We’ve all been there, standing in front of the pet store, staring at those tiny balls of fur we call kittens, watching them roll about, or at the SPCA staring into the eyes of a puppy that’s begging you to take him home. But, as a student who’s low on cash and has a fussy landlord, having a pet isn’t always the easiest option.
This realization didn’t come to me as I was buying dog food, cat food, and cat litter, both pricey and heavy purchases for my own pets. No, it came while on the bus listening to a girl arguing with her friend about why she shouldn’t buy a pig. Some of the most entertaining comments included “How will you sound looking for an apartment when you say ‘I have two dogs and a pig?'” and “Pigs don’t move like cats, and do you know how much they smell? You can’t just make them use a litter box.”
And, while I am certainly a victim of the teacup pig craze, having Googled pictures one or 12 times, I stifled my laugh and got to thinking about the practicality of owning pets. For those of you who have roommates who may seem more pig-like than human, you probably aren’t tempted to go out and purchase a puppy on a whim. But for those of you entertaining the thought of getting a pet to keep you company on those late study nights, here are some things to consider.
The first obvious hurdle is money. Not only do you have to buy the animal and any accessories they need such as cages, collars, or food, but you also need to get them fixed and be able to pay for any unforeseen, and potentially expensive, vet bills that may arise in the future. One way around this can be striking a deal with your parents and sharing the costs. Another option is to buy a less cash-intensive pet.
I’m not suggesting you must go out and buy a fish, who offers virtually no more affection than a marble, but perhaps something like a guinea pig or hamster is better. Since it’s hard to see too far into the future, it’s important to consider the lifespan of the animal. Blunt, I know, but when you don’t know where you’ll be in two years—be it a semester abroad or pursuing a master’s program or new job in a foreign country—it’s important to consider the weight a pet might put on your decisions.
Finally, make sure you have the time to devote to your new pet. Dogs require walking and cats require clean litter boxes. Baby animals are always tempting and seem like they’ll give you endless hours of entertainment. And they will. The toughest phase is when the routine of caring for them seems to eat into your free time. But once you manage to move past that and realize the value of their companionship, you’ll never look back. Just be sure you won’t be tempted to sell your pet to someone else or bring it to the SPCA when it feels like too much work.
And so, while money might feel like the biggest issue at the beginning, the commitment might prove the toughest hurdle in the long run. But if none of this has scared you off and a fuzzy little friend is just what the doctor ordered, then go forth and pour your love into those big, beautiful eyes. Check the classifieds and the SPCA first for animals in need and avoid pet stores that rely on puppy mills. Next step: choosing a name and potty training.
