Relocating Pets to Malta

Pet Preparation - What can you do?

  • It’s essential that you have up to date veterinary records, early in the planning process to avoid delays .This allows us and our partners to ensure all vaccinations are up to date and meet both origin and destination country requirements.

    NOTE - All documentation MUST be in the name of the relocating individual.

  • Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compatible microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccine. Your vet should scan it at each visit to ensure it's working. The microchip number and insertion or scan date must be documented by your vet.

  • Proof will be required that your pet has been microchipped before the rabies vaccination. ALL pets must be at least 12 weeks of age when vaccinated. Booster vaccinations MUST be administered before previous vaccinatiion expires to ensure continuous validity. MUST be signed by issuing vet and vet should apply vet stamp.

 

  • Timeframe- Within 10 days of departure.

  • Timeframe - Cannot be older than 10 days upon arrival of your pet into the EU.

  • Only if applicable - Heart Relocation will advise.

Paperwork

What must travel with your pet?

The original paperwork below, MUST travel with your pet.

  • Proof of Microchip

  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate

  • International Health Certificate

    (This may be recorded in your pet’s passport if applicable.)

  • ANNEX IV EU Certificate with Government Endorsement and declaration

OR

  • EU Pet Passport if travelling from an EU or Pet Travel Scheme Country.

    DOGS ONLY

  • Tapeworm Treatment

  • To be administered by a vet 24 to 120 hours before entering Malta.

  • Must be recorded on the Health Certificate or pet passport (if applicable.)

  • Exemptions - Dogs travelling directly from Finland, Ireland and Norway.

Tips for Travel

  • Paperwork

    Don’t pack your pets paperwork, this must travel with them.

  • Crate Training

    Get your pet used to their new Sky Kennel. Use familiar blankets.

  • Weather

    Avoid travelling in extreme weather.

    Prepare for your pet living in a new climate, plan accordingly.

  • Settling in

    Allow time for your pet to adjust. Keep routines for normality.

  • Register Your Pet

    Register with local veterinarian as soon as possible in case of emergencies and for vaccinations.

  • Update Microchip Information

    Make sure your pets tag and microchip information include your new address and contact details.

FAQs

  • No, providing the rules of the pet travel scheme are met on arrival, your pet will not need to quarantine.

  • Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to travel to Malta.

    • These animals generally don’t require rabies vaccination.

    • A health certificate is still needed.

    • Some species may require quarantine or CITES permits (e.g., parrots, turtles)

    • Heart Relocation will be able to advise you on specific requirements

  • Yes, for pets travelling non-commercially, a maximum of five pets may arrive together.

    If you wish to bring more than five pets and they will be travelling together, they must be transported as a commercial shipment. We’ll be happy to advise you on the next steps if this applies.

  • If you're relocating from a non-EU or "unlisted" country, your pet must:

    • Be vaccinated against rabies.

    • Wait 30 days.

    • Undergo a blood test to confirm sufficient rabies antibodies.

    • Wait an additional 3 months after the test before traveling