A lot of students would like to get a pet while still in college, which is perfectly understandable. Pets make their owners happier even in the darkest days and come with major social advantages. But they are also a responsibility that not everyone is comfortable with, especially considering that a pet can make some of the things most students do unattainable. Consider these pros and cons of having a pet in college to make an informed decision.
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Pro #1: Pets bring joy
Students are under a lot of stress all the time. They have to study for hours every day, try not to forget to order essay paper on time, complete writing assignments, and whatnot. This is true for some majors more than others, but still, keeping grades high takes serious effort.
So all students can benefit from something or someone who helps them de-stress. And a pet is a perfect solution. Seeing love in your dog’s eye when you come back home or snuggling with your fluffy cat can do wonders for your nerves and overall psychological well-being.
Pro #2: A dog will motivate you to spend time outdoors
Because of how many responsibilities students have to navigate, it is sometimes hard for them to find time to walk or play basketball with friends. Most spend 90% of their time indoors, especially if they still have Zoom classes and do not have to commute.
But fresh air and exercise are essential for health, mood, and productivity. To keep up with the workload, students need to spend time outdoors, even if it is just a half-an-hour-long walk on campus. Sure, a cat or a hamster will hardly motivate their owner to go for a run or on a hike, but a dog will. Dogs need to be taken out at least twice a day, so it gets impossible for their owners to avoid outdoor time.
Pro #3: Pet owners have more friends
No, this is not a marketing trick. There is actual legitimate research that shows that dog owners have more friends statistically. This is actually easily explainable. Most people try to take their dogs to a dog park to let them play with other dogs. And while dogs are running in circles and playing fetch, owners are bound to have a conversation. Otherwise, it gets awkward.
Since the visitors of local dog parks are mostly regulars, it is impossible for them to become friends soon, especially considering that they have at least one shared interest, dogs. As a result, people with dogs do have more friends and always have someone to talk to.
Pro #4: Pets cure loneliness
Even pets that are not dogs are an excellent cure for loneliness and social isolation. A lot of pet owners are passionate about animals, so it is easy to find online communities or even local offline events to attend and spend some quality time with a like-minded crowd.
Also, if you are feeling lonely but are not a people person, a pet itself can do wonders. Having someone to look after is a proven way to cure loneliness. This is especially true when this someone is a lovely warm creature who thinks that you are the center of the universe and loves you unconditionally.
Con #1: Housing might be a problem
A lot of students prefer to live on campus, but pets are not allowed in on-campus student housing in many universities. The alternatives that pet owners might have to consider are:
- Pet-friendly student housing. Some colleges and universities do allow students to live with pets on campus, but some additional rules usually apply (weight restrictions for the pet, specific breeds, and so on).
- Off-campus housing. If this is not an option, off-campus housing is what a student pet owner will have to opt for. Again, not all landlords are okay with tenants having pets, so you might need to negotiate or increase the deposit.
- Pet-friendly housing. Luckily, a lot of landlords are perfectly fine with pets. There are even websites that offer specifically pet-friendly housing.
By the way, finding a roommate is more difficult for a pet owner, especially if they live in an apartment. But it is in no way impossible.
Con #2: Expenses
Pets need food, bedding, grooming, medical checkups, toys, and whatnot. So anyone who is considering a pet should realize that it is a financial commitment. Since students often live on a budget and count every penny, some cannot afford to get a pet.
Besides, keep in mind that there are some hidden expenses involved. For example, traveling with a pet, especially a larger one, is more expensive. And landlords may ask for a larger deposit from a pet owner. Think everything through before paying a visit to an animal shelter or pet store.
Con #3: Going out is a bit trickier
While this is not true for everyone, students are notorious for partying. It is not uncommon for them to go out on a Friday night and come back home on Sunday morning with only a vague recollection of what has just happened.
Well, this is not an option for a pet owner, especially a dog. Cats and other animals can spend a day with no company as long as they are fed at least once (although they do feel lonely, so do not allow this to happen too frequently). A dog needs to be taken for a walk at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. So staying out late is not something a dog owner can do.
So, is getting a pet in college worth it?
The answer to this question is a “yes,” one thousand percent. Sure, getting a pet as a young person is a major commitment that some lack courage to take on. But the outcomes are so, so worth it. A pet owner has more friends, a more active and healthier lifestyle, and they are typically less stressed. Petty problems with finding an apartment or going out do not outweigh the benefits of having a pet.