NextPath

Every year, college students make rash decisions when it comes to getting a pet, without thinking through the possibility that a college life may not necessarily be the best fit for an animal’s life. And at the end of each semester, animal shelters across the country see a huge influx of returned and unwanted pets, which shelter staff say is driven by college students.

We know how tempting it can be to snatch up one of those big-eyed dogs, cats, puppies, or kittens to keep you company when you’re miles away from home, especially when you miss your own Spike or Whiskers. But before you sign the adoption papers, go through these questions and answer honestly to help you determine whether you’re ready to be a college-going companion to a four-legged friend.

1. Why do you want a pet?
   If your answer is because dogs and cats are cute and sweet and they like to cuddle, don’t forget the flip side, that they can also be needy, loud, and destructive, especially when they’re young.
   
   If your answer is that you’re lonely or stressed or homesick, and you like the thought of Spike Jr. or Whiskers II greeting you every day, happy to see you when you get home, be honest with yourself and think really hard about what your deeper motivations are. If you’re unhappy at college, a dog or cat isn’t a magical pet Prozac pill that’s going to make everything better. Animals require a lot of time and attention, and if you can’t handle your own life and stress right now, how are you going to be able to care for theirs?

2. Do you have time?
   In between your classes, your work-study job, three-hour labs, intramurals, late-night study sessions, all-night cram sessions, marathon makeup-sleep sessions, and a couple nights out a week, how many waking hours will you actually be able to devote to your pet? Will your pet end up being cooped up and alone all day?
   
   Even if you have experience taking care of your family pets, you may soon realize that being responsible for an animal takes up a lot more time when you’re doing it on your own than when you’re sharing pet duties with your family.
   
   Keep in mind, if you’re having a hard enough time committing to a one-year lease, a college major, or even to a set schedule, most dogs and cats are at least a ten-year commitment.

3. Can you afford it?
   In addition to adoption costs, food, and all your miscellaneous pet supplies (like leashes, chew toys, litter, or a scratching post), you have to account for shots, registration and licensing fees, and unexpected veterinary bills, which can easily run in the thousands. Pets can be a lot more expensive than you realize or are capable of handling.

4. Can you have a pet where you live?
   On-campus living accommodations generally don’t allow students to have pets, and off-campus landlords will often restrict pets as well. Even if your landlord allows pets, you may get stuck with a hefty nonrefundable pet deposit, plus monthly pet rent.
   
   And don’t forget that every time your lease is up, if you need to move, you may have a hard time finding another place that takes pets.
   
   Don’t try to skirt the system and get a pet if your rental contract explicitly says you can’t — you could end up getting evicted, and then you and your fluffy loved one would both be homeless.

5. Are your living arrangements suitable?
   Dorms, co-ops, college apartments, and fraternity and sorority houses rarely offer pet-friendly accommodations. Dogs especially need a good amount of space to move around, and kittens and puppies can be extremely destructive to property that you don’t own but will end up having to pay for.

6. How does your roommate feel about it?
   You have to take your roommate’s thoughts and feelings into consideration with pretty much everything that affects your shared living space, especially when it comes to bringing a pet into the mix. Some people are allergic or flat-out don’t like animals, and others may not be comfortable with sharing the responsibility.

7. What will you do if you want to go out of town, take a vacation, or study abroad?
   As a college student, you have to stay flexible. You’ll switch majors, roommates, apartments, outlooks on life, and it’s impossible to predict where you may end up.
   
   A semester or year in a study abroad program could be a life-changing experience, but what are you going to do with your pet during that time?
   
   Even just a spur-of-the-moment weekend road trip or a planned vacation home for the holidays can become complicated when you have to make arrangements for your pet.
   
   College is your time to explore and take chances. Ask yourself if you’re really ready to tie yourself down and limit your jet-setting and road-tripping possibilities.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Your pet will depend on you for food, water, health, love, and companionship. And don’t forget that it’s another living, feeling thing. It’s not fair to an animal that loves you to keep it only while it fits your schedule, and then dump it off at the shelter when it’s no longer cute or convenient for you.

If you do decide to make the commitment, put all your effort into sticking to your decision. Never abandon your pet or leave it to fend for itself. If you end up having to give an animal up, show it as much love and loyalty as it’s shown you, and devote as much time as it takes to finding it a good home.