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Emergency Vet Malta
Need urgent veterinary assistance outside normal veterinary opening hours? Malta has a National Veterinary Emergency Service for pets and small animals.
National Veterinary Emergency Helpline
153 + Extension 22Call the freephone 153 and select Extension 22. Trained personnel will assess the situation, provide initial guidance where appropriate, and refer you to the most suitable veterinary assistance.
Out-of-Hours Emergency Service
The National Veterinary Emergency Service is designed to provide emergency assistance especially outside normal veterinary opening hours and during public holidays.
Night service
8:00 PM – 8:00 AM
The service also covers Sundays and Public Holidays through the designated emergency arrangements.
Call 153 + Extension 22 first so that your situation can be assessed and you can be directed to the appropriate emergency veterinary service.
Important: Emergency Vet Fees
Emergency veterinary care is not automatically free.
The owner must pay the consultation cost upfront.
The consultation fee can differ depending on the day and time of the night at which the emergency consultation takes place.
For the current fee applicable to your situation, contact 153 + Extension 22 before attending.
Possible reimbursement
The Government has a state-funded emergency veterinary care support programme. In genuine emergency cases, the programme can reimburse eligible pet owners for the cost of an emergency consultation.
Reimbursement is not automatic. The case must meet the applicable conditions and be deemed a genuine emergency.
Important for Dog Owners
If you are taking a dog for emergency veterinary care, make sure the dog is properly identified and registered.
Registration requirements can affect eligibility for reimbursement. A dog should not be assumed to qualify for reimbursement if the applicable registration requirements have not been met.
If you are unsure whether your dog meets the requirements, ask the emergency service about eligibility.
What About Stray Animals?
The government reimbursement programme is intended for pet owners.
If you are dealing with a stray animal, do not assume that the emergency consultation will be reimbursed under this programme.
Different arrangements may apply to stray animals. Contact the appropriate animal welfare service for guidance if you find an injured stray animal.
When Should You Call?
The emergency service is intended for situations where an animal may require urgent veterinary attention.
- Serious injury or trauma
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Sudden serious illness or deterioration
- Other situations where you believe your pet needs urgent veterinary care
If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, call 153 + Extension 22 and explain what has happened. The triage service can provide guidance.
Before Attending the Emergency Service
- Call 153 + Extension 22 first.
- Explain the animal's condition and what has happened.
- Follow the instructions provided by the emergency service.
- Be prepared to pay the consultation fee upfront.
- Keep your invoice and payment documentation if you intend to apply for reimbursement.
- Do not assume that reimbursement will be granted unless the case qualifies as a genuine emergency.
Official Information
This page is intended as a quick reference to help pet owners find emergency veterinary assistance in Malta.
Emergency service arrangements, participating clinics, fees and reimbursement conditions may change. Always check the latest official information before relying on the details above.
Official National Veterinary Emergency Service information →Veterinary Services Directorate – Emergency Services →