Here at McGill, we are really blessed to be able to move into apartments starting in our second or even first year. Thus, we have an insane advantage over other students in dorm-style living quarters: we can keep pets. However, even as I am indulging in the same idea, be aware that the decision to adopt pets brings up more considerations than simply wanting small lively other living being in the place we call home.
Adopting a pet is something that you need to ponder carefully about because it is a life-changing decision. It’s like getting a piercing, in that you’re stuck with your decision for the long haul, yet it’s more valuable because you get a living creature to be responsible for and bond with. You choose it, you care for it and it costs you. Many people, especially college students, don’t realize that owning a pet implies buying its home supplies and food, and little toys for some. And that’s only if your pet never gets sick. When that happens, a whole new world of fees open up to you, and frankly, between writing a paper and reading coursepacks, it’s a world you might not have time to visit.
If you’re aware of all of these things and still decide that you want a pet under your roof, that’s great. There are still a few things you need to make sure to take care of before undergoing the adoption process. If you have a roommate, talk to him or her about adopting an animal. After all, your pet will be living with both of you, so you need to make decisions that will affect your home together. Then, look at your travel situation: if you’re from out-of-town and have to travel far to go home every so often, having a pet may be a hassle, especially on airplanes. I’m not saying its impossible, but you definitely need to do you homework whether it’s to find a caretaker for your pet while you’re away or to arrange travel accommodations if you take your pet with you. If you are someone who isn’t home often, you might neglect the animal you decided to care for. Also, don’t forget your budget. Make a little list of all the things you would need to buy for your future companion and see how much it adds up to. If a pet is going to cost more than what you are willing to spend, this is a decision you may want to put on hold for now.
After all things considered, if you are still willing to adopt a pet, here are a few ideas for apartment pets:
Cat
Snake
This video will tell you more about owning and caring for these exotic, not-so-cuddly creatures.
Amphibians and reptiles
Rodents: bunny / hamster/ rat/gerbil/anything else fluffy
Hedgehog
They’re notoriously hard to take care of, but this (very cute) video tells you the basics of caring for them.
Good luck picking and choosing!
Photos retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…, http://images.crystalscomments…, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…, http://data1.whicdn.com/images…, http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/…