Why You Shouldn't Own A Dog In College
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Dogs

Wait To Own A Dog Until After Graduating College, It's The Best For Both Of You

It's best for your dog's health and your own. I promise.

Claudia Crowe
Jun 26, 2018
University of South Carolina
103
pet dog
Claudia Crowe

A lot of college students want a pet once they have a place of their own. Most students had pets, specifically a dog or cat, when growing up and miss their furry friend when they move out for school. It seems so simple and a common thing to do, especially adopting a dog from the local shelter. It makes you feel good as well since you rescued your pet. Getting a dog, it gives the impression of an adult move to make once you seem like you are creating your own life and have your stuff together.

But, you should wait to own a dog until out of college. Your furry friend requires more love, attention and care than you can provide while in college.

1. Another responsibility added to your workload.

As much as you love your dog, having to take care of him or her is another item on your everyday to-do list and is not one you can just cross-off. You need to constantly be aware of your dog's needs while working to pay for school and on top of your schoolwork. This can be difficult and add more stress to your daily life. College is stressful enough.

2. No more spontaneous trips that aren't thoroughly planned.

On top on of being constantly aware of your pet's needs, you can't tag along on any last-minute family or friend trips. You can't leave your dog at home alone for over a day. Also, it's hard to find a friend to take care of something that's not their responsibility on top of their equally busy lifestyle. And if you bring them along, (let alone pet fees) you have to be able to bring a dog to exactly where you want to go. Goodbye weekend concert trips or basically anything indoor.

3. Price

Adopting a dog can be on the cheaper side, but all of the care they require is not cheap. You have to make sure they have had all their shots and any medication. It's another mouth to feed. Toys, treats and bones need to be bought to keep them occupied while you're at class and work all day. Vet trips for heart worm protection, flea medicine, and much more is required. Lastly, you want to keep them groomed and their toenails clipped.

4. Price Part Two: Pet fees

Student housing either doesn't allow dogs or has an outrageous fee just for your dog to be able to stay in your apartment. Student housing is already overpriced. Even with the cheapest and easiest place to live as a college student, having to make this payment adds up. Pet fees have to be paid anywhere else you decide to travel to as well, especially for a hotel.

5. It’s not good for the dog to be left inside all day.

Your pet needs constant care and attention which you can't give them while alternating between your job, classes and other campus involvements. It's highly likely your dog will spend most days stuck inside all day alone. This is not good for your pet. Then when you return, all you want is your bed and to relax. Your dog will want to be taken out, played with and given all your affection and attention.

As much as you truly need a dog in your life or think you can handle taking care of a pet, please consider all that is involved such as the time, money, and commitment it takes to properly care of your furry friend. Yes, that puppy is adorable. Yes, you absolutely should rescue that dog that you MUST have. But please, adopt your dog after graduating college.

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