Dogs in Malta: rules, tax and travel
Every dog must be microchipped by a vet and hold a lifetime licence from the age of four months. Breeding and keeping new non-pedigree bully-type dogs is banned, and dogs entering Malta need a tapeworm treatment.
Rules are national. Local councils have limited extra powers that were not confirmed.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Banned | American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, Old English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Presa Canario, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boston Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff, South African Boerboel From 2024 it is illegal to breed, advertise or sell non-pedigree bully-type dogs of these breeds or crosses, or to keep ones born after the rules apply. Pedigree dogs from registered kennel club breeders are allowed, and existing chipped and registered dogs may be kept. Start date is given as 6 Dec 2024 by the legislation site and 13 Dec 2024 by the Commissioner, and the text says four months after publication, so confirm the exact date. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Every dog must be electronically identified and registered, and a dog aged four months (lower adult canines out) or older needs a licence. Report a death or transfer within 7 days and a lost dog within 48 hours.[2]
Compulsory for dogs. A vet implants an ISO chip between the shoulder blades. Failing to identify a dog is fined 300 EUR.[2]
Dog tax and licence
No annual dog tax was found. The dog licence is a one-off lifetime licence.[2]
A lifetime licence is issued once the dog is registered and chipped and the fee is paid, one licence per dog. The keeper must be 18 or over. Imported dogs must be licensed within 90 days. The dog wears a tag with a phone number in public places.[2]
Other rules
Breeding and keeping non-pedigree bully-type dogs is restricted, see breed rules. Penalties run from an administrative fine up to 1,000 EUR per dog to criminal fines of 2,000 to 65,000 EUR and up to three years in prison.[3]
Travelling to Malta with a dog
EU pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older and 21 days before arrival, a health check 24 to 120 hours before arrival, and dogs must be dewormed. An online pre-notification form to the Veterinary Regulation Directorate is required before arrival.[4]
Same microchip, rabies and pre-notification steps, plus the EU animal health certificate issued no more than 10 days before arrival and entry through a designated point. Up to 5 pets.[5]
Required for pets from most non-EU countries not on the EU list: blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination, then a 3 month wait. A derogation form is used for pets transiting a high-risk country.[5]
Dogs must have a praziquantel tapeworm treatment given by a vet 24 to 120 hours before entering Malta, recorded in the passport.[6]
No quarantine if the entry conditions are met. Pets that do not comply are sent back or detained in quarantine.[7]
Not confirmed yet: Liability insurance, Leash and muzzle. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- legislation.mt/eli/sl/439.28/eng/pdf (official)
- legislation.mt/eli/sl/437.101/eng/pdf (official)
- commissioneranimalwelfare.gov.mt/bully-breeds-faq/ (official)
- agricultureservices.gov.mt/en/vrd/Pages/onlineApplications.aspx (official)
- europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htm (official)
- food.ec.europa.eu/animals/live-animal-movements/dogs-cats-and-ferrets/travelling-pet-withi (official)
- servizz.gov.mt/en/Pages/Environment_-Energy_-Agriculture-and-Fisheries/Animal-Welfare/Vete (official)