🐾 Traveling to Israel with Pets
Pet-Friendly Israel
Israel is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, with growing pet-friendly options in urban areas like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Beaches, parks, and some restaurants accommodate well-behaved animals, though regulations are stricter than in some European countries.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and ferrets need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, confirming no infectious diseases.
Certificate must include proof of treatment for internal and external parasites within 14 days before entry.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days but not more than one year before entry.
Vaccination must be recorded in official documents; boosters required if over a year old.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip must be readable by standard scanners; number must match all accompanying documents.
Non-Low Risk Countries
Pets from high-risk rabies countries require a rabies antibody titer test and 180-day waiting period after vaccination.
Check with Israeli Ministry of Agriculture for country-specific rules; advance approval often needed.
Restricted Breeds
Certain breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and others classified as dangerous may be prohibited or require special permits.
Muzzles and leashes mandatory for restricted breeds in public areas; check local municipal laws.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents require specific import permits from the Israeli Veterinary Services.
Exotic pets need CITES permits and may face quarantine; contact authorities for detailed requirements.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Israel on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Tel Aviv & Jerusalem): Urban hotels like The Norman and Mamilla welcome pets for ₪50-150/night, with nearby parks and beaches. Chains like Hilton and Accor are often accommodating.
- Beach Resorts & Kibbutzim (Eilat & Dead Sea): Coastal accommodations frequently allow pets at low fees, with direct access to pet-friendly beaches. Ideal for relaxed seaside stays.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and similar platforms offer pet-friendly listings, especially in Tel Aviv. Private homes provide space for pets to play.
- Guest Houses (Pensions): Family-run guesthouses in the Galilee and Negev welcome pets and offer authentic experiences with outdoor areas.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Sites in the Negev Desert and along the coast are pet-friendly, with designated areas for dogs. Popular for nature-loving families.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end spots like the David Dead Sea Resort provide pet amenities including walking services and special menus.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Desert Hiking Trails
Israel's Negev and Judean Desert offer pet-friendly trails like Ein Gedi and Timna Park for dogs.
Keep pets leashed near wildlife; carry water as temperatures can rise quickly.
Beaches & Coastline
Tel Aviv beaches like Gordon and Frishman have dog-friendly sections outside peak hours.
Eilat's coral beaches allow leashed dogs; check seasonal restrictions for swimming areas.
Cities & Parks
Jerusalem's Sacher Park and Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park welcome leashed dogs; outdoor markets often permit pets.
Haifa's Bahá'í Gardens allow dogs on lower paths; respect quiet zones.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Tel Aviv's café scene is pet-loving with outdoor seating and water bowls standard.
Many spots in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda Market allow dogs at tables; inquire indoors.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Jerusalem Old City and Tel Aviv's Bauhaus district welcome leashed dogs.
Avoid sacred sites like the Western Wall with pets; focus on historical walks.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Haifa's Carmelit funicular and Masada cable car allow small pets in carriers; fees around ₪20-50.
Operators may require muzzles; book ahead for peak times.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Israel Railways): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs need tickets (₪20-50) and must be leashed/muzzled. Allowed in non-peak cars.
- Buses & Trams (Egged & Light Rail): Small pets free in carriers; larger dogs ₪10-20 with muzzle/leash. Jerusalem Light Rail permits leashed dogs.
- Taxis: Most taxis accept pets with notice; use Gett or Uber apps to select pet-friendly options. Extra cleaning fee may apply (₪20-50).
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Eldan and Avis allow pets with deposit (₪200-500); clean thoroughly to avoid charges. Ideal for Dead Sea trips.
- Flights to Israel: Check airline policies; El Al and Arkia allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: El Al, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for ₪200-400 each way. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics like VetTel in Tel Aviv and Hadassah Veterinary in Jerusalem offer urgent care.
Travel insurance covering pets recommended; consultations ₪200-500.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Super-Pharm and pet stores (e.g., Buddy) stock food, meds, and accessories nationwide.
Pharmacies carry basic pet items; bring prescriptions for specialized needs.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban areas have salons and daycare for ₪100-300 per session; book in advance.
Hotels in Tel Aviv often partner with local pet services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Apps like PetBacker and local services in major cities handle sitting for day trips.
Concierge at luxury hotels can arrange trusted sitters.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, beaches, and nature reserves. Off-leash allowed in designated dog parks like in Tel Aviv.
- Muzzle Requirements: Mandatory for certain breeds on public transport and in some municipalities. Carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Bags and bins available in parks; fines ₪100-1000 for not cleaning up. Always carry supplies.
- Beach & Water Rules: Dogs allowed on beaches outside 9am-5pm in summer; keep away from swimmers.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating often welcomes pets; no jumping on tables. Quiet behavior expected.
- National Parks: Leashed pets permitted on most trails; prohibited in archaeological sites like Masada.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Israel
Israel for Families
Israel offers a mix of ancient history, modern beaches, and adventure for families. Safe cities, interactive sites, and Mediterranean vibes make it ideal for kids. Facilities include stroller access, family restrooms, and kid menus in tourist areas.
Top Family Attractions
Luna Park (Tel Aviv)
Seaside amusement park with rides, games, and beach views for all ages.
