Bringing Pets to Malta: My Guide to Stress-Free Pet Relocation

The Malta Reality: Why Your Pet Doesn’t Just Fit in Your Carry-On

When I moved to Malta with my cat Luna three years ago, I naively thought: “EU is EU, just pack the cat and let’s go.” Spoiler alert: It’s not that simple. Malta may be small, but when it comes to pet relocation rules, theyre in the Champions League of bureaucracy.

The good news? If you’re an EU citizen, things are much easier than for non-EU residents. No months of quarantine or crazy costs for blood tests. The bad news? You still need at least 4–6 weeks lead time and about €200–500 per pet, depending on how complicated your case is.

What Makes Malta Special When Importing Pets

As an island nation, Malta is especially strict about animal diseases. It’s not out of spite—it’s about its geographic situation. If a disease is ever introduced, it spreads here faster than gossip in Sliema. That’s why checks are stricter than on the mainland.

Another thing to know: Malta doesn’t have direct pet flight connections from all EU countries. Depending on where you’re coming from, this might mean stopovers or alternative routes via Italy. More on that later.

Cost Reality Check for Pet Relocation to Malta

Here are the real numbers from my own experience and that of my expat friends:

What does this mean for you? Plan on at least €300–500 if you have to arrange everything from scratch. If you already have a valid EU pet passport, you can get by with €150–250.

EU Pet Passport Malta: Which Documents You Really Need

The EU Pet Passport is your golden ticket for unrestricted pet travel within the EU. Without it, nothing works. Period. I’ve seen a German expat turned away at Munich Airport because he thought a local vaccination book was enough. Spoiler: It’s not.

What Exactly Is the EU Pet Passport?

The EU Pet Passport (also called an EU Pet Passport) is a standardized document recognized in all EU countries. It documents your pet’s identity, all vaccinations and veterinary treatments. Think of it as your pet’s passport.

Important: You can only apply for the passport in the EU country where your pet is currently registered. Live in Germany? Get it from your German vet. Already living in Spain? See a Spanish vet.

Microchip: Your Pet’s Digital ID

Before you even think about the EU Pet Passport, you need a microchip. It’s a grain-of-rice-sized transponder inserted under your pet’s skin by the vet. Don’t worry—it’s no more painful than a regular injection.

The microchip must meet ISO standard 11784 or 11785. Most modern chips do this automatically, but ask your vet to be sure. Older chips from the 2000s may not be compatible.

Registration is just as important: Your contact details must be stored in an approved database. In Germany, that’s usually TASSO or the German Pet Register. Cost: about €15–25, one time.

Step-by-Step: Applying for an EU Pet Passport

1. Have a microchip implanted (if not already present)
2. Complete basic immunizations – at minimum, rabies is mandatory
3. See an authorized vet – not every vet can issue EU pet passports
4. Bring documents: ID card, previous vaccination records, microchip proof
5. Pick up the passport – usually ready in 1–2 weeks

Insider tip: Call ahead and ask if the vet can issue EU pet passports. Not all are authorized, and it would be annoying to travel for nothing.

Malta-Specific Points for EU Pet Passports

Malta accepts all valid EU pet passports, but has some quirks:

• English translation helps: Maltese officials may speak German or Italian, but English is safest
• Clear photo in the passport: Make sure your pet’s photo is easily recognizable
• Complete vaccination history: Malta checks more thoroughly than other EU countries – all entries must be legible and complete

Rabies Vaccination Malta: Timing Is Everything for Entry

The rabies vaccination is the heart of the entire pet relocation process. This is what decides whether your move to Malta will run smoothly or become a bureaucratic nightmare. I’ve seen people have to postpone their flights because they miscalculated the timing.

The 21-Day Rule: Why You Can’t Start Too Early

After the rabies vaccination, your pet must wait at least 21 days before entering Malta. This applies to first vaccinations and to pets whose immunity had lapsed. For timely boosters, there’s no waiting period.

Example: Your cat got her rabies shot on January 1st. She’s eligible to enter Malta on January 22nd at the earliest. Not the 21st—Malta counts from the day after vaccination.

My mistake back then: I thought 3 weeks is 21 days. It is—but Malta wants 21 full days after the vaccination. So actually 22 days. Luna and I had to stay in Germany a week longer because I booked too soon.

Which Rabies Vaccines Does Malta Accept?

Malta accepts all inactivated rabies vaccines approved in the EU. Common brands like Nobivac, Versican or Rabisin are all accepted. What matters is that the vaccine is correctly recorded in the EU Pet Passport.

What to pay attention to:

• Vaccine batch number must be entered in the passport
• Duration of validity is crucial – usually 1–3 years depending on the vaccine
• Vet’s stamp and signature are mandatory

Health Certificate for Malta: The Last Bureaucratic Hurdle

In addition to the EU Pet Passport, you need a veterinary health certificate for Malta. This confirms your pet is fit to travel and healthy.

The hurdles:

• Valid for only 10 days from date of issue
• Must be issued by authorized official vets
• Additional cost: €50–120 depending on region
• Allow 1–2 weeks for appointments

My tip: Arrange this certificate as the very last official step before departure. I always aim to pick it up 2–3 days before my flight. Don’t wait any longer because of the short validity, but same-day pickup is stressful.

Other Vaccinations: What’s Recommended for Malta?

Rabies is mandatory, but depending on your pet, further vaccinations are a good idea:

Talk to your vet about these extra vaccines. Malta has good vets, but prevention is cheaper than treatment.

Pets to Malta Transport: Plane vs. Ferry Cost Comparison

Here’s where it gets practical: How do you actually get your pet to Malta? The island has no land border, so your only choices are plane or ferry. Both come with challenges, and your choice depends on your pet, your budget, and your nerves.

Plane: Fast But Not for Every Pet

Flying is the fastest option—but usually the most stressful for your pet. Small dogs and cats up to 8kg (pet + carrier) usually fly in the cabin. Anything heavier must go in the cargo hold, which isn’t pleasant.

Which airlines fly pets to Malta?

• Air Malta: Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna. Cabin up to 8kg, cargo up to 32kg
• Lufthansa: Via Frankfurt or Munich. Strict rules but reliable
• Ryanair: No pets (except guide dogs)
• easyJet: No pets

Pet travel prices by air:

• Cabin (up to 8kg): €50–120 per leg
• Cargo (over 8kg): €150–300 per leg
• Carrier: €30–80 (if you have to buy one)

Important: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and be no larger than 55x40x23 cm. Your pet must be able to turn and lie down inside. Sounds easy, but it’s often a dealbreaker for bigger cats or small dogs.

Ferry to Malta: More Relaxed, But Time-Consuming

The ferry is a more relaxed option, especially for nervous animals or large breeds. You drive to Italy and take one of the ferries to Malta.

Ferry routes to Malta:

• From Sicily (Catania): Virtù Ferries, about 4.5 hours crossing
• From Pozzallo (Sicily): Virtu Ferries, about 1.5 hours
• From Genoa: Grimaldi Lines, about 20 hours (overnight on board)

Ferry costs with pet:

Plus: Fuel for driving to Italy (€300–800 depending on starting point), overnight stays en route, motorway tolls in Austria/Italy.

My Recommendation: Which Option for Which Pet?

Plane is ideal for:

• Small, calm pets up to 8kg
• Pets that have flown before
• If you’re flying yourself
• If time is more important than money

Ferry is better for:

• Large dogs (15kg and up)
• Nervous or elderly pets
• If you’re moving by car anyway
• If you have more than one pet

I’ve tried both: Luna (small cat) flew, my later dog Max (30kg labrador) took the ferry. Both coped well, but the ferry was definitely calmer—for me and the animal.

Minimizing Travel Stress: Practical Tips

Whether by plane or ferry, these tricks help:

1. Get your pet used to the carrier in advance: Feed or give treats in it daily for 2–3 weeks before travel
2. Bring familiar smells: Favorite toy or an unwashed piece of your clothing
3. Sedatives only after consulting your vet: Especially on flights, they can be risky due to air pressure
4. Last meal 4–6 hours before travel: Empty stomach means less nausea
5. Have a backup plan: In case your pet seems unfit for travel on the day

Arrival in Malta with Pets: Customs, Checks and First Steps

You’re almost there! Your pet has arrived in Malta safe and sound. Now, just the entry checks stand between you and the island’s dolce vita with your furry friend. Spoiler: Malta is strict but fair—as long as your paperwork is in order.

Customs Check at Malta Airport: What Actually Happens?

At Malta International Airport (MLA), pet checks happen via the red customs line. You can’t just walk through the green “Nothing to declare” lane, even if your pet entered EU-compliant.

This is how it works in practice:

1. Take pet out of carrier (if asked)
2. Show EU pet passport
3. Hand over health certificate
4. Have microchip scanned (officials have readers)
5. Quick visual check of the animal
6. Passport gets stamped – done!

Normally, this takes 5–15 minutes. But I’ve also seen keen officials studying every passport entry for 45 minutes. Allow some extra time, especially if someone is waiting for you at the airport.

Ferry at Grand Harbour: More Relaxed but Just as Thorough

Checks at Grand Harbour in Valletta are often more relaxed due to less traffic. Things move at a slightly slower (in a good way) pace. Officers have more time and are typically helpful.

