US
United States
✈️
IL
Israel
Pet Transport USA to Israel: The Titre Test, 90-Day Wait and USDA Certificate Process
24-28 weeks
Typical preparation
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
High
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
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Official rules on this page checked
Reviewed guides prioritise government and carrier sources; older pages are clearly flagged. How we source our data →
Step by step
The United States to Israel process
1
Must precede all rabies vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted before vaccinations
Responsible: Vet
2
At least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination.
Titre test blood draw at OIE-approved laboratory
Responsible: OIE-approved laboratory
3
After permit confirmed.
Book cargo or cabin transport
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
4
Within 10 days of travel. USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS endorsement (2-10 business days).
USDA health certificate for Israel
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS
5
On arrival. 1-3 day inspection hold.
Arrival inspection at Ben Gurion Airport
Responsible: Israeli Veterinary Services
Which Israel rules depend on a pet coming from the United States?
Israel sorts countries into 2 groups, and the United States falls in “all other countries”.
Rabies vaccination at 3 months or older, 30 days to 1 year before arrival; rabies antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml from a WOAH or EU approved laboratory; Israeli model health certificate issued within 10 days. 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 States require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: All pet export health certificates must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (page updated 18 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The accredited vet can submit the health certificate to APHIS for endorsement on the owner's behalf (through VEHCS); alternatively the vet gives the paperwork to the owner to submit to the USDA Endorsement Office. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel: U.S. to Another Country, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: VEHCS is APHIS's online system for issuing, submitting and endorsing export health certificates (page updated 9 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Endorsement windows after the vet signs are limited and vary by destination (e.g. 30 days). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: APHIS endorsement fee (page updated 18 June 2026): USD 101 per certificate with no lab tests; USD 160, 206 or 275 for 1 to 2, 3 to 6 or 7+ tests, plus small per-extra-pet amounts. Paid before endorsement; none for ADA service dogs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Cost To Endorse Your Pet's Health Certificate, checked 2 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Cargo airline fee: $800 to $2,400 from US hub to Tel Aviv depending on crate size and departure city |
| 2 | Titre test at OIE-approved laboratory: $150 to $350 |
| 3 | Israeli import permit fee: check current schedule with Veterinary Services |
| 4 | Pet transport agent fee (optional): $500 to $1,800 |
| 5 | Inspection hold costs on arrival: varies by facility |
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Use the specific Israel-format USDA health certificate form. A generic health certificate will not be accepted.
⚠ Israel bans Pit Bull types, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and Japanese Tosas.
⚠ The health certificate is valid for only 10 days. USDA endorsement takes 2-10 business days depending on submission method. Plan this step carefully.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
El Al Israel Airlines
Direct services from New York JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, and other US hubs to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion. Primary carrier. Pet cargo via El Al Cargo; limited cabin options for small pets.
United Airlines
Operates USA to Tel Aviv. Accepts small pets in cabin on some routes and pets as cargo. Confirm current policy as cabin pet acceptance has varied.
Delta Air Lines
Operates USA to Tel Aviv. Pet cargo via Delta Cargo. Confirm live animal acceptance for your specific routing.
American Airlines
Operates USA to Tel Aviv. Pet cargo. Confirm live animal acceptance and seasonal restrictions.
FAQ
Common questions
Israel requires its own country-specific health certificate format for US pet imports, titled ‘Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Dogs and Cats from the United States of America to the State of Israel.’ This is a different form from the generic USDA health certificate used for other destinations. Your USDA-accredited veterinarian should know it, or you can find the current form on the USDA APHIS website under US to Israel pet travel. The form must be completed by the vet and then endorsed by USDA APHIS.
El Al Israel Airlines operates direct services from New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX, Miami, Newark, and other US hubs to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport. United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines also operate trans-Atlantic services to Tel Aviv from various US cities. El Al is the primary carrier for this route and has the most experience with pet cargo on the US to Israel corridor. Confirm live animal acceptance, crate size, and seasonal embargoes with the airline’s cargo team before booking.
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Sources
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- USDA APHIS · United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations