Pet Transport from Portugal to Israel
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
International pet transport from Portugal to Israel comes down to documentation timing more than anything else.
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.
Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.
The Portugal to Israel process
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Responsible: Israel quarantine authority
Israel: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal export permit required. Destination import documentation serves as travel authority. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Rabies titre test laboratory fee |
| 5 | Import permit application fee (Israel) |
| 6 | Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination) |
| 7 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Read before you book
Israel breed rules
Airlines on this route
What to know about the Portugal to Israel route
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.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from Portugal
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.
Common questions
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