Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Reviewed guides prioritise government and carrier sources; older pages are clearly flagged.
How we source our data →
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Israel process
1
Before any vaccinations. Must precede rabies vaccination.
Confirm ISO microchip is implanted and registered
Responsible: Vet
2
After permit is confirmed. Pet cargo bookings often fill up, especially in summer.
Book cargo or cabin transport with El Al or British Airways
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
3
On travel date. Allow for the 1-3 day inspection hold on arrival.
Travel to Israel; arrival inspection at Ben Gurion
Responsible: Airline cargo, then Israeli Veterinary Services
Which Israel rules depend on a pet coming from the United Kingdom?
Israel sorts countries into 2 groups, and the United Kingdom falls in “listed rabies-exception countries”.
Pets born in one of these eight countries and resident there continuously until arrival, or resident continuously for more than a year in one of them, follow a shorter list: no pre-arrival rabies vaccination (unvaccinated dogs are vaccinated within 5 days of arrival) and no rabies antibody test; minimum age over 5 months on the exemption route, over 3 months on the licence route. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Israel, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Israel guide.
What does the United Kingdom require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of the United Kingdom against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
Cargo airline fee: £700 to £1,800 from Heathrow to Tel Aviv depending on crate size and season
2
Israeli import permit fee: varies, check current schedule with Veterinary Services
3
Pet transport agent fee (optional but recommended): £400 to £1,200
4
Inspection hold accommodation: costs vary by facility
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ The UK is on Israel's approved rabies-free list, which means no titre test is needed. Ensure your vet documents this correctly on the health certificate.
⚠ Israel bans several breeds including Pit Bull Terrier types, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Japanese Tosa. Verify breed status before applying.
⚠ The APHA health certificate is only valid for 10 days. Time vet appointments carefully so the certificate is current on arrival.
⚠ All pets undergo an arrival inspection at Ben Gurion Airport. With correct paperwork this takes 1-3 days. Non-compliant pets can be refused entry.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
El Al Israel Airlines
Direct Heathrow to Tel Aviv. Primary carrier for this route. Pet cargo via El Al Cargo; limited cabin options for small pets in approved carriers.
Cargo and Cabin Limited
British Airways
Heathrow to Tel Aviv Cargo. Pets travel as accompanied cargo via IAG Cargo and PetAir UK. Advance booking required.
Cargo Only
Wizz Air / easyJet
Budget carriers may permit cabin travel for small dogs and cats on some routes. Check current pet policies as these change. Not suitable for larger dogs.
Cabin Small Pets
FAQ
Common questions
El Al Israel Airlines operates direct flights from Heathrow to Tel Aviv and has cargo and limited cabin pet options. British Airways also operates this route with pet cargo via IAG Cargo and PetAir UK. Budget carriers such as Wizz Air and easyJet may allow small pets in the cabin on some routes but policies change, so always verify directly. For dogs over around 8 kg combined weight with carrier, cargo is the standard option.
Airline guides
El Al Israel Airlines
British Airways
Wizz Air / easyJet
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
IATA· International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations