Rabat’s New Hope: Animal Rehoming Centre Announced

Imagine strolling along Rabat’s historic streets, the aroma of fresh bread wafting from the nearby bakery, when you hear a faint bark. You follow the sound to a quaint, newly renovated building, its sign reading ‘Rabat Rehoming Centre’. This isn’t a figment of a dog-lover’s dream; it’s the reality we’re stepping into, thanks to the Malta Animal Welfare NGO’s latest plans.

Tucked away in the heart of Rabat, the building at 12, Triq San Pawl has stood empty for years. But soon, it will be filled with the pitter-patter of paws and the joyful yips of dogs waiting for their forever homes. The Malta Animal Welfare NGO (MAW) has announced plans to transform this space into a state-of-the-art animal rehoming centre.

MAW, a local charity dedicated to improving the lives of Malta’s stray and abandoned animals, has been operating a temporary centre in Mosta. But with space limited and demand high, the Rabat centre promises to be a breakthrough. “We’ve outgrown our current space,” says MAW’s founder, Joanne Scerri. “Rabat will allow us to take in more animals, provide better care, and ultimately, find them loving homes.”

The Rabat centre won’t just be a place for dogs to wait; it will be a hub of activity, with a focus on rehabilitation, socialisation, and education. The centre will include a veterinary clinic, a grooming area, and spacious runs for the dogs to play and interact. There are also plans for a community room, where MAW can host workshops and talks on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

“We want Rabat to be a place where people can come, meet our dogs, and learn about the joy – and responsibility – of pet ownership,” says Scerri. “And of course, we hope they’ll fall in love and give one of our dogs a loving home.”

The centre is expected to open its doors in late 2023, with a soft opening planned for early summer. MAW is currently fundraising to cover the renovation costs and equip the centre. You can donate or find out more at MAW’s website.