TRAVELLING WITH PETS
Barks Aboard! Pets are welcome on Air Malta flights and we have carried hundreds of beloved animals over the years. So why not bring your ‘fur baby’ on your next holiday to Malta? Jo Caruana explains.
L
eaving loved ones behind can be the least appealing thing about going on holiday.
I for one have often changed travel plans simply because it would have meant leaving my adored babies behind. And those adored babies are, of course, my three rescue dogs – Bunny, Summer and Pip. But the good news is that travelling with your pet is getting easier, and many airlines, including Air Malta, will give you all the help you need – whether you’re simply taking your pet with you on a short break or relocating to a new country for good. Malta itself is becoming ever-more welcoming to ‘pet parents’, and you and your animals could enjoy a great holiday here. For starters, Malta recently saw the launch of the pet-friendly programme at the fivestar Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Attard. Palace Pups ensures that pets and their owners are immersed in luxury during their stay and there’s all sorts to keep the animals happy – from in-room treats
and a special room services menu, to dog walking and even plenty of pampering. There’s also lots for you and your pet to do here in Malta. The Maltese landscape lends itself beautifully to long walks in the countryside. It’s important to bear in mind that dogs here must be kept on a leash at all times, and that you, as their owner, must clean up after them. That said, there are now two dog parks locally, one of which is located in the national park in Ta Qali, where dogs can run off the leash and socialise with other pooches. Meanwhile, while many sandy beaches and bays are off limits for canines, there are a few bathing zones where dogs who like a dip are allowed. These include the beautiful Ahrax Bay in Mellieha, Tigne Point in Sliema and Zebbug Bay in Gozo. Finally, restaurants and bars are becoming more welcoming of pets too, and many will invite you in with open arms (providing your pet doesn’t cause a raucous that is). But, if you are planning an evening out and you want to take your fur baby along, it’s best to call your restaurant of choice ahead of time just to be sure.
Photography by Kurt Paris For more information about travelling with pets on Air Malta visit: http://www.airmalta.com/information/customer-support/travelling-with-pets
21