So, you’ve decided to make the big move to Albania and you aren’t coming alone. Whether you’re bringing a long-time companion from home or you’re prepared to be chosen by one of the many streeties that roam the Lungomare, living with pets in Vlorë is a rewarding but unique challenge.
From the “No Pets” clause in rental contracts to the scavenger hunt for specialized kitten formula, here is everything you need to know about being a pet parent in Albania.
The Housing Hunt: Budget Extra Time & Cash
If you are moving to Albania with a dog or cat, you need to hear this first: Albanian landlords are notoriously hesitant about pets. It is very common to find “no pets” written explicitly into rental agreements. Because of this, you should budget at least an extra 2 to 4 weeks for your apartment search.
While a standard 1-bedroom might go for less, expats with pets often find themselves paying a premium to secure a place that welcomes their furry friends. For example, a pet-friendly, high-end 1-bedroom on the Lungomare can run around €800 a month.
Plan Your Search: The easiest way to skip the “no pets” drama is to use Flatio. They have a specific Pets Allowed filter and specialize in mid-term rentals, making them the perfect landing pad while you look for a permanent home.
Relocation & Paperwork: Meet Vlorë’s Pet Hero
If you are traveling into or out of Albania with a pet, the paperwork can be challenging. The community’s go-to expert for this is The Pet Shop. The owner speaks perfect English and can walk you through the entire process for getting an EU Pet Passport or the specific certificates needed for border runs to Montenegro or Greece.
Grooming & Supplies
Vlorë is beautiful, but it can be a bit rugged for pets. One walk in the woods can result in a coat full of prickers and burrs. For grooming, The Pet Shop is again highly recommended; a full grooming for a small dog typically costs around $30 USD (approx. 2,800 lek). They also offer home delivery for pet food. from Wolt
For supplies, you’ll find that “pet aisles” in standard grocery stores like Xhihanka or Big Market are decent for basics, but for specialized items like kitten milk/formula, you should head to Rossmann. If you’re looking for high-tech gear like automated feeders, the shop Oreo & Tony has an online store that delivers.
Home Essentials: If you need to “pet-proof” your new place with baby gates or heavy-duty cleaning supplies for those inevitable “accidents,” I recommend Temu. 🎁 Special Bonus: As an Exit To Albania reader, you can use code ale955264 at this link to get a $100 Coupon Bundle + 30% OFF your first order!
Local Health Challenges: Ticks and Hard Water
There are 2 local issues every pet owner in Vlorë needs to be aware of:
- Ticks: They are a year-round issue in the tall grass. Even a short walk can result in finding tiny Ixiodes ticks, so daily checks are mandatory.
- The Water: Albania’s tap water is extremely hard. While it’s safe for humans, the high mineral content can be very hard on a cat’s kidneys, and UTIs are common among local felines. Most expats recommend sticking to filtered or bottled water for your pets’ bowls.
The “Streetie” Soul of Vlorë
Finally, be prepared to have your heart broken and then put back together. You will see many abandoned puppies and kittens in Vlorë. The expat community is incredibly active in fostering and rescuing these handsome rascals. There is a local shelter called Protect Me that happily accepts volunteers and donations. If you aren’t ready to adopt, consider attending one of the Animal Welfare Improvement meetings at the Municipal Office to see how you can help manage the local stray population.
Bringing a pet to Vlorë adds a bit of paperwork and a lot of vacuuming, but there’s nothing quite like a sunset walk on the beach with your best friend to make Albania feel like home.
