A move from Norway to Israel with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Budget around 26-32 weeks and start early, because the mandatory waits on this route stack up …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Norway 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.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Norway to Israel import process
01
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
02
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
03
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
04
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Israel
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
05
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)
06
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
07
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
08
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (1-3 days (inspection hold) days)
Responsible: Israel quarantine authority
Requirements
Israel entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Required. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Rabies vaccination must be current and correctly documented.
Rabies titre test
Required for: All pets except those from approved listed countries (US, Canada, most EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand). Not required for: Pets from fully approved countries with appropriate documentation. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 1-3 days (inspection hold) days. Facility: Ben Gurion Airport Quarantine Station. All dogs and cats undergo a mandatory veterinary inspection on arrival. This is an inspection hold of 1-3 days, not extended quarantine, for pets with correct documents. Pets with non-compliant docs may be held longer or refused entry.
Import permit
Required. Import must be pre-approved. Do not travel without confirmed permit. Form available via veterinary.moag.gov.il.
Health certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government veterinarian in origin country. Valid for 10 days from issue. Certificate must be issued and endorsed no more than 10 days before arrival. Lists microchip, vaccinations, titre test result, parasite treatment.
Leaving Norway
Export requirements
Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
Norway follows EU health certificate formats for export.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
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 on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
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
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
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 Norway. 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.