Expat guide · Malta

Moving to Malta with a pet

Malta is an EU member, rabies-free, and one of the most pet-friendly relocation destinations in the Mediterranean. The paperwork is manageable if you start a few weeks ahead. Here is what 2026 expats need to know.

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Before you fly

For EU-to-Malta relocations: ensure your pet has a valid EU pet passport with up-to-date rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel, not expired). Microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. The standard EU pet movement rules apply.

For non-EU relocations: requirements are stricter. Most commonly: ISO-compliant microchip, rabies vaccination at least 30 days old and not expired, a rabies titre test at an EU-approved laboratory at least 3 months before travel, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Check the Maltese Veterinary Regulation Directorate site for the latest country-specific rules.

Airlines: Air Malta, Lufthansa via Frankfurt, and KLM via Amsterdam are common pet-friendly routes. Cabin (under ~8kg) versus cargo hold rules vary by airline. Some destinations require an animal-import agent on arrival.

After you arrive

Microchip and dog licence: the Maltese microchip system requires registration with a local vet within a reasonable window. For dogs, a dog licence (which is effectively the microchip registration) is mandatory. Most local vets handle the registration during your first visit.

Find a local vet within the first 2 weeks. The inner-harbour towns (Sliema, St Julian's, Ta' Xbiex, Birkirkara) have the densest vet coverage. Most clinics are private and pay-on-the-day. Pet insurance is available but less common than in the UK or US.

Pet sitting: most Maltese rental contracts allow pets but verify in writing. Petme covers 16 towns across Malta and Gozo with verified sitters for drop-in visits, dog walks, in-home sitting and boarding. Expat households commonly book a sitter for the first work trip back home (4-6 weeks after arrival) to test the routine while you're still nearby.

Maltese pet-life specifics

Summer (June-September): plan walks before 9am and after 7pm. Limestone pavements get extremely hot. Air conditioning is mandatory in most modern Maltese apartments and helps cats and short-snouted dogs through the peak heat.

Festa fireworks (July-September): the village feast season brings sustained nightly fireworks. Anxious pets often need pheromone diffusers or vet-prescribed anti-anxiety options. House sitting during the August festa week is a common solution.

Beaches: most beaches restrict dogs in the bathing season (May-October). There are 12 official dog-friendly beaches on Malta island that stay open year-round. See our dog-friendly beaches guide for the list.

Frequently asked

FAQs

Do I need a rabies titre test to bring a pet to Malta?
For EU-to-Malta moves: no. The EU pet passport with up-to-date rabies vaccination is sufficient. For non-EU moves: usually yes, with the titre done at an EU-approved laboratory at least 3 months before travel. Confirm with the Maltese Veterinary Regulation Directorate before you book the flight.
Is Malta rabies-free?
Yes. Malta is officially rabies-free under EU regulations, which is why outbound moves to other EU countries are straightforward.
How do I register my dog after arrival?
Most Maltese vets handle the microchip registration and dog licence during your first visit. Bring the EU pet passport with the original microchip number and rabies vaccination record. The licence is effectively the microchip registration with the local authority.
Which Maltese towns are most expat-pet-friendly?
Sliema, St Julian's, Gżira, Ta' Xbiex, Swieqi and Pembroke have the highest expat density and the broadest sitter pool. Inner-harbour vet clinics are also concentrated in these towns.
Can I book a sitter before I arrive?
Yes. Many Petme sitters take Maltese bookings from arriving expats. Set up the profile and a meet-and-greet for the first week after you land so the routine is ready before the first work trip back home.

Find a Pet Sitter in Malta

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Pet Sitters in Malta

Browse verified sitters in the 16 Petme towns, including the expat-dense inner-harbour belt.

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Pet sitter prices in Malta

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