Malta – Veterinary Care

What is the standard of veterinary care in Malta?

As a full EU member state, Malta operates under EU-wide veterinary regulations and professional standards. Private practices provide the core of companion animal care across the island, and the majority of vets treating dogs and cats have received training that meets European benchmarks. For everyday needs — including check-ups, annual vaccinations, neutering, dental procedures, and standard diagnostic work — the quality of care is broadly comparable to that available elsewhere in the EU.

Where Malta differs from larger European countries is in the availability of specialist and advanced veterinary services. Nations such as France and Germany benefit from well-distributed veterinary teaching hospitals and specialist referral centres across their territories. Malta’s compact geography means that certain advanced subspecialties — such as oncology, complex orthopaedic surgery, or specialist cardiology — may not be accessible domestically and could, in some cases, necessitate referral abroad. It is advisable to assess your pet’s particular health requirements before moving and to discuss referral options with a local vet once settled.

Emergency and out-of-hours veterinary cover exists in Malta but is not structured in the same way as in countries like the Netherlands or Sweden, where standalone emergency clinics form part of the recognised system. In Malta, out-of-hours provision generally depends on individual practices offering on-call arrangements. Pet owners are strongly encouraged to ask their regular vet about emergency procedures at the point of registration, rather than waiting for an urgent situation to arise.

There is also a meaningful difference in provision between urban and more rural parts of the country. The majority of veterinary practices are clustered around Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, and other densely inhabited areas of the main island. Gozo does have working vets, but the selection is narrower and out-of-hours cover may involve travelling to the main island. Pet owners living in Gozo — especially those with animals requiring ongoing treatment — should factor this into their planning.

Is there a national veterinary association in Malta?

Two principal organisations play key roles in regulating and representing veterinary professionals in Malta. The first is the Veterinary Surgeons’ Council (VSC), which functions as the statutory regulatory authority for the profession. Any vet wishing to practise legally in Malta must hold a Warrant to Practice issued by the President of Malta — or, if providing services on the basis of a qualification from another EU member state, must have notified the VSC accordingly — and must appear in the official Veterinary Surgeons’ Register. The VSC is the appropriate body to approach if you wish to confirm that a practitioner holds valid authorisation. Their website is vsc.gov.mt. The registrar may be contacted by post at: AHWD Building Room 4, Abattoir Street, Marsa, MRS1123; in-person appointments are available Monday to Friday, 07:00–15:00, excluding public holidays.

The second key body is the Malta Veterinary Association (MVA), a professional membership organisation. The MVA is a non-profit entity that represents vets across all fields of practice, including small and large animal practitioners and state veterinarians. Among its core objectives are the promotion of animal welfare throughout Malta and Gozo, contributing to animal-related policy discussions in an advisory capacity, upholding professional integrity, and supporting the sharing of specialist knowledge across the profession. The MVA’s website is mva.org.mt. The association maintains affiliations with the Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) as well as with international veterinary bodies.

For practical day-to-day needs — such as confirming a vet’s registration, locating a licensed practice, or reporting a concern — the VSC’s register and the government’s Animal Health and Welfare Directorate (AHWD) at ahwd.gov.mt are the most relevant official resources. Always access these websites directly to obtain the most up-to-date contact details and register information, as these may be subject to change.

How do I find a vet in Malta, and are English-speaking vets available?

The most authoritative starting point when looking for a qualified vet is the Animal Health and Welfare Directorate (AHWD), which maintains a directory of licensed veterinary establishments and registered practitioners on its website at ahwd.gov.mt/en/veterinarians/. Entries in this directory typically include the practitioner’s contact number, the species they treat, whether home visits are offered, clinic name and telephone number, a map, languages spoken, and areas of expertise. This makes the directory a particularly valuable tool for expats hoping to identify a vet who can consult in a language other than Maltese.

Since English holds official language status in Malta alongside Maltese, locating a vet who consults confidently in English is generally straightforward, especially in Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Msida, and other areas with high concentrations of international residents. The majority of vets in urban settings will have completed their veterinary training at a European university and can communicate effectively in English. In smaller villages and certain parts of Gozo, Maltese may be the primary working language, so it is worth confirming language availability ahead of your first appointment.

