Open Letter To People Who Get Pets In College
To the college student who wants to get a pet,
Yes, you.
If your crippling loneliness or boredom are becoming burdensome I urge you to pick up a hobby – say knitting, before you fall into the inescapable void that is shelter adoption sites. I’ve seen to many fall into that hole of longing looks at mutt puppies who want to be part of YOUR family.
After my sister made the untimely decision to purchase not one, but two cats during her college years, you can imagine my families dismay as we were saddled with extra pets once she graduated. One feline insisted on peeing on all that we owned – and my sisters teary eyed delivery of the cat to a rescue home left me dismayed of the ever-present college student who insists upon purchasing a pet of their own.
Time
Yes, at first you may make a well-allotted time period for walks around the block with your very own bundle of fluff. But as puppy love fades and exam season creeps up, your mutt may be left alone. As charming as a young pup may be, imagine that same cuddly friend sitting home alone for hours on end, waiting for some much-deserved loving.
Money
Unless you’re one of the few and fortunate, a college budget is less than vast. Even if your pet comes pre-fixed with it’s immunizations in check you can bet that a pet will create a serious dent in your wallet.
Buying pet food frequently, doing check ups, or god forbid an animal illness can add to a steep sum fairly quickly. If you’re strapped for cash, double check your allowances before you take the plunge and purchase a pet.
Location
Most college students don’t have vast backyards well-equipped for a frolicking puppy. As animals get bigger they require more space to explore and stay active. While your closet-sized bedroom may be suitable for the first few months, your pet will get restless and unhappy if it’s kept cooped up.
Cleaning
If your room looks like a tropical tornado ripped through, now consider adding an animal to the disarray. You can bet on a puppy to tear up your technology, shoes, and clothing.
Even if you opt for a cat, cleaning out a litter box daily can feel like a terrible task for a busy college student. Aside from the time it takes to care for a pet, consider the not so cuddly side of cleaning up after your animal.
After College
All the other obstacles aside, graduating college with a pet can put up a huge roadblock. Though purchasing a pet may feel like an adorable spontaneous decision, puppies become dogs, and dogs can live as old as 18 years. Try graduating and moving with a cute new puppy in tow and you may regret your decision.
Not only is moving with an animal exceedingly difficult, but finding renters willing to host your furry companion can be close to impossible. For most of us, roommates are essential in affording a post-grad pad.Now imagine your cramped apartment with the ongoing odor of cat pee. Whether your roomies are neat-freaks, have allergies or dislike the ongoing odor of a cat box – it can be difficult to find a spot where your pet is welcome.
I don’t expect you to be immune to the wide-eyed glances from a precious little pet. Even so, trade in your bleeding heart with reason for a few minutes before you make a decision.
