Jul 10, 2025
In the not-so-distant past, flying with a dog on an international adventure was a breeze. All you needed was a sturdy flight crate, a light meal before departure, a vet-recommended sedative, a couple of essential documents, and you were good to go. Fast forward to today, and the journey of flying with a dog to Israel, or elsewhere, has transformed into a more intricate and often time-consuming affair.
Nowadays, preparing for air travel with your dog requires navigating a maze of permits, veterinary treatments, and additional requirements. So, if you’re dreaming of exploring a new country with your beloved dog, it’s crucial to kick off the preparation process as soon as you make the decision to fly.
This dog transport guide will provide you with information to help you travel with your dog in ease!
Laws regarding pet travel differ significantly from one country to another. It’s crucial to understand that each nation has its own regulations.
As a result, the time needed to make travel arrangements can range widely. For some countries, you might be ready to go in just a month, while others could require 3-4 months, or even more than six!
As mentioned, while the specifics for flying with dogs can vary, there are essential requirements that apply universally, regardless of the destination you are flying to.
For example, we strongly recommend that every dog is chipped with an international microchip and has a valid rabies vaccine, as these are mandatory in most countries and by most airlines. There’s really no justifiable reason not to do this, even if you’re not planning to travel with your dog anytime soon.
In Israel, for example, the law clearly states that every dog owner must ensure their dog is vaccinated against rabies (starting at 3 months of age) and marked with a microchip. So, if you’re a dog owner in Israel, you are legally required to have both a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination for your furry friend. It’s not just a recommendation; it’s the law!
Flying with a dog to Israel requires careful planning – not just mentally, but especially in terms of legalities, which are governed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
If you set on flying your dog to Israel, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your pup:
To travel to Israel, dogs must be at least 4 months old. However, by the time all of the necessary paperwork will be finalized, your furry companion will likely be around 5 months old.
In special cases, dogs as young as 3 months can be imported if they are coming from countries that are “rabies-free”, such as Australia, Great Britain, Japan, Cyprus, etc.
Every dog entering Israel must have a subcutaneous electronic microchip.
No other forms of identification, such as external chips or tattoos, will be accepted.
Pet owners should ensure the chip complies with the international standards (ISO 11784 and 11785).
It is possible to enter Israel with dogs that don’t have compatible microchips, but in such cases, to avoid complications, the owner must bring a chip reader that can read the chip.
A rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs arriving into Israel.
The vaccination must be administered at least 30 days prior to arrival. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture requires that the rabies vaccination be done less than 1 or 2 years (according to the manufacturer’s specifications) before bringing the dog into Israel.
If your dog has a current rabies vaccine but lacks a microchip, you’ll need to get them microchipped and then revaccinated – in other words, the microchip must come first!
Since rabies is a deadly disease with no cure, it’s wise to ensure your dog is vaccinated even if you don’t have immediate travel plans. Keeping their vaccination up to date could also help streamline the entry process down the line.
Rabies is considered a fatal disease with no known cure! Even if you are not currently planning to fly to Israel with a dog, it is recommended that you make sure to vaccinate against rabies.
In addition, if you make sure your dog always has a valid rabies vaccination, you should be able to shorten the preparation process, when it will finally be time to fly with your dog.
The Ministry of Agriculture mandates that dogs must pass a rabies antibody test before traveling to Israel.
This test can only be conducted if there is a valid rabies vaccination that was done at least 30 days ago and not more than a year ago.
Your dog’s antibody levels must be at least 0.5 IU/ml, and samples should only be sent to labs approved by the Israeli authorities. Be aware that not all countries have such labs.
If your dog doesn’t pass the test, they’ll need a new vaccination, a 30-day wait, and another test.
Fortunately, in most cases, dogs pass the first test. Those that don’t, usually succeed on the second attempt.
Approximately 10 days before your travel date, a veterinary health certificate must be issued for your dog.
This document will summarize all the necessary procedures for your dog’s journey to Israel, including microchip details, vaccination records, and antibody test results.
You’ll need to send this health certificate, along with other required documents, to the vets in Ben Gurion (Ministry of Agriculture) to obtain an approval to bring a dog into Israel.
Contrary to what one might think, flying a dog to the USA is not that complicated.
Until recently, the US was considered as one of the most convenient and simplest destinations for importing pets.
In August 1, 2024, the CDC changed the import requirements for dogs. Nowadays, if you want to bring your pup into the US, you’ll need to ensure they have a microchip, a rabies vaccination that’s at least 30 days old, an antibody test, and a CDC certificate endorsed by the local authorities.
To make your pet’s journey smooth and stress-free, we highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the current regulations for flying animals into the US.
England, particularly London, is a popular destination for many pet owners. Every year, countless individuals explore the possibility of relocating to this vibrant country.
Since the pet import regulations in the UK are quite strict, it’s wise to enlist the help of a specialized pet transportation service.
Pet owners should keep in mind that the Brits are generally quite punctual and even a minor error in a dog’s paperwork can lead to significant problems (such as: entry refusal, fines or quarantine).
Preparing a dog’s transport to England is no quick endeavour. The process of flying a dog to England could take about 3-4 months!
The most time-consuming part of the process is the waiting time after receiving the results of the antibody test. The Brits require a waiting time of 3 months after receiving the results!
