Is owning a pet in college worth the extra expenses and responsibilities?

SHE SAID

Commentary by Carley Rymkus

Coming from someone who has four cats and is a general animal lover, I don’t think there is ever a wrong time to own an animal.

Anyone who has ever owned or loved an animal can speak on how much brighter a pet can make your life. Is it going to take some time and cash from you? Of course it will. But that doesn’t include having someone to come home to and someone who loves and depends on you.

Even if you’re paying extra money and sacrificing your time, the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the consequences.

A pet can become a friend to a person and can also help someone heal or adjust. If you are particularly homesick while being away at school, a pet can make your apartment or house feel more home-like.

Pets can also help you become more responsible, because you have to pay attention to the animal’s needs and balance your own.

Most importantly, an animal brings happiness to a person. With college being such a stressful time in someone’s life, an animal can bring in some light.

If you want a pet, then I say go for it. Everyone can use a little extra love in their life, especially in the shape of a cute animal.

HE SAID

Commentary by Brandon Feivor

I grew up with pets, and while the experience is definitely worth it, there are a few things to consider before buying or adopting a pet.

First, a pet owner needs to be responsible. When college kids begin to live on their own, often the first thing to change is their cleaning habits.

Without Mom around, things can get pretty disgusting. If you cannot be responsible for yourself, you will not clean up after a pet.

Second, pets are expensive. Maybe students can live on Topper’s pizza and ramen, but pets can’t. Rescue pets can be particularly expensive.

My family adopted a cat from the humane society. He had a preexisting condition we didn’t know about, and we spent hundreds of dollars trying to nurse it back to health. We also had to make the difficult decision to put it to sleep.

Finally, and most importantly, owners need to care for their pets. It’s not always a question of loving them, but sometimes it’s a matter of time.

My sister and her Welsh Corgi are a great example. Her week is maxed out with school, work and sports. She’s hardly ever home, and things will only get worse when she goes off to college next year.

Some pet owners are neglectful, and sometimes they just don’t realize it. So before you get a pet, or in some cases a third or fourth, stop and think. Do you have time for a pet, or will they spend all day staring out the window waiting for you to come home?