📋 Moving to Albania with Pets
Everything you need to know — documents, vaccines, airlines, customs, and settling in
Everything you need to know — documents, vaccines, airlines, customs, and settling in
Albania has rapidly modernized its approach to pet ownership and animal welfare. While the country is still developing its infrastructure for pets, many expats have successfully relocated with dogs, cats, and other animals — and love their life here with their furry companions.
The country does not have breed bans at the national level (though check local municipal rules in Tirana). There is no mandatory quarantine for pets arriving with proper documentation from most countries. The Mediterranean climate is wonderful for active dogs, and local Albanians — especially younger generations — are increasingly pet-loving.
Follow this timeline to make sure everything is done in the right order and on time.
If your pet doesn't already have an ISO 11784/11785-compatible microchip, have your vet implant one. This must happen before the rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count.
Your pet needs a valid rabies vaccine administered by a licensed vet. If it's your pet's first rabies vaccine, it must be given at least 21 days before travel. Boosters may need to be current.
While not always legally required, these vaccines are strongly recommended for Albania's environment: Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis (dogs), and Feline Leukemia (cats). Leishmaniasis prevention is important if your dog will spend time outdoors.
Visit your USDA-accredited (or equivalent) vet to complete the official health certificate. For US travelers, this must then be endorsed by your USDA APHIS office. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival date.
Dogs arriving from the United Kingdom must be treated for Echinococcus tapeworm by a licensed vet between 1 and 5 days before arrival. The treatment must be documented in your pet's health certificate or passport.
Keep these in a folder, easily accessible at the airport:
Albania's main international airports are Tirana (TIA) and Kukës. Here's what you need to know about flying with pets.
Cabin: Yes — small pets in carrier under 8kg total (pet + carrier). Fee: ~€50 each way.
Cargo: No — Wizz Air does not transport pets in the hold.
Routes: Wide network from UK, Italy, Germany, and more to Tirana (TIA).
Cabin: No — Ryanair does not allow pets in the cabin.
Cargo: No — Ryanair does not transport pets.
Alternative: Book a separate flight on a pet-friendly carrier. Ryanair flies many routes to nearby airports (Rome, Athens) where connections exist.
Cabin: Yes — pets up to 8kg (pet + carrier) in cabin. Fee varies.
Cargo: Yes — larger pets as checked baggage or cargo with prior arrangements.
Routes: Connects through Frankfurt, Munich to Tirana and other Balkan cities.
Cabin: Yes — small pets under 8kg total in cabin. Restrictions on flat-faced breeds.
Cargo: Yes — larger pets in the hold with advance booking.
Routes: Connects through Istanbul to Tirana. Good option for travelers from North America or Asia.
If you're traveling from Italy, the ferry from Bari or Ancona to Durrës, Albania is a popular pet-friendly option. Pets are generally allowed on deck or in your cabin (policies vary by ferry company). This can be far less stressful for pets than flying.
Proceed through the standard arrival process. Declare your pet to the customs officer and present your documentation. Albania has a designated agricultural/customs inspection for live animals.
A customs or veterinary officer will check your pet's microchip (they may scan it), review the health certificate, and verify vaccination records. Keep originals — copies are generally not accepted.
If all documents are in order, you'll be cleared quickly. Albania does not have mandatory quarantine for properly documented pets from most countries. Keep all paperwork safe — you may need it for local registration, vet visits, and re-entering other countries.
Before anything else, identify a vet near your new home — ideally one who speaks English. Schedule a check-up within the first week to establish a relationship and get your pet registered locally.
Find a Vet →Albania has sandflies (leishmaniasis risk), ticks, and fleas. Start parasite prevention immediately. Ask your vet about Scalibor collars, Nexgard, or Frontline — many are available in Albanian pet stores.
Albania has hot summers (especially coastal areas). Make sure your pet has shade and water. Mediterranean breeds cope well; thick-coated breeds may need extra care during July–August.
Housing with pets can be challenging but is very possible. Our rental directory lists pet-friendly properties. Be upfront with landlords — a small pet deposit is common and accepted.
Find Rentals →
Pet stores are well-stocked in Tirana and other cities. Brands like Royal Canin, Hill's, and Purina are available. Specialty raw food diets are harder to find but possible — expat Facebook groups are a great resource.
Join "Expats in Albania" and "Pet Owners in Tirana" Facebook groups. The community is incredibly helpful for vet recommendations, pet-sitting, and navigating local pet culture.
Parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and similar birds are covered by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). You will need:
Apply for CITES permits at least 3 months in advance. Processing times vary.
Many reptile species are protected under CITES. Requirements depend on the species:
Common pets like ball pythons, bearded dragons, and blue-tongue skinks are generally more straightforward — but documentation is still required.
Small mammals are generally easier to bring than exotic birds or reptiles, but documentation is still required:
Most airlines allow small rodents in cabin; verify with your specific airline.
Ornamental fish are generally among the easiest pets to bring:
Shipping fish by air cargo is possible with a specialist shipping company. Discuss with your airline or cargo carrier well in advance.
No — Albania does not require quarantine for pets arriving with proper documentation (valid health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination). This is one of the great advantages of moving to Albania with pets compared to some other countries.
Albania does not have a national breed ban. However, some municipalities may have local ordinances regarding certain breeds. In Tirana, larger dogs in apartments are increasingly accepted. It's always worth checking with your specific municipality. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and similar breeds are generally permitted but may face some social stigma in certain areas.
Typical costs include: microchipping (~€30–60 if not already done), vet examination + health certificate (~€80–200), USDA/government endorsement fees (~€35–100), airline pet fee (~€50–200 depending on airline and cabin vs. cargo), and any additional vaccinations needed. Budget approximately €200–500 total for the process, excluding the cost of an airline-approved carrier.
Yes! Many expats enter Albania by road from Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, or Kosovo. The same documentation applies (health certificate, microchip, vaccination records). Border crossings by car can sometimes be faster for pet processing than airport customs. The Montenegro and North Macedonia borders tend to be the smoothest experiences reported by expat communities.
Vet care in Albania is significantly more affordable than Western Europe or North America. A standard consultation is typically €15–35. Vaccinations run €10–25. Emergency care and surgery costs vary but are generally 40–70% cheaper than in the UK or US. English-speaking vets do exist, primarily in Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë.