Moving Pets to Malta from the UK: The Complete Guide

When relocating your pet from the UK to Malta, your choice of service is governed by specific rules established by KM Malta Airlines. The carrier offers two primary methods for pet travel, but with important limitations. Dogs and cats are accepted as Pet in Cabin (PETC) or Accompanied Baggage (AVIH), but crucially, these services are only available on flights departing from London Heathrow into Malta. There is no reciprocal service for the return journey from Malta to the UK, nor are these options available on flights from London Gatwick. This restriction means your pet's flight path is carefully defined, and you must plan your departure from the correct UK airport. If your pet does not meet the criteria for PETC or AVIH, your only remaining option is to book them as cargo, which involves a separate booking process and drop-off at a dedicated cargo centre, typically located away from the main airport terminal.

The Pet in Cabin (PETC) service is designed for the smallest of travellers, offering the comfort of having your pet beside you throughout the flight. However, the requirements are stringent. This service is exclusively available for small dogs or cats, with the combined weight of the pet and its carrier not exceeding 10kg. Your pet must be at least fifteen weeks old and have been weaned for five days to qualify. The container itself must be a collapsible, soft case bag with precise internal dimensions: 40cm in length, 34cm in width, and 18cm in height. This size ensures the animal can stand, sit upright, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. Only one such container is permitted per adult passenger, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted to carry pets in the cabin. To secure this service, you must book it when purchasing your flight or contact Customer Support at +356 2135 6000 if you already have a ticket, paying a non-refundable fee of €85 per way per carrier.

For pets that are too large for the cabin or are of a species other than a dog or cat, the Accompanied Baggage (AVIH) service is the appropriate choice. This service accommodates a wider range of animals, including dogs, cats, hares, rabbits, ferrets, and birds, provided they have a valid pet passport or relevant English documentation. The regulations for the container are different from PETC. While the maximum height is capped at 100cm, the volumetric weight must not exceed 60kg, calculated using the formula L×B×H(cm)/6000. A key advantage of AVIH is that two pets of the same species are permitted to share the same container, which can be more comforting for animals travelling together. As with PETC, only one container per passenger is allowed, and the booking process and fee structure are identical. When checking in, you must proceed to the airport desk at least two hours before departure, even if you have completed online check-in, to allow staff to conduct the necessary checks on your pet and its documentation.

No matter which travel service you choose, correct documentation is non-negotiable and the cornerstone of a smooth journey. A licensed veterinarian must examine your pet within three days prior to travel to confirm it is in good health and fit for the journey. This examination must be recorded in the Pet Passport's Clinical Examination section. For travel to Türkiye, the examination window is shorter, requiring the vet visit to be within two days before departure. Once you arrive in Malta, you must make an appointment for an official inspection before your pet can be released. For animals arriving from the EU, contact the Agriculture and Fisheries Regulation Division on +356 2292 5216/5172 during office hours (Monday to Friday 07:00 - 15:00). For arrivals from outside the EU, including the UK, you should contact the Veterinary Support Officer on +356 9917 0532 (24 hour) or by email at petstravel.msdec@gov.mt. This step is mandatory and cannot be bypassed.

If your pet does not qualify for the PETC or AVIH services, or if you are travelling on a route where these options are not available, booking your pet as cargo becomes the necessary alternative. This process is distinct from the standard passenger booking and requires direct contact with the Cargo Reservations Department at KMMaltaCargoTCM@network-airline.com. Pets booked as cargo are only accepted on KM Malta Airlines point-to-point destinations to Malta. The logistics are different: you will need to drop off your pet at the Station Cargo Centre, which is typically located in a separate building from the main airport terminal and not within walking distance. Upon arrival in Malta, you will collect your pet from the same cargo facility. It is crucial to note that KM Malta Airlines will not be held responsible if any pet is refused entry into Malta, making it essential for owners to independently verify all import requirements for their specific pet breed well in advance of travel.

Once the journey is complete, finding a welcoming place to stay is the next priority. While pet-friendly accommodation is available in Malta, it is less common than in some other European destinations. Visitors travelling with dogs should research individual property policies carefully before booking, as some of Malta's most popular beaches impose restrictions on dogs during the summer months. The most reliably pet-friendly options are often found in Gozo, where several self-catering villas and farmhouses welcome well-behaved pets. Gozo farmhouses are particularly suitable, as they typically feature private gardens and grounds where animals can roam safely away from traffic and crowds. For those staying on the main island, a thorough check of hotel and villa policies is essential to ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.

The final step in bringing your pet to Malta is the mandatory post-arrival inspection. This is a legal requirement that must be completed before your pet can be released from the airport. As mentioned previously, the authority you contact depends on your animal's origin. For arrivals from the UK (a non-EU country), you will need to engage with the Veterinary Support Officer. You can reach them by phone at +356 9917 0532 (available 24 hours a day) or by email at petstravel.msdec@gov.mt. This inspection verifies that the documentation is in order and the animal appears healthy and compliant with import regulations. While this may seem like a final hurdle, it is a standard procedure designed to protect Malta's biosecurity. Planning for this appointment in advance and ensuring all paperwork is perfectly prepared will make this final step quick and straightforward, allowing you and your pet to begin your Maltese adventure without delay.