While owning a furry companion in college may be enticing, students must think twice and consider every aspect of pet ownership before adopting a new addition into their college family.
“Having a pet at college is a very serious commitment,” Nancy Peterson, a specialist for The U.S. Humane Society, said. “The lifestyle of a college student is filled with new adventures, hours of studying and sporadic schedules. Balancing pet ownership with that isn’t easy.”
Before delving into this responsibility, it is imperative to bear in mind the cost, time and commitment required to be a suitable pet owner. Many obstacles make owning a pet in college strenuous, one example being most campus housing units prohibit pets. Finding pet-friendly rental properties off campus can often prove difficult and expensive.
Most students cannot afford to support themselves, let alone a pet. Pets require regular trips to the veterinarian, along with ongoing costs for food and other supplies. The American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals estimates the first-year cost of owning a dog is between $1,314 to $1,843, and calculates the cost of owning a cat around $1,035. Even owning a rabbit will cost $1,055 after the annual and capital expenses every pet requires. Emergency vet care can often cost several hundreds or even thousands of dollars if a pet falls ill. Clearly, owning a pet is not ideal for the pet or the owner when emergency medical issues become unaffordable.
Even if cost is of no issue, most college-aged individuals are not ready for the responsibility and time commitment that pets need. Typical students can never be sure what life will throw their way, and owning a pet makes life much less flexible. Students struggling to balance school with work and social events are not expected to be ideal pet owners. Dedicating oneself to a pet requires meticulous time management and possible social sacrifices. Therefore, one can expect added stress while juggling a busy schedule and attending to a pet as they attempt to keep up with homework and studying.
However, just like other adjustments students face during their college careers, there are strategies to help students cope with a petless life. Options such as volunteering at animal shelters can give students their fur fix, while also helping out the community and making sheltered animals more adoptable to prospective owners. For those doubting their pet-keeping abilities, keep in mind that although owning a pet may not be possible in college, there will come a time in the future when one can responsibly share their life with a pet.
It may be discouraging now, but it will be worth the wait if one hopes to enjoy the marvelous, long-term relationships pets have to offer when the time is right.
