One thing we miss when we move away from home, other than our family and friends, is our animal companions. These bundles of fluff provide us unconditional love 24/7. They are our cuddle buddies, our sense of comfort and our best friends.
So immediately, we think: “Why can’t we have our beloved pets in our dorms with us?”
Well, clearly, we only think of the pros — cute, fluffy things who would greet us after a long day of lectures, recitations and labs. They would cuddle us when we were alone in our dorms, on the weekends when we are homesick and after long nights. Our furry companions would be a major stress reliever. Why bring dogs in during midterms and finals when you can let them — and other comforting animals — live in our dorms?!
Unfortunately, leaving our pets in our dorm all day is unfair to them. This also increases the likelihood of accidents and destruction due to being left alone.
Then we come to the issue of money. Having a pet is not cheap. Buying food, toys, treats and paying for vet bills adds up. College students are known for being broke. How would we even have the money to pay for our pets, if we can’t even support ourselves?
Additionally, the stress on us to come home and take care of our pet — feed them, take them outside, clean after them and play with them — could be overwhelming for full time students. Most of us have jobs, volunteer positions, sports and other extracurriculars on top of schoolwork.
Lastly, we have to think of the effect on the institution. The dorms are school property — they have to maintain the upkeep for students. Animal accidents and odor lingering would not be good for any of us. Plus, other students in our residence hall may have allergies. Roommates may have disagreements when it comes down to whose turn it is to take the dog out or clean the litter box.
In the end, it makes sense for universities to have a fish-only rule (excluding service animals of any kind). We’re just college students, after all. We’re still learning how to take care of ourselves, let alone a pet!