Beyond the official AHWD directory, expat community groups and online forums — including Facebook groups (search “Malta Expats”) and platforms such as AngloInfo Malta — can provide useful personal recommendations, particularly for those newly arrived on the island. That said, any vet found through informal channels should still be verified through the official VSC register before booking, rather than relying solely on word-of-mouth or social media.

What vaccinations and preventive treatments does my pet need in Malta?

Malta’s warm Mediterranean climate sustains a year-round environment in which parasites and vector-borne illnesses can thrive — risks that may be entirely new to pet owners arriving from cooler parts of Europe. Core vaccination programmes for dogs and cats broadly follow European guidelines — covering vaccines against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis in dogs, and cat flu and feline parvovirus in cats — but the local parasite situation introduces an additional tier of preventive care that should not be overlooked.

Fleas and ticks are both common in Malta throughout the year. Fleas cause irritation and blood loss and can transmit tapeworms, while ticks embed in the skin and feed on blood, potentially transmitting serious diseases. Because the climate does not produce the cold winters that curtail parasite activity in northern Europe, year-round parasite prevention is essential and more pressing here than in many places pet owners may have previously lived. Your vet will advise on appropriate preventive products for the Maltese environment.

Two diseases of particular concern in Malta are heartworm and leishmaniasis. Heartworm is transmitted via mosquito bites, while leishmaniasis is spread by sandflies; both are rare in northern European climates but well established across the Mediterranean region. Leishmaniasis in particular poses a significant threat to dogs in Malta and can be life-threatening if not identified and managed early. A licensed vaccine for leishmaniasis is available in Europe, and sandfly-repelling products are widely used as part of a preventive strategy. Your vet should conduct a risk assessment for your dog and advise accordingly.

Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Malta from countries outside the EU, and from certain EU nations, and must be kept current. Once your pet is resident in Malta, your vet will guide you on the ongoing booster schedule. Consulting a local vet promptly after arrival is strongly recommended to establish a preventive care programme suited to Malta’s specific environment, as guidance can evolve and individual animal needs vary.

What does veterinary care cost in Malta?

There is no national fee schedule governing veterinary charges in Malta — each practice sets its own prices, which will vary according to the nature of the service, the type of practice, and its location. As a general orientation (based on typical market figures for 2024–2025), a routine small animal consultation tends to cost in the region of €20–€45, though fees at specialist or centrally located urban practices may exceed this range. Always confirm current pricing directly with any practice before your appointment, as costs vary and can change.

Annual booster vaccinations for a dog or cat generally fall between approximately €30–€70, depending on which vaccines are included. Neutering costs depend on the size and species of the animal and the individual clinic — request a written estimate before proceeding. Additional diagnostics such as blood panels, X-ray imaging, or ultrasound will add to the overall cost, and any procedure involving general anaesthesia will substantially increase a bill. These figures are illustrative only; always seek up-to-date pricing from your chosen practice directly.

Compared with heavily commercialised veterinary markets such as those found in the United States or Australia, Malta’s fees for routine care are generally moderate. However, the costs associated with specialist referral, intensive treatment, or emergency out-of-hours care can be considerable, and there is no public or subsidised veterinary service for companion animals. This makes advance financial planning — or taking out pet insurance — a sensible step for anyone moving to Malta with a pet.

Is pet insurance available in Malta, and is it worth it?

Pet insurance is obtainable in Malta, though the market is considerably smaller and less developed than in countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, or the UK, where widespread consumer uptake has made the sector highly competitive and diverse. The range of providers available in Malta is more restricted, and not every international insurer operates directly in the country. Expats who already hold a pet insurance policy may find that their existing provider will continue cover following a change of address — it is always worth raising this with your insurer before you relocate.

Within Malta, a number of local and European insurers offer products covering accidents and illness, with varying levels of excess, annual benefit caps, and coverage scope. An increasing number of European-facing comparison platforms and insurers are extending their services to Maltese residents — searching “pet insurance Malta” will surface current options, though you should take care to confirm that any policy you consider genuinely covers treatment carried out in Malta.

When assessing any policy, examine carefully the exclusions for pre-existing conditions, any annual or lifetime limits on benefit payments, and whether the policy extends to specialist referrals, the long-term management of chronic conditions, or out-of-hours emergency treatment. These are the scenarios most likely to generate significant unexpected costs. Given Malta’s warm climate and the heightened risk of conditions such as leishmaniasis, it is also worth establishing whether the policy explicitly covers vector-borne Mediterranean diseases — certain insurers classify these as preventable and exclude them accordingly. Read the full policy terms and conditions rather than relying on summary documents before committing to a purchase.

