Any dog/cat imported into Malta must have an import permit issued by the Director of Veterinary Service prior to import. It is advisable to apply 6 weeks prior to import to allow for vaccination and resting prior to import.

No Pit Bull Terriers or crosses may be imported into Malta, otherwise a cat or dog must have a certificate issued by the government veterinary service, declaring that the country of origin has been free of rabies for six months before the departure of the pet. The certificate must also declare that the country of origin has an official policy for the strict control of animal importation. Furthermore, if a cat or dog originates from a non-free rabies country, it has to be certified that it originates from an area free of rabies.

The animal must also have a veterinary health certificate issued by a recognised veterinarian, just before travelling to Malta, stating that the cat or dog is healthy and shows no evidence of clinical disease or parasitic infection, and that it has been vaccinated against rabies by an inactivated vaccine not less than 30 days and no more than six months before export. The animal has to be consigned to Malta directly from the country of origin either by air or ship securely crated as freight so that it appears on the cargo manifest.

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries' Veterinary Service (Telphone: 21239968, 21225930) in Malta must be notified of the exact date of the animal's arrival at least one week before and also whether the animal will be accompanied or not. Call the Quarantine Station on 21244236 with flight or vessel details.

The importation of animals is only allowed during office hours - 7.30 am to 5.00 pm. Animals will not be accepted on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.

Cats and dogs imported from the United Kingdom are quarantined at the Small Animal Quarantine Section at Luqa for three weeks, from other countries the quarantine period can be up to six months. An import licence, from the Department of Trade, and an entry form (Number 2) from the Customs Department must be completed before the release of the cat or dog from quarantine.

For more information, please contact:

• Director of Veterinary Service
  Albertown
  Marsa
  Tel: +356 21225638, +356 21225930
  Fax: +356 21238105