How to transport a dog to Israel? - briefly
To transport a dog to Israel, you must follow specific guidelines set by the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The process involves obtaining necessary vaccinations, microchipping your pet, and acquiring an import permit.
How to transport a dog to Israel? - in detail
Transporting a dog to Israel involves several steps and considerations to ensure your pet's safety and compliance with regulations. Here is a comprehensive guide:
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Veterinary Care: Before traveling, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your dog must be in good health and up-to-date on all vaccinations. The vet will provide you with a health certificate that is valid for 10 days from the date of issue. This certificate is required by Israeli authorities.
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Microchipping: Ensure your dog is microchipped. The microchip must comply with ISO standards (ISO 11784 or Annex A to ISO 11785). If your dog is not yet microchipped, arrange for this procedure at the vet's office.
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Rabies Vaccination: Israel requires that dogs are vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before arrival but no more than a year prior to travel. The vaccination must be administered after the dog is microchipped.
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Blood Test for Rabies Antibody Titer: Within 30 days of traveling, your dog should have a blood test to measure the rabies antibody titer level. This test must be conducted in an approved lab and sent to the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture for validation. The results should show a minimum titer level of 0.5 IU/ml.
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Approval from the Israeli Veterinary Services: Once you have all the necessary documents (health certificate, rabies vaccination record, blood test results), submit them to the Israeli Veterinary Services for approval. This process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.
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Choose an Approved Airline and Crate: Select a pet-friendly airline that allows pets in the cabin or as checked baggage. Ensure the crate meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards for size, ventilation, and security. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the crate.
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Prepare for Travel: Familiarize your dog with the crate before the trip. Place comfortable bedding, a favorite toy, and a small amount of food inside. On travel day, give your dog a light meal 4-6 hours before departure to prevent motion sickness.
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Arrival in Israel: Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, proceed to the animal import area. Present all documentation and the crate to the customs and veterinary services officers for inspection. Ensure your dog remains calm and secure throughout this process.
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Quarantine Period (if applicable): Depending on the specifics of your dog's health status and vaccination records, a quarantine period may be required. Follow all instructions provided by Israeli authorities to ensure a smooth transition for your pet.
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Settling In: Once cleared, you can take your dog home or to your temporary accommodation. Make sure the environment is comfortable and secure to help your dog adjust to the new surroundings.
By following these steps meticulously, you can ensure a safe and compliant journey for your pet to Israel.