Do you feel lonely most of the time in college? Having a dog can be very rewarding because of the provide meaningful companionship. They drive loneliness away and give friendship as well. They can provide health benefits like relieving you from stress and reducing blood pressure levels.
As the saying goes, every rose has its thorn. Having a dog also requires time, effort, and money. With those demands, some students still discover a place in their hearts that their dog has taken. They wish to have them in school, but they don’t know what it takes to have one around. Before embarking on a journey of owning one in college, here are five tips to consider for you to live stress-free with it.
Tips for Owning a Dog in College
Having your dog around you is fun, but the responsibility and restrictions that come with it are the most stressful part. Wondering how to have one with you in school? Below are a few realistic tips to consider first.
Can You Afford a Dog?
Maintaining a dog is very expensive and being a responsible owner means being able to provide for your dog financially. You will have to get enough money to afford veterinary services. With different ages of dogs, you’re recommended to have enough money for emergencies, and this money should be separate from savings. You should have a minimum of $1,000 to $3,000 set aside. Furthermore, the cost does add up so quickly, so it is recommended to have enough money for dog foods, bedding, tags, toys, and cleaning tools for accidents.
Is Your Roommate Okay with the Dog?
It is always good to have a conversation with your roommate first before bringing a dog. Sharing a room with someone means you have to agree with them first about it because not everyone is friendly with dogs. You should know the boundaries to set and get to know how responsibilities can be divided.
Is Ownership Allowed in the Dorm or Home?
The question to ask first is whether a dog is allowed to live with students or not. This question is considered important for both private housing students and students living on campus for various reasons.
First, most houses will not be comfortable with dogs because of damages like door scratching, chewing furniture, allergies from individuals, and creating holes. Secondly, liability is also a concern where a dog bites a student, introducing fleas or parasites and triggering allergy responses. Those who own dogs can find themselves on the wrong end of legal actions.
Which Type of Dog is Right for a College Student?
Well, for you to own a dog in college, there are different categories you should consider
- Size
College life often comes with compact living. Shared dorms or houses may prove to be uncomfortable for large breeds. Smaller or middle-sized dogs are always better for those types of living spaces. - Temperament
It is good to have a dog that is friendly with people around. A nervous dog may start biting students at a party or chewing furniture, or damaging other stuff when left alone for too long. - How much time can I give my dog?
Dogs need a lot of playtime and exercise to be happy and have a healthy life. They are often early risers, too, even when the owner is asleep. To take care of dogs being a student needs time dedication. Therefore, you need to plan your time management skills well so that your dog will not interfere with your studies.
Final Thought
Dogs are like buddies that cheer you up when you feel stressed. On the other hand, they have huge responsibilities that many students can barely handle. They take a lot of time through the feeding process, playing with them, and even walking them around. So before deciding to own one in college, you need to know what it takes to own one in school, and the above tips will help you if you follow them keenly. In the end, you will be able to make the best decision.