What are the rules for bringing a pet into Malta?

Malta, as an EU member state, applies EU pet travel regulations. The precise requirements depend on whether you are travelling from within the EU or from a non-EU country, and on the EU’s classification of your country of origin. The authority responsible for overseeing pet importation is the Veterinary Regulation Directorate, which sits within the Agriculture and Fisheries Regulation Department of the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change. Official guidance is published at ahwd.gov.mt.

The core requirements for bringing dogs, cats, and ferrets into Malta are as follows:

1. Microchip: Your pet must carry a non-encrypted, 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785.
2. Rabies vaccination: The EU does not designate any country as rabies-free; accordingly, current rabies vaccination is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets arriving from all countries.
3. Health documentation: Travel documents must include proof of microchipping, current rabies vaccination, a rabies titer test (required for entry from certain countries), and one of the following: an official EU or NI Pet Passport (for pets resident in the EU or Northern Ireland), a government-issued Pet Passport from a Part 1 listed third country, or an Animal Health Certificate for pets entering from Great Britain.
4. Tapeworm treatment for dogs: Any dog entering Malta must be treated for tapeworms by an EU-registered veterinarian between 1 and 5 days (24–120 hours) before arrival in Malta. The treatment must be effective against the tapeworm species Echinococcus multilocularis.
5. Pre-arrival notification: Prior to bringing a pet to Malta, you must make an appointment with the Agriculture and Fisheries Regulation Division on +356 2292 5216/5172 (for animals arriving from within the EU) or +356 2165 3013/0393 (for animals arriving from outside the EU), during office hours (Monday to Friday, 07:00–15:00). Alternatively, contact the Veterinary Support Officer on +356 9917 0532 (available 24 hours), providing your flight number, date, and time of arrival so that an inspection can be arranged before the animal is released.
6. Breed restrictions: Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats are not permitted under standard import regulations unless they are at least fifth generation removed from their wild pedigree. Certain dog breeds are also subject to restrictions under Maltese law (see the animal welfare section below).

Provided all import conditions are satisfied, no quarantine is imposed upon arrival. If your pet fails to meet the requirements, it may be quarantined where facilities allow, returned to the country it came from, or — in the most serious cases — euthanised, with all associated costs falling to the owner. Given these potential consequences, always verify current requirements directly with the Veterinary Regulation Directorate well ahead of travel, as rules are subject to change.

Are there any animal welfare laws or pet ownership regulations I should know about in Malta?

Malta has dedicated animal welfare legislation in the form of the Animal Welfare Act (Chapter 439 of the Laws of Malta), which consolidates protections for animals kept for work, sport, companionship, and food. Administration of the Act falls under the Animal Health and Welfare Directorate (AHWD). The full text of relevant legislation is accessible at ahwd.gov.mt/en/legislation/.

Microchipping and registration for dogs is a legal requirement. Since May 2012, all dogs aged four months or older must be microchipped and registered with Malta Veterinary Services. The microchip must be fitted by a warranted veterinarian, who will also register the dog and its owner in the Malta Livestock National Database — registration automatically constitutes the licence, and the relevant document is dispatched to the owner by post. Owners of unregistered or unmicrochipped dogs may face significant fines. Dogs that have been neutered benefit from subsidised microchipping, registration, and licensing fees. If you arrive in Malta with an already-microchipped dog, its details will need to be transferred into the Maltese system — your vet can facilitate this.

Public conduct requirements for dog owners are clearly set out in law. Dogs must be kept on a lead in public spaces and must wear an identification tag displaying the owner’s contact number. They are not permitted on sandy beaches or in designated bathing areas, though rocky beaches are accessible to dogs. Owners are required to remove their dog’s faeces from public areas and must carry a clean bag at all times — failure to do so is subject to a fine.

Breed-specific legislation: in response to incidents involving attacks on members of the public, and on children in particular, Malta has enacted legislation restricting or prohibiting the ownership of certain dog breeds. The specific breeds subject to these measures are listed under Subsidiary Legislation 439.19 of the Laws of Malta (Owning and Keeping of Dangerous Animals Regulations). Before relocating with any breed that could be considered dangerous, verify the current list with the AHWD, as the consequences of non-compliance are serious.

