I still remember, soon after we moved to Albania from the “sunny London”, the first time my daughter asked for a pet. It was right after she turned six — we were walking past a park in Tirana, and she spotted a little boy playing fetch with his golden retriever. “Mama,” she said, “can I have a best friend like that too?”
That single question sent me down a rabbit hole of research — not just about which pet would be right for her, but how to teach her to care for it responsibly. After hours of research, I found so many articles about PetVille, Albania’s first true pet supermarket, where I ended up finding everything from nutritious food to grooming tools and — my personal favorite discovery — the best toys for pets.
Because as I quickly learned, choosing a pet isn’t just about the animal itself; it’s about building a world of love, care, and fun around it. And toys — yes, toys — play a surprisingly big role in that.
The Search for the Perfect Pet Toy
My first mission as a new “pet parent” was to find something safe and engaging for our new family member, Luna – the cat. (We decided to start small before adding a dog to the family.) I wanted toys that would keep her active, sharpen her instincts, and — most importantly — survive more than a week of claws and teeth.
That search led me to the PetVille store in Tirana, and I can honestly say it was like walking into a toy paradise for animals. Shelves were stacked with colorful chew toys, teaser wands, feather sticks, tunnels, and puzzle feeders — things I had only seen online before.
A friendly staff member greeted me right away and asked about my pet. When I mentioned Luna’s playful but slightly lazy personality, she guided me toward a line of interactive cat toys that stimulate movement and curiosity. There were ball tracks with flashing lights, hanging mice, and even an automated laser toy that kept Luna entertained for hours.
For dog owners, the selection was equally impressive — from durable KONG toys and rubber fetch balls to soft plush animals designed for cuddling. PetVille even had eco-friendly options made from natural rubber and recycled materials, which I appreciated.
By the time I left, my shopping bag was full, and I realized something simple but true: the right toy doesn’t just entertain your pet — it helps you bond with them.
💞 Why Toys Matter More Than We Think
Many parents think toys are optional when bringing home a pet. In reality, they’re essential. They teach pets how to play safely, relieve boredom, and even reduce destructive behavior. A good toy challenges their mind and keeps their body active.
For children, this playtime becomes a shared experience — a way to learn empathy and patience. Watching my daughter use a teaser wand with Luna has been heartwarming. She learned to read the cat’s reactions — when to move faster, when to pause, when Luna needed space.
Those small moments of interaction are lessons in compassion. And that’s when it hit me: choosing a pet and caring for it can be one of the most powerful ways to teach a child responsibility, kindness, and emotional awareness.
How to Choose the Perfect First Pet for Your Child
If you’re a parent like me, you know how big of a decision that first pet can be. It’s not just about saying “yes” to a fluffy friend; it’s about committing to a new family member.
Before making the choice, I spent time researching — and, of course, asking for advice at PetVille. The staff was incredibly patient, helping me understand which animals are best for beginners and what kind of care they require.
Here’s what I learned from both my own experience and their expert guidance:
- Start with Simplicity
Children learn best when the routine is clear and achievable. Pets like cats, small dogs, rabbits, hamsters, or fish are great introductions to animal care because they’re relatively easy to feed and manage.
Cats, for instance, are independent yet affectionate — perfect for busy families. They don’t need constant attention, but they still form strong emotional bonds with children. My daughter loves brushing Luna’s coat with a soft grooming glove (another find in this albanian pet shop), and that ritual has become their special “quiet time” together.
- Match Personality to Pet
Some children are active and adventurous; others are calm observers. The pet should complement that energy.
- Energetic kids often thrive with playful dogs who love running and outdoor fun.
- Gentle, patient children might do better with calm cats or small mammals like guinea pigs.
- Curious and observant kids often enjoy fish or birds — pets that teach care through routine rather than physical play.
Matching personalities avoids frustration on both sides and creates harmony at home.
- Make Space for Learning
Every pet — even the simplest — needs a safe, clean environment. Setting up that space together can be an exciting family activity.
When we brought Luna home, we created a cozy corner with a soft bed, scratching post, litter box, and a small climbing tree — all from PetVille. It became her little kingdom. My daughter took pride in helping decorate it and learned that comfort and safety are part of caring, too.
🐠 Easy and Low-Maintenance Pets
Not every household has the time or space for larger animals, and that’s perfectly fine. Small pets can bring just as much joy.
- Fish are mesmerizing to watch and teach children the importance of regular feeding and tank cleaning. PetVille’s aquatics section in Durrës was full of starter kits, colorful tanks, filters, and decorative plants.
- Hamsters or guinea pigs are affectionate and fun to observe. Their routines are simple: feeding, cage cleaning, and short play sessions. Watching a child carefully refill a hamster’s water bottle is a tiny but powerful display of care.
- Birds, like parakeets or canaries, are lively and social. Teaching kids to speak softly around them or gently refill their food tray builds sensitivity and respect for animals’ boundaries.
Small pets are a great way to begin the journey — they teach the rhythm of responsibility without overwhelming a young child.
💡 Teaching Kids the Meaning of Care
One of the best parts of having a pet is how naturally it fits into daily life. Feeding time becomes part of the morning routine; evening play becomes family bonding.
At first, I worried my daughter would lose interest after the novelty faded. But when she realized Luna depended on her — for food, clean water, and love — something changed. She became more responsible, calmer, even more empathetic toward other children.
It’s true what they say: pets don’t just change your home — they change your heart.
And PetVille’s team reinforced that idea beautifully. They didn’t just sell me products; they offered advice on how to make these daily routines meaningful. They suggested letting kids handle simple tasks — like scooping food, brushing, or cleaning — to teach consistency and patience.
🧶 The Joy of Play and Connection
A few months after bringing Luna home, I returned to PetVille — this time to the Durrës store — to find more toys. The staff remembered us (which honestly made me smile), and they showed us some new arrivals: interactive puzzle feeders, catnip plushies, and treat-dispensing balls.
Watching my daughter pick out toys for Luna reminded me of how far we’d come since that day in the park. She now knew exactly what her pet liked — soft textures, dangling strings, and anything that jingled.
That’s what PetVille does best: it turns pet ownership into a journey. Every visit feels like an opportunity to learn something new — about your animal, about care, and even about yourself.
🐾 Where Love and Learning Meet
Choosing a pet for your child isn’t just about finding a companion. It’s about building a relationship rooted in empathy.
It’s in the gentle brushing after dinner, the early morning feeding routine, the laughter when a toy goes flying across the room. These small rituals teach lessons that last far beyond childhood.
For us, PetVille became a trusted part of that process — not just a store, but a partner in building a more compassionate home. From the best food brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s, and Taste of the Wild, to cozy beds, scratching posts, and playful toys, everything we needed to make Luna happy was right there.
And now, as we plan to adopt a small dog next year, I know exactly where I’ll go first: back to PetVille.
❤️ Final Thoughts — The Perfect Start
If you’re a parent thinking about getting your child their first pet, take it from me — start with patience, knowledge, and the right support.
Spend time exploring, learning, and preparing. Visit PetVille this amazing pet supermarket in Tirana, Durrës, or Vlorë, where the staff genuinely cares about helping families make thoughtful decisions. Let your child be part of the journey — choosing the pet, picking the toys, setting up the space.
Because in the end, the best toy, the best food, and even the best pet are just reflections of one simple thing: love.
And when your child learns to give that love freely and responsibly, you’ll know you made the perfect choice — for them and their new furry (or feathery, or finned) best friend. 🐶🐱🐠
Pet Guide & Tips 