Is Having A Pet In College The Right Decision For You?

By Abigail Vinas on May 24, 2016

Going away for school comes with a lot of changes, including having to say goodbye to your dearly beloved pets for months on end. Then once the time comes to move out of the dorms and into an apartment or house, you may find yourself thinking that there’s something missing: a pet.

Surely, we’ve all heard it been said: dogs are man’s best friend. They give us undying loyalty paired with unconditional love. They don’t care what we look like, how we dress, how much money we make, or how horribly we did on an exam. Dogs welcome us home with the same loving face and the same tail furiously wagging like it’s about to fall right off.

Furry friends are undeniably cute but they require a lot of work and attention. At the end of a long day of classes, a pet can easily be a sight for sore eyes, however, one should first take the time to determine whether or not having a pet in college is a good idea. How adorable a puppy or kitten is shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor.

Pets are a long-term investment and so the required responsibilities should not be underestimated or ignored. They need your time and a whole lot of effort. The worst thing you could do is get yourself a pet and then proceed to neglect it and fail to provide the love and attention it needs.

One of the most important things you have to consider is how much time you will really be able to dedicate to your pet. You’ll need to feed them regularly, clean up after them when they have accidents, and simply spend some time with them in order to establish a quality, loving relationship. Leaving your pet alone all day while you’re out at work, in class, or partying does them no good at all. If your schedule is consistently busy to the point where you barely spend time at home, then getting yourself a pet probably wouldn’t be the best decision.

Having a pet in college is also expensive and will take a toll on your wallet. You’ll have to purchase all the necessary supplies to make sure that they’ll be thoroughly cared for. Medical care is also a must. Vaccinations and exams are essential in ensuring that your pet is happy and healthy, and they definitely don’t come cheap. Taking the proper measures early on and regularly will prevent any health problems that will be much more costly should your pet require medication or surgery.

It’s no surprise that pets are a lot of work. They’re a big responsibility but they’re also such a big source of joy. They bring happiness to the home and can also help to relieve stress and improve moods. College comes with many stressful situations and so having an animal companion is a great way to get through tough times. As long as it’s the right fit for you, having a pet in college can be a truly rewarding experience.

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