How to Get Your Pet to Malta

Getting your pet to Malta is not easy; there are many regulations that you must follow. Because you must do some things within certain time limitations, you may even find yourself planning the whole trip around your pet! The Maltese Food and Veterinary Regulatory Division provides excellent and comprehensive information on how to get your pet to Malta. There's a lot of reading, but it's repetitive--in a good way. After reading it all, you will know what you must do. Here is a summary of what you need to do; after reading this summary, please click on the links to the government's official website for detailed information.

The most important thing that Malta cares about, understandably, is that your pet is free from rabies. If you come from the US or most EU countries, you're allowed to bring in regular pets--dogs, cats, ferrets. If you come from a country that is not on the qualifying list , you may have to follow specified restrictions, such as placing your pet in a six-month quarantine when you arrive in Malta. Check here to see if your country is on the qualifying list:

Why six months? Six months is the time it takes for an animal--that has been affected with rabies-- to show symptoms. So if your pet does not show any symptoms for six months before entering Malta, your pet is considered free of rabies. This only applies, of course, if your animal has been vaccinated and tested. Click here for more details on the Six-Month Rule

Steps to Take

Assuming that you come from an qualifying country, you have four major things to worry about:

-the six-month time period before you leave with your pet ;

-the information about your pet--known as the pet passport--that you must bring with you;

-the rules for getting your pet on the plane;

-the24 to48 hours immediately before you leave for Malta during which time you must have your pet treated by a veterinarian for ticks and tapeworms. A good overview of most of these issues is covered in a section called The Requisites.

Here is a basic outline of what you must do. Again, I stress that you should read the suggested links. Take a breath. And let's get started:

1. At least six months--preferably more--before you leave for Malta, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Make sure he or she is familiar with international pet regulations and the official Pet Passport. You should be able to get the Pet Passport directly from your vet. Find out more about the Pet Passport and other necessary documentation.

2. Get your pet micro-chipped.

3. Get your pet vaccinated against rabies--this includes boosters.

4. Make sure your veterinarian fills in the information on your Pet Passport. Keep your Pet Passport with your own human passport.

5. Arrange for a blood test showing that your pet has acquired the rabies immunity level required by the Maltese government. This level must be officiated six months before you leave for Malta. Check here for more details on micro-chipping, vaccinations and tests under the Maltese Preparing for the Pet Travel Scheme.

6. Call your airliner and ask for the regulations regarding bringing your pet on the plane. You'll need to make a reservation for your pet. If your pet meets the size and weight restrictions (most cats and small dogs ), you can bring your pet in a carrier on the plane. Your pet and carrier will count as one piece of carry-on luggage. (Larger dogs will have to travel in the cargo section).

7. Your airliner will tell you what size and type of box you can take your animal in on the plane.

8. Go to a pet supply store and buy the pet box, carrier or crate, according to the official size and standards your airliner has told you.

9. When you get home with the box, leave it out so your pet will get used to it and go in and out of it at his or leisure.

10. Read articles and get information on how to travel with your pet on a plane. Below are links to the best articles I've read on the subject.

11. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for 24-48 hours before you travel to Malta to get your pet tested for ticks and tapeworm. Make the appointment well enough ahead or your veterinarian may not be able to fit you in.

12. When you go to that last veterinary visit, ask any questions you have about your pet's health while traveling or once you get to Malta. Make sure your veterinarian has filled out everything required on the Pet Passport.

13. As a last step, find a veterinarian in Malta soon after you arrive-- before your pet really needs one. It will make you feel more secure and won't result in a panic if your pet gets ill.

Ready for more? Keep reading.

Other Circumstances--If you don't come from a qualifying country or your pet has been vaccinated for rabies but has not been tested, you can still bring your pet, but you need to follow other rules. Check here to see what they are.

For More Information--Here are real names with their phone numbers and emails to get more details on bringing your pet to Malta. Click here to contact these officials.

Source: The Food And Veterinary Regulation Division