Can I sell or buy pets freely in Malta?
No, not freely — to sell animals in Malta you first need a licence. Under the Animal Welfare Act (Cap. 439), no trader may keep, sell or offer for sale an animal without the relevant licence from the veterinary service, and the licence must be displayed on the premises. The myth: that you can "breed and sell puppies as you like" or sell online with no strings. You cannot: anyone selling online must apply for a licence and declare whether they are a pet shop or a breeder, and animals cannot be put up for sale before the application is vetted. You cannot sell an animal to a minor under 16 without the written consent of a parent, and it is illegal to sell puppies or kittens under eight weeks (or rabbits under four weeks). Breeding is limited too by law.
📋 The rules
- Under Cap. 439, no trader may keep, sell or offer for sale an animal without a licence from the veterinary service.
- The licence (or a copy) must be displayed in a prominent position on the premises.
- It is illegal to sell an animal to a minor under 16 without the written consent of a parent or guardian.
- It is illegal to sell puppies or kittens under eight weeks, or rabbits under four weeks.
- Anyone selling online must apply for a licence and declare whether they are a pet shop or a breeder; animals cannot be sold before the application is vetted.
🔓 Exceptions
- Breeding rules: no bitch may produce more than one litter in 12 months, and may not be mated under 12 months of age.
- Private, occasional selling or giving away (not as a business) may fall outside the trader licence requirement, but the general welfare rules still apply.
- Mixed "bully" breed dogs fall under a separate ban on breeding and sale from 13 December 2024.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Selling animals without the required licence, or breaking the rules on age and breeding, is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act (Cap. 439), and can lead to fines and the confiscation of the animals. In serious cases of mistreatment, the law provides for substantial fines and even imprisonment, along with the power to suspend or withdraw the business licence. Beyond the direct penalty, someone who sells a sick or too-young animal can be liable to the buyer for veterinary costs and damages, and the animal itself may be removed and placed in a sanctuary. A reputation as an unlicensed seller closes the door with kennel clubs and online platforms, which now ask for proof of a licence before letting you advertise. Poor welfare can also trigger reports to the Commissioner and inspections.
📎 Official sources
- Legislation Malta · Animal Welfare Act (Cap. 439) →
- Commissioner for Animal Welfare · animal rights and rules →
- Animal Health and Welfare Department (AHWD) · licences and legislation →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a licence to sell my dog's puppies?
If you are selling regularly or as a business, yes — you need a licence from the veterinary service and must display it on the premises. Private, occasional selling may fall outside the trader licence requirement, but the rules on the animal's age and welfare still always apply.
How young is too young to sell puppies and kittens?
It is illegal to sell puppies or kittens under eight weeks, and rabbits under four weeks. This is so the animal is weaned and healthy enough before it leaves its mother, and a seller who breaks this can be liable for the buyer's veterinary costs.
Can I sell an animal to a child?
No, not without the written consent of a parent or guardian if the buyer is a minor under 16. This rule exists to make sure there is a responsible adult for the animal's care and that the purchase is not made on impulse by a child.
Is selling animals online legal in Malta?
Yes, but only if you first apply for a licence and declare whether you are a pet shop or a breeder. Animals cannot be put up for sale before the application is vetted, and serious platforms ask for proof of a licence before you can advertise.
How often can a bitch be bred in a year?
The law says no bitch may produce more than one litter in 12 months, and may not be mated before she is 12 months old. These rules exist to protect the bitch's health and to reduce excessive breeding and abandonment.
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What people search to land here:
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