This is for you, dog lovers. Puppy-fever is a real thing. Your Instagram explore feed is 90% dogs, Adoption Day at Petco is basically heaven on Earth, and every time you see someone walking around campus with their dog you can’t help but stop them to get all the puppy kisses you can. This obsession seems it can only be satisfied by getting a dog of your own; Like baby-fever, puppy-fever is something you might want to ignore until you’re absolutely positive you’re ready to take on the responsibility.
One of the most obvious aspects of dog-ownership to consider is where the dog will live. First, consider if you’re allowed to have pets where you live. Many on-campus dorms don’t allow pets, and if you were hoping to register them as an emotional support animal, it may be a harder process than you think because dorms tend to have stricter policies than off-campus housing. If dogs are allowed where you live, it’s important to consider the size of the housing and if it’s enough space for them to live comfortably. If you live in an apartment with limited room for your pup to run and play, be prepared to take your dog out to play regularly.
Another important thing to consider is time. Dogs are a fulltime commitment, and a willingness to dedicate a good portion of your free time to them is essential. From simply taking them out to do their *business*, to taking them on daily walks, to sacrificing weekend trips when you can’t find anyone to watch them, dogs may take somewhat of a toll on your social life. Additionally, dogs have to be groomed regularly, taken to the vet, and checked on in-between classes. Specifically, when they’re puppies, dogs need almost constant attention. Without it they might destroy your home or hurt themselves – something no dog lover would ever want to happen!
Finally, your ability to financially support a dog is critical. Dogs are expensive! Not only can adopting them be expensive (even if they’re rescued), but maintaining their health is a huge expense. If you get a puppy, vaccinations and spaying/neutering your dog is wildly expensive. Even adult dogs’ vet bills can be thousands of dollars if they get sick or hurt. The worst-case-scenarios need to be considered before getting dogs, because you never want them to get sick and be unable to help them. Aside from vet bills, dogs need food (and trust me they eat a lot). This can even cost more than your own grocery bills if you have a big dog! They also need supplies like collars, beds, and leashes (and if your dog is a chewer like mine, you might go through quite a few of these). Damages are a huge expense as well, especially when they’re puppies. Puppies teethe and bite, so don’t be surprised when you have to Venmo your roomies money for their ripped sweaters and new throw pillows.
Ultimately, dogs are a HUGE responsibility and deciding whether or not you’re prepared to take them on is a big decision. If you aren’t sure you’re ready, try volunteering at your local shelter, or just stick to chasing down dogs you see on campus! Additionally, try to remember a puppy doesn’t stay a puppy forever (as proven by the above photos of my own dog, Flounder). If you’re sure you’re ready, remember to save some of your pup’s love for the passersby trying to get their puppy-fix.