Dogs in Israel: rules, tax and travel
Dogs over 3 months old need a yearly municipal licence, a microchip and a rabies vaccination, and must be on a lead of up to 5 metres in public. Cats have no compulsory chip or licence. Imports need a rabies antibody test and a health certificate.
Licence fees, dog parks and local leash rules are set by each municipality.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Restricted | American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa, American Bully, crossbreeds with similar behaviour and physical traits Regulations for the Supervision of Dogs (Import and Keeping of Dangerous Dogs) 5765-2004: import prohibited, owners and handlers must be over 18, dogs over 6 months sterilised, muzzle and leash of max 2 m outside the premises, fenced yard with warning sign, no dog parks, transfer only to approved recipients. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Dogs over 3 months old are licensed by the municipal vet at the owner's home address and entered in a national dog registry. Owners must be 16 or older. Lost, moved, transferred or dead dogs must be reported within 7 days.[1]
Compulsory for dogs: a working microchip is a condition of the licence.[1]
Dog tax and licence
A municipal dog licence is needed for each dog over 3 months old, with a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and payment of the yearly fee. In Lod the fee is 43 NIS for a neutered dog and 394 NIS for an intact dog.[1]
43 to 394 ILS a year
Leash and muzzle
A dog leaving the yard or home must be under control of a capable person on a lead of no more than 5 metres. A dog kept in a yard needs a visible 'Beware of Dog' sign.[1]
Other rules
A dog that bites must be reported to the municipal vet service within 24 hours and goes into a 10 day observation quarantine.[1]
Dogs on public transport: small dogs on the lap ride free, larger dogs need a ticket, lead and muzzle.[2]
Travelling to Israel with a dog
Up to 2 dogs or cats per owner can enter without a permit with: a government vet health certificate issued within 7 to 10 days before travel, an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination given between 30 days and 1 year before arrival, a rabies antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, an owner declaration of at least 90 days possession, and notice to port vet services 48 hours before arrival. Minimum age is 3 to 4 months.[3]
Same conditions. Per a December 2020 US government summary: ISO microchip before the last rabies shot, rabies antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, health certificate within 10 days, import permit needed unless 2 or fewer animals travel as accompanied baggage, and 2 working days notice to the port vet office.[4]
Required: at least 0.5 IU/ml from an approved laboratory, sampled 30 or more days after vaccination. An older sheet exempts animals from Oceania, Great Britain, Japan and Cyprus.[3]
Healthy animals with complete papers are generally not quarantined. Animals needing a permit or arriving unaccompanied may be held at an official station for 8 days. Animals without correct papers can be returned at the owner's cost.[5]
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax, Liability insurance, Tapeworm treatment. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- lod.muni.il/en/560/ (secondary source)
- nbn.org.il/making-aliyah/the-aliyah-process/pets-and-aliyah/caring-for-your-pet-in-israel/ (secondary source)
- pvd.gov.lv/lv/media/927/download (official)
- aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-information-for-pets-to-israel_1.pdf (official)
- embassies.gov.il/san-francisco/ConsularServices/Documents/Import-of-Animals.pdf (official)