One sunny evening in September many years ago, my friend was packing up her suitcases preparing for her first year at college. She was excited to go and was looking forward to the new and exciting opportunities that college life brings. Although she was happy to be moving on with her life, she was not used to being without her pet companion.
Two years later as a junior, she got an apartment and wanted an animal of her own. She started looking for the right pet.
Many students have been through similar situations after moving to college. They miss the affection and companionship of an animal. After all the partying and studying is done, sometimes it is nice just to go home and find an animal waiting.
However, having a pet is not easy, and owners will have to keep up with the responsibilities of feeding their pets and taking them to the vet if need be.
The cost of an animal can be tough on a college student's wallet, but if a student has the means of buying an animal, it is well worth the investment as my friend found out. She picked up two cats from a farmhouse for free and was even given free food for them. She said that "the biggest expense was shots. It was a little over $200 for shots and fixing the cats, and food is cheap, so it's not that expensive to maintain them."
Some pets such as dogs and cats need a lot of attention. However, other animals are more suitable for the college experience. Turtles, fish, snakes, rabbits and an assortment of other small pets do not take as much effort to keep them happy. Some even require far less money.
Getting an animal can really help some students. For students who are a little down about being away from home, a little fish tank might make them a little happier.
However, before getting a pet there are some things one should consider:
1. Is the pet affordable? Some pets are more expensive than others. Make sure not to get one that can break the budget.
2. Is there time to meet the needs of the pet? Some animals such as dogs need lots of attention. They need to be walked frequently and played with. Students who are busy with school and work should consider an animal that will take less time to care for.
3. Is there adequate space? Keeping a Great Dane in a tiny one-bedroom apartment will not be good for the dog or the furniture.
4. Is the pet allowed by roommates and landlords? Do not get a pet that will result in an eviction. In addition, finding a place to live with an animal is substantially harder than without. Many places do not allow pets.
5. What is going to happen to the pet after graduation? A pet is a lifetime commitment. Students who cannot care for their pets for the long run, might want to wait until they can.
A pet is a great addition to any life, but students must make sure to get a pet that is right for them and those around them. A pet could possibly cause more problems than it is worth.
Ben Schwarzwalder is a senior in journalism. He can be reached at schwarzwalder.3@osu.edu.
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