New Regulations Enhance Standards For Pet Groomers, Sitters And Boarders
At a press conference, new regulations were announced to enhance standards for local services provided by pet groomers, sitters, and boarders. These regulations, effective in two months, aim for proper certification and licensing in the industry.
Minister Anton Refalo, alongside Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said and Director Joseph John Vella, emphasised that this legislation, also an electoral promise, aims to regulate and ensure standards for animal welfare in pet boarding, sitting and grooming services.
Minister Refalo stated that the legislation introduces definitions such as accommodation, pet boarder and pet sitter. Public consultations were held with the Animal Welfare Council and the Commissioner for Animal Welfare to formulate these regulations. The Minister affirmed the commitment to continue enhancing the sector.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said highlighted the importance of these regulations for service providers and newcomers, ensuring they have clear guidelines to operate effectively. She acknowledged the excellence of current groomers, sitters and boarders in the country and assured that the regulations will set necessary standards for offering these services and safeguarding pets.
She concluded by saying that the announced regulations ensure pet owners can rest assured their pets will receive proper treatment.
Director Joseph John Vella added that these regulations aim to regularise establishments and enable monitoring and enforcement where necessary, benefiting the welfare of domestic animals.
The 2024 Regulations on Standards for the Operation of Grooming Establishments for Domestic Animals and the 2024 Regulations on Standards for the Operation of Pet Sitting and Pet Boarding Establishments for Cats and Dogs, will take effect in two months and form part of the Animal Welfare Act (Cap. 439).
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