Export Pet Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to Malta

1. Have your pet microchipped

Before any of the other procedures are carried out, your pet must be identified with a microchip. If the microchip does not meet ISO standards, the individual who is responsible for the pet will need to provide the microchip reader upon arrival.

Any microchip company can be used as long as the chip required by the importing country is met. It is up to the owner/veterinarian to ensure that the chip being used will conform.

For easy reference we have listed microchip companies that offer this service. You may choose a different provider so long as the above is met.

2. Have your pet vaccinated against rabies

The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the recommendations from the vaccine producer, and the vaccine must be approved by the WHO. The rabies vaccination and revaccination, if necessary, must been carried out in accordance with the producer's recommendations.

3. Arrange for a blood test for your pets.

After your pet has been vaccinated, a rabies antibody test must have been taken, which shows a result of antibodies of a least 0.5 IU/ml. It is recommended that the blood test should not be taken until at least 14 to 21 days have passed since the date of vaccination (please consult the datasheet provided as each rabies vaccine manufacturer advises in its datasheet for that vaccine the best time for a blood sample to be taken after the vaccination). Please note also that some other European Union (EU) member countries require a 30 day waiting period, so clients wishing to be eligible for other countries are advised to wait 30 days before having the blood test, but not more than 365 days after the most recent vaccination against rabies, which is the same time frame as in the current rules. 

Only laboratories approved by the EU may be engaged (approved laboratories).  If a re-vaccination is carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the producer, no second test is needed.

There is a 6 full calendar months waiting period after the first successful titre test from the date the blood was drawn, before entering Malta.

This testing is currently only available in North America from the following laboratory:

Request the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization test (not the Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition (RFFIT) test)

It is recommended that the copy of the United States Department of Agriculture standing import permit accompany any samples to Kansas, therefore, the veterinarian must contact the above laboratory and request that a copy be faxed.

4. Before your pet enters Malta it must be treated for ticks and tapeworms (echinococcus)

Pets must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian showing that the animal has been treated for tapeworm with praziquantel and ticks with fiprinol 24-48 hours before commencing the journey to Malta, and that the veterinarian who carried out the treatment has indicated the date and time when this treatment was carried out, the name and dosage of the medicine, and the method of administration.

Products used for treatment against tapeworms must contain PRAZIQUANTEL and FIPRINOL for ticks as their active ingredients. To search for products which are registered and approved for use in Canada, please go to the Health Canada Drug Product Database. Please ensure you read the product label to ensure it can be used for dogs and/or cats.

Please ensure that the veterinarian rescans the microchip to ensure the number is correct and the chip is still readable.

5. Certification

A veterinarian authorized by the competent authority (licensed veterinarian) must provide all the pertinent information concerning identification and vaccination by completing the Veterinary Certificate.

Once all the steps above have been successfully completed, contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office to obtain an official endorsement by an official veterinarian (competent authority - CFIA veterinarian). The export certificate is available in PDF format only.

The animals must also be accompanied with an Import Licence, issued by the Director General of the Food and Veterinary Regulation Division.

Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Barriera Wharf,
Valletta CMR 02.
Malta

Telephone: 011 356 2295 2000
Facsimile: 011 356 2295 2212

6. Fees for endorsement is $20.00

7. Puppies, kittens and young ferrets

No exemptions exist for puppies, kittens, and young ferrets; they have to be vaccinated as outlined above.

For further information or clarification on these procedures, please contact the relevant CFIA Office for the province in which you reside.