![dogs-park-ta-qali](https://cdn.newsbook.com.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/13184911/dogs-park-ta-qali-696x521.jpg)
The government has finally announced new regulations for pet groomers, sitters, and boarding facilities, addressing long-standing concerns about the unregulated nature of these services.
The announcement, made by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, came after years of delays and mounting pressure from animal welfare advocates.
The new law, set to take effect in two months, mandates licensing for pet care service providers and establishes strict standards for their operations. This development comes three years after the Animal Welfare Commission’s first appeal for such regulations, and eight months following a public consultation on the issue.
2023
Rules on pet sitters, groomers, boarding kennels “set to be finalized in coming weeks”
![](https://cdn.newsbook.com.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29091234/pet-sitter-dogs-218x150.jpg)
In a press conference today, Refalo said, “This law, which is also an electoral promise, aims to regulate and ensure animal welfare standards regarding establishments that provide pet boarding, pet sitting and pet grooming services.”
He said the regulations were made after consultation with the public, the Animal Welfare Council, and the Commissioner for Animal Welfare.
A delay in the implementation of these regulations is of no consequence. Several incidents of abuse by pet sitters and groomers have been reported in recent years, including a disturbing case in 2023 where two dogs under the care of a pet sitter went missing in Gozo, and one was found dead . The new rules aim to prevent such incidents and give pet owners peace of mind.
2023
The long-awaited law on pet sitting is still being drafted
![](https://cdn.newsbook.com.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29091234/pet-sitter-dogs-218x150.jpg)
Under the new regulations, grooming establishments must have at least one staff member certified in animal first aid, install a CCTV system, and maintain detailed records of the animals in their care. They are also required to have an emergency action plan and an animal health control program that addresses preventive care, nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care.
Bugeja Said emphasizes the importance of these standards, saying, “We know how many groomers, sitters and boarders provide excellent service to our country and care in the most appropriate way for our pets. In these regulations, we ensure that there are parameters of standards that one has to meet in order to offer such services.”
The new law is part of the Animal Welfare Act (Cap. 439) and includes “The standards for the operation of grooming establishments for pets Regulations, 2024” and “The standards for the operation of pet sitting accommodations and pet boarding accommodation establishments for cats and Dog Regulations, 2024.”
2021
Pet groomers were regulated following the riot
![](https://cdn.newsbook.com.mt/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/30075035/Dog-in-paddling-pool-Crop-218x150.jpg)