Malta is stepping up its pet care game with 2024 regulations for operating pet sitting and boarding accommodation for cats and dogs. These new rules clearly distinguish between pet sitting and boarding, where boarding accepts five or more animals and sitting is for up to four animals for no more than two weeks.
The regulations mandate registration for pet-sitting accommodation and maintain licensing for pet boarding, with a six-month application window and a one-year transition period to meet the new standards. The list of all registered or licensed establishments will be published by the Animal Welfare Directorate (AWD).
Basic Requirements
Personnel and Qualifications
- Operated by qualified personnel with a clean record of conduct in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (CAP 439).
- At least one staff member must be certified in Animal First Aid.
Record Keeping
- Detailed records must be kept for at least two years, including arrival and departure dates, animal and owner details, health and nutritional requirements.
Animal Welfare
- Animals must be vaccinated according to regulations.
- Constant supervision and inspection every four hours is necessary.
Accommodation Standards
Health and safety
- Covered by an animal health program.
- Equipped with CCTV cameras for boarding establishments.
- Facilities for isolating sick or injured animals.
- Appropriate emergency precautions in place.
Non-compliance will result in administrative penalties, ensuring that these new standards are upheld for the welfare of all pets in Malta.
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