Additionally, it’s important to note that pets can only be transported as air cargo, meaning even the tiniest pups must travel in the cargo hold rather than in the passenger cabin with you.
Given the complexities of this journey, we highly recommend diving deeper into the specifics by checking out our detailed article: Flying A Dog To London
Transporting a dog to Australia can be quite a challenge, as it’s one of the toughest places in the world for bringing pets.
The Australian authorities have a lengthy checklist that includes a microchip, a rabies vaccination, an antibody test, additional blood tests, and the requirement for your furry friend to fly as cargo, along with mandatory quarantine and more.
Transporting a dog to Australia is a complicated journey that can take around 6 to 8 months and can be quite costly (thousands of dollars)!
If you’re planning a move to Australia with your canine companion, it’s wise to kick off this intricate process about a year in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
We recommend you check out the following: Bringing Pets To Australia
If you are planning to take your furry friend to the EU, you should start your preparations about 3-4 months in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
The requirements for flying a dog to Europe can vary based on where you are coming from. For instance, if you are traveling from a “rabies-risk country”, your dog will need to pass a rabies titre test at least 3 months before you enter the EU.
Dog owners should keep in mind that the European Union has 27 member countries and each country may require additional requirements related to the entry of dogs into their territory.
Fortunately, the European Union’s pet import rules allow flexible travel options: pets can travel into the EU in-cabin, as excess baggage or as cargo (freight). Having such options make traveling with pets into the EU an economical procedure.
If you are planning to travel with a dog within the EU, we strongly recommend obtaining a pet passport. A European pet passport is an identification document, which allows you to travel easily between EU countries.
If you are planning to fly with your dog, it’s essential you choose an airline that is truly “pet-friendly”.
Each airline has its own set of rules and restrictions, so it’s wise you check in advance. Some airlines don’t allow more than 2 animals per flight, while others might allow more.
Also, pet owners should be aware that certain countries don’t permit dogs to enter their territories in-cabin or as checked luggage, meaning that your pup will need to travel as cargo (freight).
So, before you hit that “book” button, make sure to carefully research the airline and the regulations surrounding flying with your beloved canine companion. After all, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth journey for both of you!”
For further details about flight tickets for dogs, please check out the following article: Pet Flight Tickets
When traveling with a dog, one intriguing dilemma is choosing between a direct flight or one with a layover. If your budget allows, going for a nonstop journey is the way to go! Shorter flights are generally easier on your dog, making for a smoother journey.
If you do find yourself with a layover, be sure to check the laws and procedures of the layover country, as some countries may require permits even for a brief stop. This could significantly delay your travels or add unexpected complications to your trip.
When booking a flight with a layover, inquire with the airline about their policies regarding pets and any accommodations they may offer during the stop. Some airports are equipped with pet relief areas where your dog can stretch, relieve themselves and drink water. Having such a layover can help make your dog’s journey more comfortable.
If you’re the proud owner of a dog that falls under the “dangerous” category (such as Pitbulls, Amstaffs, or Rottweilers), it’s essential you do your homework before you embark on your journey.
Many countries impose strict bans on bringing in certain breeds, so you’ll want to double-check their regulations.
Additionally, not all airlines are on board with flying these pups and those that do, often have a long list of requirements (such as special flight crates, unique flight arrangements, and even hefty fees).
We have a special article that discusses this topic in depth – Flying A Dangerous Dog
When it comes to flying with your dog, a flight crate is essential and the sooner you get one, the better your dog can acclimate to their new travel home.
While it might seem straightforward, we highly recommend consulting with a pet travel company before making your purchase. This way, you’ll ensure the flight crate is not only comfortable for your pup, but also meets the specific requirements of the airline and your destination country.
Don’t forget, while having the right documents, flight ticket, and veterinary treatments is crucial for a smooth journey, nothing matters more to your dog than their cozy and secure flight crate!
As your travel date approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your furry friend for their journey.
On the day of the flight, opt for a light meal for your dog, making sure to feed them no less than four hours before departure. Avoid changing their regular diet or treating them to snacks, as any deviations can lead to tummy troubles mid-flight.
To help them loose some energy, consider taking your dog for a long, enjoyable walk that allows them to soak up some fresh air before settling into their crate for the trip.
On the day of the flight, it’s best to steer clear of tranquilizers, since many airlines prohibit this. Arriving with a dazed or disoriented dog could mean trouble!
If you have a large dog and/or multiple pets, arranging suitable transportation to the airport is essential.
Finding a reliable option can be tricky, so don’t wait until the last minute to sort this out!
It’s also a good idea to check on transportation options at your destination, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
Pets2Fly can help you with transporting your animals to and from the airport, whether it is in Israel or another destination in the world.
Pets2Fly is a company that specializes in flying dogs across the globe. The company was founded with a mission to simplify the process of flying with pets.
We offer tailored services to address the unique challenges of your move. Our flexible approach allows us to provide each client with customized solutions that suit their needs and those of their furry companions.
If you’re flying a dog internationally, rest assured that our team of professionals is here to ensure a smooth and pleasant journey for you and your beloved pet.
With Pets2Fly, dog transport can be simpler and more seamless!”
We would love to hear from you!