Note if arriving by ferry: You also go through customs with your car. Pet control happens in parallel at the same checkpoint.

What If Problems Arise?

Things don’t always go perfectly. The most common issues and solutions:

Problem: Health certificate expired
Solution: Malta offers a paid quarantine option (~€200/day). Usually 1–2 days until a new certificate is arranged.

Problem: Microchip unreadable
Solution: Officials have several scanners. If nothing works, a photo of your pet with the passport can help as proof of identity.

Problem: Vaccination about to expire
Solution: Malta accepts vaccinations up to their last day of validity. The following day is an issue.

Problem: Officer only speaks Maltese
Solution: Ask for an English- or German-speaking colleague. There’s always someone.

First Steps After Successful Entry

Done! Your pet is officially in Malta. Now it’s time to settle in.

Immediate tips for the first 24 hours:

• A quiet place to acclimate: No Valletta sightseeing with your dog just yet
• Stick to established routines: Feeding times, walks
• Offer plenty of water: Mediterranean climate takes adjustment for pets too
• Save your vet’s contact: In case somethings wrong

To organize in the first week:

• Find and visit a local vet
• Register your pet with Maltese authorities (if taking up residence)
• New collar tag with Maltese address/phone number
• Find local pet pharmacies

Finding a Vet in Malta: Costs and First Points of Contact

Malta is pet-friendly—but in a different way than Germany. The mentality is more Mediterranean, prices are often lower, but getting appointments can be a bit chaotic. Here are my experiences from three years of pet ownership on the island.

Understanding the Maltese Veterinary System

Malta has about 40 practicing vets for 500,000 residents and an estimated 80,000 pets. That sounds like not many, but it actually works surprisingly well. Most vets speak fluent English, and many also speak Italian or German.

Specifics:

• No appointments like in Germany: Often “first come, first served”
• Longer opening hours: Many clinics open until 8pm
• Siesta break: Closed from 1–4pm
• Weekend emergency service: Rotates between clinics

Recommended Veterinary Clinics in Malta

Here are my tested favorites, based on personal experience and expat community feedback:

Sliema/St. Julian’s (tourist zone):

• Tower Veterinary Clinic (Sliema): Dr. Mario Brincat, speaks German, modern facilities
• St. Julian’s Animal Clinic: Expat-friendly, online appointments possible

Valletta/Floriana (center):

• Capital City Veterinary Clinic: Affordable, competent, no frills
• Floriana Vet: Old school, but very experienced with older pets

Mosta/Naxxar (center of island):

• Central Veterinary Clinic (Mosta): Large practice with specialist departments
• Naxxar Animal Hospital: 24h emergency service, but more expensive

Veterinary Treatment Costs in Malta

The good news: Vet costs in Malta are much lower than in Germany or Switzerland. Here are actual prices from my experience:

Medications and Special Food in Malta

This can be trickier. Many German/European brands are not available in Malta, or only by special order. My dog Max needed allergy diet food at first, which I hunted down for weeks.

Where to find pet supplies:

• Ark Pet Shop (multiple branches): Largest chain, good selection
• Pet City (Qormi): Lower prices, Maltese brands
• PetSmart (Sliema): Expat-focused, international brands
• Online: Zooplus delivers to Malta – takes 1–2 weeks but often cheaper

Example prices for supplies:

• Premium dry food (15kg): €40–60
• Cat litter (10L): €8–12
• Deworming: €12–20
• Flea/tick protection: €25–40

Pet Registration in Malta: Is It Mandatory?

Yes and no. There’s no official registration requirement, but it’s still a good idea. Many Maltese communities keep voluntary pet registers, and for lost pets, that’s the first place they check.

What you should do:

1. Ask your local council: Some have specific programs
2. Update microchip details: New Maltese address and phone number
3. Register with Animal Welfare Malta: Well-respected non-profit

Cost: Usually free or a €5–10 admin fee.

Common Pet Relocation Problems in Malta: How to Avoid Expensive Mistakes

After three years in Malta and countless chats with other pet owners, I know all the classic pitfalls. The good news: Almost all can be avoided if you know what to watch for.

Problem #1: Rabies Vaccination Timing Disaster

The most common issue: You overlook the 21-day waiting period after the rabies shot. Then you’re at the airport and not allowed to fly.

How to prevent it:

• Carefully record vaccination date: Shot date + 21 days = earliest possible travel day
• Be aware for boosters: Was the previous vaccine still valid? No waiting period. If lapsed, 21 days applies again
• Build in a buffer: Plan for 25–30 days instead of the minimum 21

Real example: My neighbor wanted to fly to Malta with his dog. Previous shot was March 2022, booster in August 2023. More than 12 months apart—so it counted as a new vaccination with a 21-day wait. He’d only allowed 10 days and had to reschedule. Cost: €400 rebooking fee.

