If you can’t bear to leave behind your dog or cat when you go to college, there are ways to make it work. Some schools are paying more attention to the connection students have with their favorite animals by creating pet-friendly residence halls, which have their pros and cons. But for those of you still trying to decide whether bringing your pet to live with you at school is a good idea, here are five things that you must consider about having furry friend with you.
1. Don’t forget Fido in your plans.
The biggest adjustment is planning your day around making time for your pet.
You have to plan class, work, whatever else, so that you don’t have surprises on your floor. It’s the same way when you’re wanting to take a road trip with friends. If you can’t bring your pet with you, you’ll want to make sure people are willing to watch the pet or that you have money saved up to board your pet.
2. Plan ahead of time for a new pet.
If you’ve always wanted a dog and you figure college is the time you can get one on your own, or if you miss your family pet so much that you want one, certain times of the year are better than others to add an animal to your life. So think about that when you see a cute stray.
Getting the pet early in the summer and setting aside that time for socializing, behavior training, and potty training is recommended. Your apartment and neighborhood should be chosen with the pet in mind and you should bring the pet to those places before school starts and the craziness of classes, work, and other activities begins.
3. Set aside spending money.
Learn to budget differently to include food, treats, toys, a crate, and grooming for your pet. Also, you need to put away extra cash for unexpected trips to the vet or the groomers. Money and schedules are obstacles that must be faced as a pet owner, and it’s amplified when you’re a college student.
4. Protect your place.
Also add into the budget money for furniture protector so that your pet won’t destroy items in your dorm or apartment. If your pet ruins something owned by a roommate, you need to replace it.
5. Get your roommates’ honest approval
Give special thought and consideration to roommates who may or may not have been honest with you about their fondness for or familiarity with pets.
Be upfront with your roommates about the character of your pet, such as if they bark a lot or are messy. Be respectful, and don’t let your pet in their room unless invited.