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 traveling 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 |
