College is a challenging yet exciting time. Between juggling classes, assignments, exams, and learning how to be a real adult, college can be stressful. Many college students, including myself, seek to ease the journey with an animal companion.
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been around as many animals as possible, from horses to geckos and everything in between. My love of animals didn’t stop when I entered college, but my relationship with my pets changed drastically. Owning a pet in college can be challenging but also extremely rewarding. Here are a few things I’ve learned.
Pros:
- Companionship
For many students, college is the first time they will live away from home and don’t necessarily have friends and family nearby. Students seeking a constant and unconditional companion often use pets to fill this sense of loneliness. A survey of pet-owning college students found that 79% of respondents feel that their pets get them through hard emotional times or periods of elevated emotions.
- Social
The social aspect of owning a pet is a benefit to owning a pet in college. Pet’s are a great way to break the ice in social settings. 50% of college students report their pet acts as a social catalyst by helping them make friends and break the ice. I’ve personally met several friends while out walking my dog or using pets as a conversation starter.
- Exercise
With the hustle and bustle of college life, it’s easy for students to neglect exercise. The benefit of exercise pertains more to owning a dog, as it is essential for them to get exercise daily. Owning a dog ensures students become physically active and get outside daily. This increases both the students’ and their dog’s overall health. Owning a dog also increases student safety when walking alone.
- Mental Health
College students often struggle with mental health. Our pets have a unique ability to improve our mental health and can even change our brain chemistry. Studies show that pets reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Oxytocin and dopamine — hormones linked to happiness — are raised when playing with your pet. The stress hormone, cortisol, decreases when interacting with pets. People with pets tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease.
Cons:
- Expense
Regarding the expense of pets, most people only think about the initial fee and veterinary costs. But the day-to-day costs of owning a pet add up. Depending on the size and type of pet you choose, feeding costs vary and can become expensive. Grooming, litter, toys, and other supplies also add to the cost. College students are often on a tight budget. It’s crucial that college pet owners have a clear budget devoted to their pets and any emergencies that might come up.
- Housing Limitations
A drawback to owning a pet in college is housing limitations. This is something I still struggle with. Many housing options do not allow pets, especially dogs and cats. Places that do allow pets often charge additional fees. There is often a sizable initial fee upon move-in. In recent years, it’s become more common for landlords to charge an additional monthly pet rent fee. Roommates also add to housing limitations. Students must find a roommate who is okay with having your pet around. College pet owners need to have a clear agreement on living with the pet before moving in. Are your roommates okay with taking the pet out? Are they okay with having them in their room? Will they feed the pet if you aren’t home? These questions and more are important to figure out before bringing an animal into your life.
- Time Commitment
Student life is hectic and full of time commitments. Having a pet is an added time commitment. Different types of pets require different commitments, but all pets need attention. Pet’s also limit how long students can stay out of the house. Students with a dog or cat can’t go out with friends or spend the night at friends’ houses. Students who want to go out of town must make proper pet care arrangements, which can be costly. It is important to spend time with your pet to create a close bond and satisfy their attention needs.
Is a Pet Right for You?
If you’re trying to figure out if a pet is right for you, the first step is to research the needs of the species of animal you want. Consider the animals’ time and attention commitment and all potential expenses. Examine your current time commitments and finances to plan a budget. Ensure your current landlord and roommates will allow your pet. It is also essential to consider your future plans and your pet’s lifespan. Some species, like box turtles, can live up to 40 years, while cats live around 18 years. Considering your future plans is necessary to ensure your post-college plans won’t impact your ability to care for your pet. If you do your research and plan correctly, the benefits of pet ownership can be enormously rewarding.
Having pets has enriched my college experience and helped me gain many life skills. While it can be challenging at times, the amount of comfort, joy, and affection my pets have brought me is immeasurable. I’ve never once regretted owning pets as a college student, and I’m so grateful for every moment with them. If you evaluate your readiness properly, the experience of owning a pet in college creates an unforgettable bond and enhances multiple facets of life.