6 Things To Consider Before Getting A Pet In College

By Victoria Robertson on May 26, 2015

Owning a pet is a responsibility that many college students underestimate. Oftentimes, pets are an impulse buy that end up being far more work than the owner is prepared for. Are they cute? Absolutely. Is that all that matters? Yes … but no.

Before getting a pet, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. So to help you think about that big, life altering decision you’re about to make, here are just a few things to consider before getting a pet while in college.

1. Cuteness shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

Pets are cute; it’s just common knowledge. However, if the only reason you want to get a pet is because you think they’re cute, you may want to second think things.

While we of course want to pick a pet that we think is cute, there are other considerations to take into account such as the amount of care said pet requires. More often than not, it’s a lot more than owners are aware of at first.

So before you go pick out a puppy because you can’t get over its adorable face, make sure that you’re able to give that puppy everything it needs as well.

2. Having a pet is a two-way street.

Sure, pets are there to make you happy and provide entertainment etc., but pets also ask for quite a bit from you as well. They want attention, love, care, walks, food, etc. Basically, having a pet is like having another person to take care of all the time.

This isn’t a task to take on lightly. Getting a pet with the assumption they’re there only for you is ignorant: expect for your pet to be as dependent on you as you are on it.

3. They need your time.  

Pets are in desperate need of your time. If you plan on getting a pet and then disappearing all day for classes and parties, you should definitely re-think your decision.

It isn’t fair to your pet to leave them alone for long periods of time, and if you find that your schedule fits that description, it’s best to wait until you have a bit more time to dedicate to a pet before you go out and get one.

4. They aren’t cheap.

This is probably one of the most underestimated elements of having a pet: the cost. Between vet bills, food, medicines, cages, leashes, collars, treats and whatever other miscellaneous items your pet requires, there isn’t much money left for yourself.

Financially, owning a pet is quite a responsibility; to be very blunt: it isn’t cheap. If you aren’t employed, at least part-time, this is something you’ll want to think about. Otherwise, there may be a very difficult decision to make in the future as money becomes more of an issue.

5. Not all pets belong in an apartment.

Although many apartments are pet friendly, this doesn’t necessarily mean all pets belong in an apartment. There are many breeds of dog that require space, and apartments have quite a lack thereof.

Plus, many birds, bunnies and other small animals could potentially escape, making this a hazard for them and any residents that aren’t expecting a pet infestation in their own apartments.

There is far more than yourself to take into consideration here, and that’s something that needs to be thought about before purchasing your first pet.

6. Think about where you’re located.

Again, you need to take the pet and its needs into consideration, and your location while at college is a major element that needs to be thought about.

For one thing, if there was a medical emergency, is there anywhere for you to take the pet? Aside from that, do you have a quick means of getting there? What about your location to stores etc. for food and other items your pet may need?

Finally, what happens if your pet gets out? Is there a predator problem? These and many other questions should be thought through before getting a pet, as they are oftentimes passed over, despite their major importance.

When it comes down to it, owning a pet is a lot of work. It isn’t something to be taken lightly, so be sure you’re prepared for the amount of effort that comes along with that “cute” factor.

It isn’t all about you when it comes to owning a pet, and the sooner you realize that, the better you’ll be as a pet owner.

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