Puppy ‘Ink’ Brought To Malta From Belgium To Become Service Dog

The Government has announced a new agreement with the Service Dogs Malta Foundation aimed at strengthening Malta’s assistance dog service through an investment of more than €150,000 over a three-year period.

Under the agreement, the Ministry for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations will provide more than €50,000 annually between 2027 and 2029 to support the training of three service dogs every year.

The initiative is intended to increase the availability of specially trained dogs that can assist people with disabilities or different conditions, helping them achieve greater independence and participate more fully in society.

The agreement was announced by Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations Julia Farrugia in Brussels, as Ink, a Labrador puppy that will eventually become a service dog, began his journey to Malta. His name was chosen as an abbreviation of the word “inclusion”, reflecting the Ministry’s work.

The initiative fulfils an electoral commitment by the Government to continue collaborating with the Service Dogs Malta Foundation and provide annual funding for the training of assistance dogs. It builds on previous efforts, including the creation of a dedicated space at the Jake Vella Volunteering Centre in Paola, which supported the Foundation’s continued development.

Before arriving in Malta, Ink underwent initial socialisation training with Scale Dogs in Belgium, where he was introduced to different environments, people and animals. He also received training to use various forms of transport ahead of his flight.

Following his arrival, Ink joined the Coleiro family, who will act as his puppy raisers while he continues developing his skills. In the future, he will undergo formal training with a professional trainer before being matched with a person who requires his assistance.

Service dogs provide practical support, helping improve mobility, confidence and quality of life for the people who rely on them.

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