The Island Sanctuary cares for over 150 dogs and unfortunately, is virtually always at the maximum capacity.

All the Sanctuary dogs are strays or unwanted pets who have been cruelly abandoned on the streets or in the countryside areas of Malta. Some have already beein injured, either in accidents with cars, or through the treatment of their previous owners, and most arrive at the Sanctuary suffering from extreme malnutrition.

Maggie was found abandoned some years ago - little more than a walking skeleton. Medical attention and TLC soon restored her to health.

Montee was rescued last year from a deep ditch she had fallen into. She must have been there for days, and was badly dehydrated and undernourished. Today she is a German Shepherd to be proud of - and still waiting for the right home.

We dedicate our time to nursing these dogs back to optimum health with love, medical care and a well-balanced diet, rich in nutritional requirements, as well as offering the possibility of a permanent home either within the Sanctuary or with a loving family, if possible.  

Adoption Process

Dogs are only homed with families who we believe to be capable of providing a comfortable and decent environment for the dog, and depending on the most appropriate home for the particular dog - some of our dogs require more active owners willing to take them on many walks and exercising activities while others are more comfortable with a relaxed lifestyle.

All new owners are required to fill in a form that entitles the Island Sanctuary Association to check on the condition of the dog occasionally to ensure that they are being well-fed, walked and most importantly, loved! If a puppy has been adopted, we expect and insist that it will  be spayed/neutered once it`s around 6 months old.

So, if you are interested in adding another member to your household in the form of a four-legged friend who will provide you with unconditional love, then please come and visit us and the dogs at the Sanctuary. We recommend that  if you are seriously interested in taking a dog home, it is wise to take him/her out for a walk first to see if they are the most suitable for you - and if not, then at least, you`ve provided an exercising walk for one of the dogs.

Please bring your ID card with you.We have always made it a point that we don`t sell dogs - since we don`t consider them as objects to own, but as sentient creatures to love.However, we do ask for a donation to help us offset some of our expenses.An adult dog adopted from the Sanctuary will have been neutered/spayed, as well as vaccinated against potentially dangerous diseases. All this costs money, and it`s only fair to expect a reasonable donation. All money raised goes for the daily running of the Sanctuary.