Problem #2: Health Certificate Chaos Right Before Departure

The official vet health certificate is valid only 10 days—and official vets aren’t always available on short notice. Especially before holidays or during vacation season, it’s tight.

My strategy:

1. Book appointment 3–4 weeks in advance: Explain you need it for day X
2. Have backup official vet: In case your first choice cancels or is sick
3. Flexible travel date: 2–3 possible departure days instead of just one
4. Check alternative routes: In case one plan falls through

Problem #3: Airline Surprises at Check-In

Airlines change pet rules more often than you’d think. What was true at booking isn’t always true on travel day.

Common surprises:

• Carrier too big: Dimensions checked to the centimeter
• Weight limit exceeded: Pet + carrier are heavier than allowed
• Extra fees: “That’ll be €50 more now”
• Seasonal restrictions: “No cargo pets in summer”

How to protect yourself:

• Confirm 48 hours beforehand: Email or call the airline
• Weigh the carrier in advance: With pet and accessories inside
• Have a backup plan: Another airline or ferry as fallback
• Check in early: More time to solve problems

Problem #4: Underestimating the Summer Heat

Malta in July/August is insanely hot. Temps over 35°C are the norm, and that’s brutal for central European pets.

Critical points:

• Asphalt burns paws: After 10am, too hot for walks
• Cars become ovens: Never leave a pet in the car, even for a “minute”
• Overheating in older pets: Especially risky for heart patients
• Lack of water: Drinking needs rise by 50–100%

My summer strategy with Max (black lab):

• Walk only before 9am and after 7pm
• Stay in the shade—Malta has few trees
• Cooling mat for indoors—costs €20, works wonders
• Water bowl in at least 3 locations
• At first sign of panting, into the air conditioning

Problem #5: Cultural Differences in Pet Ownership

Malta is pet-friendly, but not the same as Germany. Some German standards are seen as excessive here.

Classic culture shocks:

• Leash requirements more relaxed: Many Maltese let dogs off-leash
• Street cats are part of the landscape: Fed and tolerated
• Vet appointments are flexible: “Just drop in” instead of fixed times
• No dog tax: But stricter rules on dog bites

What this means for you: Relax, but don’t abandon all your good habits. German thoroughness about vaccines and healthcare is valuable in Malta too—just don’t go overboard.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Relocation to Malta

How long does the complete pet relocation to Malta take?

From the first rabies shot to arrival in Malta, you should allow at least 6–8 weeks. For pets with up-to-date vaccinations, 4–6 weeks is enough. The bottleneck is usually the official vet certificate—valid for just 10 days.

What does pet relocation to Malta cost overall?

Total costs range from €300–800 per pet, depending on your situation. If you already have a valid EU pet passport, you can do it for €200–400. Full organization (microchip, vaccinations, transport) can run up to €800.

Can dangerous breeds enter Malta?

Malta has no general breed ban, but individual municipalities can set their own rules. American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and similar breeds are checked more closely. Tip: Check with the Maltese embassy and bring temperament test results.

Do I need pet health insurance in Malta?

Pet health insurance is uncommon in Malta. Most expats pay vet bills directly as they’re cheaper than in Germany. For chronically ill or very old pets, a European policy covering Malta can be worthwhile.

Can I bring my pet to Malta temporarily?

Yes, for holidays or temporary stays up to 90 days, the same EU entry rules apply. You’ll need an EU pet passport, valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. For longer stays, you should have a Maltese vet as your local contact.

What if my pet gets sick in Malta?

Malta has well-trained vets and care is up to European standards. There are several 24h emergency clinics. Complicated surgeries or specialist treatments are sometimes referred to Italy or Germany—but that’s rarely necessary.

Is there quarantine for pets in Malta?

With properly completed EU paperwork, there’s no quarantine. Only if documents are wrong or your pet seems ill, temporary quarantine may be ordered. This costs around €200 per day, usually just 1–3 days.

Which vaccinations are mandatory in Malta?

Only the rabies vaccination is mandatory for entry. For living in Malta, distemper/parvo (dogs) and cat flu/panleucopenia (cats) are also recommended. Heartworm prevention is advisable due to Mediterranean mosquitoes.

Can I bring several pets to Malta at once?

Yes, but there are limits. As a private person, you can bring up to 5 pets at a time. More than that and commercial import rules apply with much tougher requirements. Each pet needs its own complete paperwork.

What if my pet can’t handle the journey?

With travel stress, gradual carrier training over 2–3 weeks often helps. Use calming meds only with your vet’s advice—they can be risky for flights. Alternative: Professional pet transporters offer stress-free service for about €300–600 extra.