Sarah Pohlman
Calling me an animal lover is an understatement; I am the type of person who has cried because I got to pet a puppy and have approached many strangers asking if I can say hello to their dog.
Since my beloved childhood passed away this past summer, I have been yearning for my parents to adopt a new pet. Last semester, I thought I could fill the void and rescue an animal myself and have it live with me in my townhouse. I was going over all the logistics of adopting a pet when I realized that my sporadic lifestyle would not give an animal a proper home.
Although I love the idea of having a furry companion, I understand that I and many other college students are not yet responsible enough to adopt and take care of a pet.
As college students our semesters can be very unpredictable. Preparing for an exam you thought you were ready for can turn into an all-nighter at the library. Hanging out with friends can turn into a 2 a.m. Cookout run. Having a foolproof routine is a luxury, but this luxury is what most pets need.
According to AVMA there are certain guidelines that one must follow if they want to be responsible pet owner including “avoiding impulsive decisions,” “provide an appropriate and safe environment,” and “committing to the relationship for your pet’s entire life.”
An unpredictable lifestyle can create stress for animals which according to Georgia SPCA can harm animals mentally and physically, lowering their resistance to illness and disease. Any change in an animal’s routine can cause stress including too many visitors, a new roommate, prolonged absence or even a different feeding time according to Petiquette.
This type of irregular lifestyle is common in college which is why college students should not get pets in college until their lifestyle is more stagnate. I have heard far too many stories of dogs and cats being served alcohol and other substances because someone thought it would be humorous or pets starting to shake because there are too many new people around them.
However, if a college student does have the means to be a responsible pet owner — including time, money and routine — then adopting a pet can be beneficial for both the student and the animal.
According to ASPCA, “approximately 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year” which can prevent the unnecessary euthanizing of animals in shelters. Each year, “approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized,” according to ASPCA, and adoption is the best way to save them.
When it comes down to it, however, having a pet is a privilege, and adopting and taking care of a pet is a big responsibility. And unless college students can provide safe, reliable relationships for their pets then waiting is the better option.
Before looking for a new pet, make sure that every aspect of your life is taken into consideration before making the decision to adopt. Having a pet should be a mutually beneficial relationship, and if you cannot sacrifice the necessary time and money then getting a pet is not for you.
In the end I got my wish to get a pet. After a stroke of luck at the State fair, I am able to say I’m a proud parent of my current pet — a goldfish. Although my heart still desires a dog or a cat, I know that until my life has more of a predictable routine I will have to be satisfied with scales instead of fur.