The Maltese government has also introduced a range of support initiatives aimed at responsible pet ownership — particularly benefiting owners of farm dogs, bully breeds, and adopted animals — with the broader goal of promoting animal welfare and reducing the number of strays and abandoned animals across the country. A free neutering programme for farm dogs and bully breeds is among these initiatives; to be eligible, dogs must be microchipped and registered in the National Livestock Database. The scheme is administered by the Animal Welfare Directorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to re-register my pet when I move to Malta?

If you are bringing a dog to Malta, its microchip details will need to be entered into the Maltese National Livestock Database, which operates as the country’s official registration and licensing system. Your vet can guide you through this process. Every dog over four months of age is required to appear in this database — registration automatically produces the dog’s licence. Cats are not currently subject to the same mandatory microchipping requirement in Malta, though it is nevertheless strongly advisable.

Are there vets who speak languages other than Maltese or English?

Both Maltese and English are official languages in Malta, and most vets working in urban practices are proficient in both. In areas where particular expatriate communities are well established, some practices may have staff with additional language skills covering Italian, French, German, or other languages. The AHWD’s official veterinarian directory at ahwd.gov.mt/en/veterinarians/ lists languages spoken at each practice, making it a helpful resource for anyone searching for a vet in a specific language.

Is leishmaniasis a serious risk for my dog in Malta?

Yes, it is. Leishmaniasis is a sandfly-transmitted disease that is endemic throughout the Mediterranean region, Malta included. It can be life-threatening in dogs and is significantly more prevalent here than in the majority of northern European or non-Mediterranean countries. As soon as you arrive, speak to a local vet about preventive options, which may include sandfly-repelling spot-on treatments, specially formulated collars, and vaccination. Taking early preventive action is far preferable to managing the disease after it has taken hold.

What happens if my pet does not meet Malta’s import requirements at the border?

Malta treats non-compliance with pet import regulations very seriously. A pet that fails to satisfy entry requirements upon arrival may be held in quarantine if suitable facilities exist, repatriated to the country of origin, or — in the worst circumstances — euthanised. In all cases, the financial responsibility rests entirely with the owner. To avoid this outcome, contact the Veterinary Regulation Directorate well before your travel date to confirm all current requirements, and ensure your documentation is completed correctly and in the proper sequence.

Does Malta have 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics?

Malta does not have a network of dedicated out-of-hours emergency veterinary clinics comparable to those operating in some larger countries. Emergency cover is typically provided through individual practices via on-call arrangements. When you first register your pet with a vet, ask specifically about their emergency protocol for situations arising outside normal clinic hours. Keep their emergency contact details somewhere easily accessible and ask whether they can direct you elsewhere if they are unavailable when you need urgent help.

Can I bring a rabbit or exotic pet to Malta?

The EU pet travel rules that apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets do not automatically extend to rabbits, birds, reptiles, or other species. These animals are subject to different — and often more complex — import requirements, and some may require additional permits or specific health certificates. Before making any travel arrangements for a pet that falls outside the dog, cat, and ferret category, contact the Veterinary Regulation Directorate at the AHWD directly to establish what applies to your animal’s species and country of origin.

Is it easy to find veterinary medicines and prescription pet food in Malta?

Commonly prescribed veterinary medicines and standard prescription diets are generally available through veterinary practices and licensed veterinary pharmacies in Malta. That said, the supply of niche or specialist products can be more restricted than in larger markets. If your pet depends on a particular medication or a specific prescription diet, confirm its availability with a local vet before you relocate. The importation of veterinary medicines for personal use is governed by EU rules, and it should not be assumed that products purchased elsewhere can be brought into Malta without restriction.

Are there government schemes to help with the cost of pet care in Malta?

The Maltese government runs a number of targeted programmes, including a free neutering scheme for farm dogs and certain bully breeds, subject to those animals being microchipped and registered in the National Livestock Database. These programmes are coordinated by the Animal Welfare Directorate. No general public subsidy exists for routine companion animal veterinary care. For the most current details on available schemes and eligibility criteria, visit the AHWD at ahwd.gov.mt.