Lead time needed
26-32 weeks
Quarantine
3 days
Route complexity
Very High
Airlines
8 carriers on this route
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KE
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Pet Transport from Kenya to Israel

Taking your dog or cat from Kenya to Israel comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Budget around 26-32 weeks and start early, because the mandatory waits on this route stack up quickly. Factor in 3 days of quarantine at the destination. Whether a …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Kenya to Israel typically takes around 26-32 weeks. Expect 3 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step

The Kenya to Israel import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Israel

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

8
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (1-3 days (inspection hold) days)

Responsible: Israel quarantine authority

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Israel

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Required. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Rabies vaccination must …
Rabies titre test
Required for: All pets except those from approved listed countries (US, Canada, …
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 1-3 days (inspection hold) days. Facility: Ben Gurion …
Import permit
Required. Import must be pre-approved. Do not travel without confirmed permit. …
Health certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government …
Export permit
Not required
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and …
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (Israel)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.

Breed restrictions apply at destination. Check if your dog is affected before booking.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Kenya Airways
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: pets in pressurised hold via Kenya Airways Cargo. …
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. …
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa …
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to …
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for …
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM …
Cabin and Cargo

Meeting Israel's entry requirements

Getting a pet into Israel means meeting a demanding set of rules with no shortcuts. Start from the earliest deadline and work forward from there.

Advice worth following

Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Israel. Your pet will stay for 1-3 days (inspection hold) days at Ben Gurion Airport Quarantine Station on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Israel. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from the Israel veterinary authority. Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Kenya. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Israel’s authority for the exact format required.
Yes, Israel bans or restricts certain breeds including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. If your dog is one of these types or a mix, contact the destination authority before making any travel arrangements.
Airline guides
  • Kenya Airways
  • British Airways
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Air France
  • KLM
Breed restrictions
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • Bull Terrier
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
All breed guides →

Move your pet to Israel.

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KE ILKenya to Israel
International pet transport route
Lead time26-32 weeks
Quarantine3 days
ComplexityVery High
Airlines8
ServiceDoor to door
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