Pet Transport from Sri Lanka to Israel
Planning to move your pet from Sri Lanka to Israel? Get Your Quote
Moving to Israel from Sri Lanka with a dog or cat means starting the paperwork months before your flight.
This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. Israel requires mandatory quarantine (1-3 days (inspection hold) days) for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up. Israel restricts certain breeds. Check the breed restriction section below before making any travel arrangements.
Getting the timing right is critical. Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer.
Step-by-Step Process
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies vaccination
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Apply for import permit from Israel
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Quarantine on arrival (1-3 days (inspection hold) days)
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Responsible: Israel quarantine authority
Israel Import Requirements
What Israel requires for pets entering the country.
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.
Exporting from Sri Lanka
What you need from Sri Lanka before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
Export permit from DAPH.
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- 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)
Breed Restrictions
Israel restricts or bans the following breeds from entry:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Bull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
Important Warnings
Key requirements for moving your pet to Israel
This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. Israel runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Israel (at Ben Gurion Airport Quarantine Station) for 1-3 days (inspection hold) days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
Israel has strict import rules for pets. Pre-approval from the Veterinary Services is required before travel. Allow at least 3-6 months lead time.
From experience: Sri Lanka to Israel pet transport
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
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