Phone: US: 1-866-PET2FLY, Israel: 08-926-4554
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