Pet Transport from Malta to the United States: 2026 Guide
Malta is a CDC low-risk country for dog rabies. That classification simplifies the US entry process significantly. No titre test, no quarantine, and your dog can arrive at any US airport. The main requirement from the US side is the free CDC Dog Import Form. …
The Malta to United States import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Your vet in Malta
Responsible: You (owner)
Responsible: You or pet transport agent
Responsible: You
Responsible: Official vet
Responsible: You
What your pet needs to enter United States
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
There are no direct flights from Malta to the US. Your pet will connect through a European hub. This is a normal part of pet cargo from Malta, but choose a hub with a well-established cargo pet facility.
Malta gets very hot in July and August. Airlines apply heat embargoes on cargo pet acceptance during the hottest months. Early morning flights offer the best chance of avoiding a temperature refusal, but it is not guaranteed. Spring or autumn travel is safer.
The CDC Dog Import Form is mandatory. Without the receipt, your dog may be refused entry or held on arrival. It is free and takes 10 minutes online. Do this first.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
The routing challenge from Malta
Malta International Airport is small but well-connected to European hubs. The practical reality for pet cargo is that there are no direct Malta-to-US flights. Your pet will fly via Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Rome, or another hub before the transatlantic leg.
This connecting journey adds complexity. You need to confirm that the airline handling the transatlantic leg accepts pet cargo, that the crate can be transferred between aircraft, and that the hub airport has adequate animal handling facilities for the layover. Lufthansa via Frankfurt and British Airways via London are two established options with good cargo infrastructure.
Using a pet transport agent who knows the Malta routing is worth considering, especially for your first international pet move. They know which connections work, which airports handle live cargo reliably, and how to avoid the routes that involve too many transfers.
What documents does my pet need?
From the US side: the CDC Dog Import Form (free, online, submit before travel), a microchip readable by a universal scanner, and a dog that is at least 6 months old and appears healthy.
From the Malta side: an EU pet passport (showing microchip and vaccination history) and an official health certificate from a Malta Veterinary Division-authorised vet, issued within 10 days of departure. The health certificate confirms the animal is fit to fly and free of signs of disease.
There is no export permit required from Malta. No pre-approval from Maltese authorities. The passport, health certificate, and CDC form receipt cover what you need.
Heat and timing considerations from Malta
Malta sits in the Mediterranean, which means serious summer heat. July and August temperatures routinely exceed 35C, and airlines apply cargo pet embargoes when hold temperatures cannot be maintained within safe limits for live animals.
If your move is time-flexible, aim for September to November or March to May. These months avoid the peak summer heat embargo risk while also offering more competitive cargo pricing. December through February can be fine temperature-wise but check that your chosen European hub is operating normally with winter schedules.