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, 21225930
Fax: +356 21238105
