For the first time in Albania, “Vet Hospital” has been established and made fully operational — a veterinary hospital that ranks among the largest and most advanced in Europe in the field of animal care. It is equipped with state-of-the-art protocols and the latest medical technologies, including digital radiography, an operating theatre, a 24/7 emergency service, dentistry, intensive care, and all essential services necessary to ensure the highest standard of treatment for animal health.
This project — a true embodiment of entrepreneurship and humanism — has been founded by four young veterinary doctors: Emre Aslan, Erko Prifti, Martin Llazani, and Marvin Brahja, marking a significant milestone in the Albanian veterinary sector.
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the newly inaugurated veterinary hospital, where he met with the team of doctors who serve with great dedication, attending to a minimum of 100 visits per day and offering solutions even for the most complex animal health diagnoses.
“These are the examination rooms: ultrasound for the heart, cardiac and abdominal scans, the treatment hall, intensive care units, oxygenated cages with controlled temperatures, treatment tables, and an operating room. This is part of the laboratory. Intensive care is provided here for the most severely ill patients. This area is dedicated exclusively to cats. We have two rooms for non-infectious cats — meaning those that are ill but do not have contagious diseases, to prevent cross-contamination,” explained one of the staff doctors.
He further added, “There are around 100 clients per day, and approximately 40–50 inpatients.”
The Prime Minister toured the facilities dedicated to various stages of medical treatment, where everything has been meticulously planned to ensure the highest quality of care.
“This is the infectious disease zone — entry is not permitted. The units are entirely independent. Over there is the dentistry section, and we also have dental X-rays. This is the radiography room; the imaging is digital. Here is where all dog treatments take place. Each patient has an individual medical file. There is a unique code assigned to every patient — you click on the system and it displays the name, surname, breed, and a full treatment history. The care is available around the clock, 24 hours a day.
This section is the one we are most proud of — the surgical rooms. The downstairs operating room is referred to as the ‘dirty surgery’ area, designated for treating infected wounds, and used when an animal arrives with an infection. This is where patients are prepared — shaved, cleaned, and disinfected. Here are two fully equipped operating rooms; the surgical suite meets the highest international standards. Surgeries can be performed here without the use of antibiotics at all. Even the wall coverings, the filtration systems — absolutely everything is sterile,” explained a staff member, highlighting that the hospital currently has 54 veterinarians.
However, the hospital’s offerings go beyond medical treatment. It also provides spaces for the purchase of pet food, clothing, aesthetic care, and other services, along with dedicated areas where pet owners can accompany their animals, ensuring a comprehensive and humane care experience.
“This is the pet shop area — where food, accessories, clothes, even manicure, pedicure, and perfumes can be purchased. Aesthetics,” explained one of the staff members. “For people, we also offer veterinary tourism: after surgery, the owner can stay here overnight with their dog. The animal receives its medication, and the owner may remain by its side.”
Following the tour of the hospital’s facilities, Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by the veterinarians and the entire team, including the talent of the architect who envisioned an exceptionally modern and contemporary project. He described the infrastructure as a profoundly moving and inspiring destination.
“It is a destination of humanism and healthcare,” stated the Prime Minister. This is, unquestionably, a destination of architectural distinction — and finally, though by no means of lesser importance, a destination of entrepreneurship and optimism for life and for the future.
One could easily make an entire film about this extraordinary enterprise and about the four young men behind it, whom I had the privilege of meeting only recently, yet whose work, ambition, and refined aesthetic I deeply admire. Of course, the architectural brilliance is due in large part to the architect, Davide. But it must be said: architects are only as successful as their clients allow them to be. If the client lacks vision, even the most talented architect will struggle to create something truly beautiful.
What is profoundly moving and emotionally stirring is witnessing the entire internal journey — the comprehensive itinerary of care and dedication that this facility embodies for animals. And it is undoubtedly a source of immense pride that such a veterinary hospital exists here in Albania. I am certain that anyone who sees it in a photograph would find it hard to believe it is located in Albania. Yet, at the same time, I am just as certain that its presence here — in Tirana — is no coincidence.
The founders told me that this is the largest veterinary hospital in the Balkans. But in my view, it must also be among the most beautiful of its kind anywhere in the world. There is nothing left for me but to extend my heartfelt congratulations to them and all of you involved.
Thank you for setting such a powerful and inspiring example for anyone searching for reasons to believe in Albania, to believe in themselves, and to believe in the future. Here, they will find every reason they need.
And finally, allow me to express my deepest gratitude for a contribution that transcends the care of animals, beyond dogs, cats, and, as you refer to them, their ‘family members.’ This is a contribution to society, to the city, to the capital, and to generations yet to come.
Thank you,” said Prime Minister Edi Rama.