Entry free; rides ₪20-50. Open daily with summer events and snacks.
Biblical Zoo (Jerusalem)
Family zoo with biblical animals, train rides, and interactive exhibits.
Tickets ₪50 adults, ₪40 kids; full-day fun with picnic areas.
Masada Fortress
Ancient site with cable car, audio tours, and desert views kids enjoy.
Family tickets available; combine with Dead Sea for adventure day.
Madatech (Haifa)
Interactive science museum with experiments, planetarium, and submarine.
Tickets ₪40-50; great for rainy days with English guides.
Mini Israel (Latrun)
Miniature park with Israel's landmarks, playgrounds, and shows.
Tickets ₪50 adults, ₪40 kids; educational fun near Jerusalem.
Water Parks (Eilat)
Dolphin Reef and water slides for family splashes in the Red Sea area.
Day passes ₪100-150; suitable for kids 3+ with safety features.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Israel on Viator. From Dead Sea floats to Jerusalem walks, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Tel Aviv & Jerusalem): Properties like Dan Hotels offer family suites (2 adults + 2 kids) for ₪400-800/night. Include pools, kids' clubs, and cribs.
- Resort Stays (Eilat & Dead Sea): All-inclusive resorts with childcare, water parks, and family programs. Herods Eilat caters to families.
- Kibbutz Holidays: Rural kibbutzim like Ein Gedi provide family rooms with animal encounters for ₪300-600/night including meals.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering in Tel Aviv with kitchens and beach access; space for family meals.
- Youth Hostels: Budget options like Abraham Hostels in Tel Aviv for ₪200-400/night with family dorms and activities.
- Boutique Family Hotels: Charming stays like in Nazareth with gardens and cultural immersion for kids.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Tel Aviv with Kids
Beaches, Carmel Market, Ilana Goor Museum, and bike rides along the promenade.
Street food and playgrounds make the city vibrant for children.
Jerusalem with Kids
Time Elevator, City of David tunnels, Israel Museum's youth wing, and Bloomfield Science Museum.
Storytelling tours and ice cream in the Old City engage young explorers.
Galilee with Kids
Sea of Galilee boat rides, Capernaum sites, and Gan Garoo kangaroo park.
Katzrin Adventure Park with zip lines and nature walks.
Negev & Dead Sea
Dead Sea floating, Ein Avdat hikes, and Bedouin camps with camel rides.
Easy trails and salt sculptures fascinate kids in the desert.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Kids under 5 free; 5-18 at 50% off with adult. Family areas on Israel Railways with stroller space.
- City Transport: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem day passes (family) ₪30-50. Buses and light rail stroller-friendly.
- Car Rentals: Child seats ₪20-50/day mandatory under 1.5m; book ahead for family vans.
- Stroller-Friendly: Major sites like markets and malls have ramps; beaches offer accessible paths.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants offer falafel, shawarma for ₪20-40. High chairs common in tourist spots.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Hummusiyas and beach cafés with play areas; diverse kosher options.
- Self-Catering: Shufersal supermarkets stock baby food and diapers; markets for fresh fruits.
- Snacks & Treats: Halva, rugelach, and gelato keep kids happy on the go.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, stations, and attractions with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies: Super-Pharm has baby essentials; English-speaking staff available.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange for ₪100-200/hour; apps like Care.com operate locally.
- Medical Care: Pediatric services in all cities; emergency dial 101. Travel insurance advised.
♿ Accessibility in Israel
Accessible Travel
Israel invests in accessibility with ramps, elevators, and adapted transport in tourist hubs. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv lead in inclusive facilities; tourism offices provide guides for barrier-free planning.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: Israel Railways offer wheelchair spaces, ramps, and assistance; book 48 hours ahead.
- City Transport: Egged buses low-floor with audio; Jerusalem Light Rail fully accessible.
- Taxis: Wheelchair taxis via apps; standard ones fit folding chairs.
- Airports: Ben Gurion provides full services, priority boarding, and accessible lounges.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Israel Museum and Madatech have ramps, audio guides, and tactile maps.
- Historic Sites: Western Wall elevators; Masada cable car accessible.
- Nature & Parks: Dead Sea beaches with ramps; Yarkon Park paths wheelchair-friendly.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Nov) for mild weather and festivals; summers hot for beaches.
Avoid peak heat (July-Aug) in deserts; winters mild for city exploration.
Budget Tips
Rav Kav card for transport discounts; combo tickets for sites like Jerusalem Pass.
Picnics at beaches and markets save while enjoying local flavors.
Language
Hebrew and Arabic official; English common in tourism. Basic phrases appreciated.
Signs bilingual; apps help with translation for families.
Packing Essentials
Sunscreen, hats for sun; layers for coastal/desert shifts. Comfortable shoes for walking.
Pets: Heat-protective gear, water bowls, leash, muzzle, and import docs.
Useful Apps
Moovit for transport, Google Translate, and PetBacker for services.
Rav Kav app for public transit payments and routes.
Health & Safety
Israel safe for families; tap water safe in cities. Pharmacies for advice.
Emergency: 100 police, 101 medical. Travel insurance covers health needs.