Everyone loves their pet but is so sad to have to leave their furry friend at home when they go off to college. Universities and colleges should allow students to have pets live with them to make the college experience even greater. I understand there are some drawbacks and, as every good college student knows, to make an argument strong it is best to show both sides. That is exactly what I am going to do. Here are the pros and cons as to why colleges and universities should allow their students to have pets on campus.
Cons
1. Allergies
Well we can't all be perfect. They have allergy pills for a reason.
2. Cleaning
The University has a maintenance staff and they are not going to want to clean up a bunch of dog poop in the grass. We cannot forget about the hair; dogs and cats shed like no other and that would be everywhere. The poor cleaning staff would be emptying their vacuum bags every five minutes!
3. Space
Animals need their space. Dogs need to run and have spaces to play. Colleges are already trying to fit the maximum number of students into living spaces and now they need to fit a pet in there too?
4. Living Conditions
Animals tend to leave their presence behind. They have nails and like to use them. The floors would never look the same. Doors would turn into scratching posts. Furniture will forever have hair embedded in the fabric. The smell just sticks around forever. Let's just say housing would be charging a lot more for the upkeep of every living facility.
5. Drama
One roommate wants a dog. Another wants a cat. The other one wants a bird. You want a guinea pig. Who gets to choose what the family pet will be? Let's face it, if we get the university to let us have pets there will only be one allowed per living space.
6. Pet department
Animals get sick too and someone needs to know how to properly take care of them. There would have to be a health center for pets with certified veterinarians and assistants to care for beloved pets.
7. Noise complaints
Dogs bark, cats meow, birds caw. If there is an animal making noise at 3 a.m. you better believe someone is going to have a problem with it. That is sleeping time, but pets don't always know that.
8. Disease
It is one thing if your roommate has a cold; it's another thing to have an animal track in a disease. Animals are curious and poke their noses in places they don't belong, picking up things that can be harmful to not only them but to humans as well.
Now that we have a list of cons let's hear the pros side of this argument.
Pros
1. Therapeutic
College is stressful and filled with anxiety. Pets are calming. They listen to all of your problems without question.
2. Community bonding
"Can I pet your dog?" Animals bring people together.
3. Life lessons
They teach you reliability; they are always there for you. They teach you communication and teaching skills as they need to be trained.
4. Responsibility
They cannot get their own food. Animals are a lot of work and need a lot of attention.
5. Social skills
Pets raise questions. What breed is it? What is its name? Social interaction is bound to happen.
6. Exercise
Dogs need to be walked. There is no way that fences will be put up, so dogs will need to be taken out and have lots of playtime.
7. Happiness
No matter what the pet, they make people happy. They bring joy to those around them because they are all filled with joy.
8. Job opportunities
Dog walkers, dog sitters, groomers, the possibilities are endless.
9. Vet programs
There can be a new school of learning added to the university. Veterinarians need help and would be great at sharing their knowledge. Plus there will be tons of pets to practice with.
10. More money
Housing costs would definitely go up. More money for the university is always a plus.
11. Activity
Doggie Olympics, cat competitions, what else can come up with?!
12. Volunteer opportunities
The Humane Society could be on campus or an animal shelter and the students could help run it.
13. New clubs
Dog lovers, cat lovers, bird lovers, whatever pet you have come and bring your animal for a fun night of bonding once a month!
14. Health Benefits
Having a dog lowers blood pressure and reduces your risk of having a stroke.
15. Decreases risk of allergies
If you around something long enough your body will learn to adjust to the germs.
16. Promote creativity
Pets inspire their owners to express their most creative selves.
17. Unique culture
Where else are you going to live where you have a pet with all of your friends and all of your friends have pets too?!
18. Routine
Animals have to eat at a routine time everyday. They also need to be taken out so many times a day.
19. Go from selfish to selfless
You become responsible for another being.
20. Scheduling
Due to the routine schedule of a pet students would need to plan out their day to be able to care for their animal.
Now that you have seen the pros and cons of having pets on campus, go convince your administration to allow you and your furry friend to be reunited and love life together.
