Watch: Malta Launches After-Hours Emergency Vet Service For Pet Owners
Pet owners will be able to benefit from 24/7 emergency vet services through a new scheme offered by the Animal Rights Ministry, in collaboration with the Veterinary Surgeons Council.
The service will be offered in three regions: Gozo, the north of Malta, and the south of Malta. Licensed clinics in these regions will be invited to participate through a rotation system and those that take part will benefit from financial incentives.
The service will be available every night from 8pm to 8am, as well as between 8am and 8pm on Sundays and Public Holidays, until the Animal Hospital in Ta’ Qali starts operating on a permanent basis.
Licensed veterinary clinics that have the capacity and dedication to provide high-quality emergency services are invited to express their interest in joining this initiative, with documentation and full details available at vsc.gov.mt.
In the coming days, the Veterinary Services Council will publicly announce the selected clinics that will be participating in the scheme.
The lack of 24/7 emergency vet care has long been a major concern for local pet owners, especially those whose animals fell ill or suffered injuries during the night.
Several supposed 24-hour vet services have often proven to be unreachable during the night, with calls either going straight to voicemail or phones switched off.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that the implementation of this service is a testament to the Government’s vision regarding animal welfare.