Bringing a Puppy from Italy to Malta: Rules, Documents and the Flight
Malta is an island, and that is the first question every family asks us: how does a puppy actually get here from Italy? The answer is simpler than most people expect. The rules are the same EU rules that apply across the continent, with one extra step that is specific to Malta. This guide walks you through the documents, the minimum age, the flight and the first days at home.
Can you bring a puppy from Italy to Malta?
Yes. Italy and Malta are both EU member states, so there is no quarantine and no customs procedure for the puppy. What matters is that the puppy is correctly identified, vaccinated and treated before it travels, and that every step is recorded in its EU pet passport.
The four requirements
1. Microchip
The puppy must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination. If the order is reversed, the vaccination is not valid for travel.
2. EU pet passport
Issued by a vet, it shows the microchip number, date of birth, vaccinations and treatments. It travels with the puppy for life.
3. Rabies vaccination
The first rabies vaccine can be given from 12 weeks of age and becomes valid 21 days later.
4. Tapeworm treatment
Malta is one of the few EU countries that require dogs to be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. A vet must give the treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arrival and record the date and time in the passport.
How old does a puppy have to be?
| Step | When | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | before the rabies vaccine | makes the vaccination valid |
| Rabies vaccine | from 12 weeks of age | cannot be given earlier |
| Waiting period | 21 days after the vaccine | the vaccine becomes valid |
| Tapeworm treatment | 24–120 hours before arrival | required by Malta |
| Flight | from around 15 weeks | all requirements met |
We never arrange earlier departures. A few more weeks with us also means a puppy that is more settled, better socialised and easier to welcome home.
How our puppies travel
In the cabin, beside our staff
Your puppy travels in an approved soft carrier under the seat, next to a member of our team for the whole journey. It is never checked in as cargo and never handed to a courier.
From Italy to Malta International Airport
Flights connect the Italian airports with Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa, about 8 km from Valletta. The flight itself is short, and the puppy stays with the same person from our centre to your arms.
Handover in person
We meet you on arrival, go through the passport and health file together, explain feeding and the first nights, and remain reachable on WhatsApp afterwards. Full details are on our delivery page.
Checklist before the flight
- You have seen the puppy on a live video call
- You have received copies of the passport pages before departure
- Microchip number matches on every document
- Rabies vaccination date and validity checked
- Tapeworm treatment date and time recorded
- A quiet corner, bed, bowls and the same food ready at home
- A first appointment booked with your vet in Malta
The first days in Malta
Keep things calm
The journey and a new home are a lot for a young dog. Limit visitors for a few days, keep the same food, and let the puppy sleep.
Mind the heat
In the warm months walk early in the morning and in the evening, carry water, and avoid hot pavements. Small breeds such as Toy Poodles and Maltipoos tire quickly in the sun.
See your local vet
Book a check-up in the first days. Your vet will review the passport, plan the next vaccinations and tell you how to register the dog in your name in Malta.
Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta or Gozo
The handover takes place at the airport, so the journey home is short wherever you live on the main island. Families from Gozo continue by car to Ċirkewwa and take the ferry to Mġarr, a crossing of about 25 minutes: bring the carrier, water and a towel, and keep the puppy with you on board.
Which puppy is right for island life?
Small, people-oriented breeds adapt well to apartments and terraces. Read our guides before you choose: Toy Poodle in Malta and Maltipoo puppies in Malta. You can also see who is currently with us: available puppies.
Frequently asked questions
Is there quarantine for a puppy coming from Italy to Malta?
No. Both countries are in the EU. The puppy needs a microchip, an EU pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination and the tapeworm treatment required by Malta.
How old must a puppy be to travel to Malta?
Around 15 weeks at the earliest. The rabies vaccine is given from 12 weeks and becomes valid 21 days later.
What is the tapeworm treatment?
A treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis given by a vet 24 to 120 hours before arrival and recorded in the pet passport. Malta requires it for dogs.
Does the puppy fly in the hold?
No. Our puppies travel in the cabin with a member of our staff for the whole journey.
Where do I collect my puppy?
At Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa. Our staff member hands the puppy to you in person with all documents.
Can I see the puppy before it travels?
Yes. We show you the puppy on a live video call, and you are welcome to visit our centre in Faloppio, near Lake Como.
Which documents will I receive?
The EU pet passport with microchip, rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment recorded, the vaccination record and the health file.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Instalment payment is available; ask us on WhatsApp for the options.
Ready to meet your puppy? Message us on WhatsApp for a video call.
Contact us on WhatsApp