The sun was high over the bright streets of Tirana. I felt happy and free. However, my heart stopped when I realized my dog was gone. What to Do If Your Pet Gets Lost in Albania became my only thought at that time.
It is a nightmare to lose a best friend in a foreign land. You feel small. You feel alone. But I learned that you can take specific steps to bring them home. Albania is a place where people care for each other. First of all, you must stay calm.
What to do if your pet goes missing involves a mix of local help and digital tools. I will share my story to help you through this.
I started my search the second I saw the empty leash. I did not wait for help. I squeaked his favorite toy as I ran. I called his name over and over.
Also, I put his bed and some of my dirty clothes outside our rental door. Familiar smells act like a map for a lost pup. I knew I had to act fast. Lost in Albania is a scary state to be in, but the first hour is the most important.
Talk to the People Around You
Albanians are some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. They really want to help foreigners. I walked to the nearest small market. I showed the shopkeeper a clear picture of my dog. Additionally, I spoke to the security guards at a nearby apartment building.
News travels very fast in this “small world”. Similarly, I asked the neighbors if they saw any “new” animals in the area.
Many stray animals roam the streets here. Therefore, a local might see your pet and think it is just another street dog. You must be very clear that your pet has a home. Plus, you can ask the local street cleaners.
They see everything. I found that a simple conversation can lead to a big clue. Later, I realized that the community is your best set of eyes.
Use the Power of Social Media
The internet is a huge help when you are lost in Albania. I went straight to Facebook. First of all, I joined a group called “Expats in Albania”. People there are very active and helpful. I also posted in “Tirana Dog Shelter & Lost Pets Albania”.
You must include a clear photo and your phone number. On top of that, I shared the post in local groups for the specific neighborhood.
I discovered a very useful website called Tagmefy. It has a separate section for lost and found dogs in Tirana. You can post a picture and a message for free. It is a quick and efficient way to reach the whole city.
According to statistics, only 13 percent of lost items used to find their way home in the past. Modern tools like Tagmefy make it much easier now. Similarly, I checked Instagram and Telegram groups. I wanted everyone to see his face.
Contact the Experts and Shelters
You need to call the local rescue groups right away. Albania has many hard-working people who save animals every day. First of all, I contacted Animal Rescue Albania in Tirana. Later, I called Protect Me in Vlora. If you are in the north, reach out to Animals Need Me in Shkodra. Similarly, you should call Help Animals in Korca.
I also checked with local vet hospitals. International Pet Hospital and Vet Hospital Tirana are open 24 hours. They are great places to check because someone might bring a lost pet there for a check-up. Additionally, Albania uses a system called RUDA.
This is an electronic system for the identification and registration of animals. Most pets that enter the country have a 15-digit microchip. Therefore, the RUDA system can help track owned animals.
Flyers and Rewards
Do not forget the old ways of searching. I went to a print shop in Tirana called Phoenix to make posters.
If you are in Durres, you can go to Print shop Kancelari klodi Plazh. I put up flyers at every local market and park I could find. On top of that, I left some at pet shops and cafes. A clear photo is the most important part of the flyer.
I thought about offering a reward. This can motivate people to look harder. However, you must be careful. Some people might try to scam you.
Do not share too much personal info on the paper. I decided to offer a small amount. It seemed fair. Finally, I kept my phone charged at all times. I did not want to miss a call.
Understanding the Legal Side
It is helpful to know how the law works here. Albania does not have a specific law for animal welfare and protection yet.
The only law with some rules is Act No. 10465, called “On the Veterinary Service”. This law says that owners are responsible for the health of their animals. It also says that animal owners must help with veterinary checks.
The state is working to improve these rules. Gradually, Albania is trying to match its laws with the European Union. Right now, local government units are responsible for stray animals. They must identify and register street dogs and cats.
Therefore, the authorities might have information if your pet was picked up. Plus, the government has a plan to sterilize about 70% of stray dogs in 36 months.
Health and Safety Concerns
You must be very watchful of your pet’s health. Albania has a lot of street dogs. Some are friendly, but others are not. In 2023, there were 23 complaints of dog bites. This was about 13% of all complaints. However, in the first eight months of 2024, the number of bites rose to 39% of all complaints. This is a big jump. On top of that, there is a disease called Leishmaniasis.
I read some scary numbers about this disease. In 2023, about 8.85% of animals tested were positive. In the first part of 2024, that number rose to 23.06%. This is a significant 15% increase. Therefore, you should keep your pet away from strange dogs. Also, ensure they have tick and tapeworm treatments. Traveling to Albania with a dog means you must be their protector.
What to do if you find a lost pet
Maybe you are the one who finds a lonely animal. What to do if you find a lost pet in Albania is a big responsibility. First of all, check for a tag or a collar. Some street dogs have a tag in their ear. This means they were vaccinated or fixed by a charity. If the dog looks healthy and has a collar, it probably belongs to someone.
You should take a photo and post it on Tagmefy. Also, take the animal to a vet to scan for a microchip. Klinika Veterinare SINANI in Vlora is very good and the staff speaks English. Similarly, you can go to Vet Hospital Tirana.
I once saw a group of puppies in Tirana. A user named “charliejgoddard” on a forum said they tried to call rescue groups but did not get a reply. This happens because these groups are very busy and have many debts. Plus, you can try to bring them food and water yourself.
Preparing for Your Journey
The best way to handle a lost pet is to prevent it from happening. I did a lot of work before I left home. First of all, I made sure my dog had a 15-digit ISO microchip. This is mandatory for entering the country. Additionally, I got a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before our travel. I also carried a bilingual health certificate signed by a vet.
An EU Pet Passport is also a great thing to have. It keeps all the records in one place. Though Albania is not in the EU, they follow many of the same rules. I also used a strong collar with an ID tag. This is a simple way to help people call you quickly. Albania pet friendly travel is possible if you prepare well.
FAQ
What should I do immediately after a pet gets lost?
You must not panic. Start the search right now. Squeak that favorite toy. Call the name of your pet out loud. Additionally, place an item with a familiar smell like a bed outside the door. Familiar scents help guide the animal back to you.
Does Albania have a stray dog problem?
Yes. You will see many stray animals in Tirana and other cities. This is a major issue. Therefore, a local person might think your pet is just another street dog. You must be clear that your pet has a home.
What should I be careful of in Albania?
You should watch out for dog bites. These reports are growing very fast. On top of that, Leishmaniasis is a serious health concern for pets in the country. You must keep your dog away from sick strays.
How do lost pets find their way home?
They use their noses to find the path. Familiar scents guide them to a safe spot. Plus, a pet bed or old clothes left outside can lead them back to your door.
Concluding Words
A lost pet in a new place is a huge stress. But you are not alone in this search. You should use local help and the power of the internet to find your friend. Speak to friendly neighbors. Call the animal shelters like Protect Me or Animals Need Me.
Therefore, you can increase the chances of a happy reunion. Stay strong. Keep looking. You can bring your furry friend home.
