Local councils set to benefit from €750,000 to fund dog parks and cat cafés

Local councils were briefed on a €750,000 government scheme to fund the development of dog parks and cat cafés, with up to €50,000 available per project, a government statement said.

A meeting was held with local councils to provide further details on a new scheme supporting the development of dog parks and cat cafés in local communities, following its recent launch.

The session was addressed by Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, who spoke of the importance of improving facilities for animals and their owners across Malta’s localities.

Bugeja Said said that discussions with pet owners had clearly shown the need for such spaces within communities.

“Through the discussions we held with various animal owners, the need to create these spaces in communities emerged clearly. We therefore wanted to meet with local councils to better understand the needs of each community and ensure that these open spaces can truly be enjoyed by families and their pets,” she said.

Zerafa Civelli said the government remained committed to enhancing the value of localities, noting that the scheme would support councils in developing open spaces with dedicated areas for animals, such as gardens featuring cat cafés or dog parks.

“Through this scheme, we are giving local councils another opportunity to continue embellishing their localities with projects that benefit both residents and pets,” she said.

Director for Animal Welfare Joseph John Vella presented the criteria and application process in detail, while practical information was also provided on the implementation and operation of the projects.

Meanwhile, Head of Project Green Francoise Chetcuti outlined the entity’s role in funding and providing technical support.

The scheme will provide up to €50,000 per project, with a total investment of €750,000, and is aimed at encouraging the creation and regeneration of open spaces that integrate facilities dedicated to animals.

Project Green will fund the development of dog parks and cat cafés, while local councils will be responsible for their implementation and ongoing maintenance once completed.

Conditions apply, including that the site must cover at least 1,500 square metres, with 20% of the space dedicated specifically to animals, the statement said.

The scheme is being administered by the Animal Welfare Directorate, with applications open until 31 May 2026 through an online submission process.

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