Veterinarian gives guidance for first-time pet owner college students

With the newfound independence and freedom a college student discovers, a desire to have a pet tag along for the adventure often follows. For these first-time pet owners, a furry friend can help them feel a stronger connection to their new home-away-from-home in the new chapter of their lives.

Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, offers recommendations for college students when adopting and caring for a pet for the first time.

When making the important decision to become the caretaker to a pet, it is crucial to have the correct expectations in place for whichever animal you are considering giving a forever home.

The day-to-day care and activities vary greatly depending on the type of pet you commit to; these key differences also may impact the best species for a college student to adopt:

• Cats: are typically, yet not always, more independent. They often require multiple litter boxes and scratching posts. First-time owners living in apartments would be served well by adopting a cat as they need less space to play and happily live.
• Dogs: are typically, yet not always, more social and active. They often need to be played with or walked multiple times a day. Space needed depends greatly on their size and breed. When in the puppy stage, they also need a greater amount of attention devoted to training and activity to help them thrive as they grow.
• Pocket pets: can vary from guinea pigs, to snakes, to frogs and more and, thus, their care also depends on their species. Some are more independent while others prefer consistent interaction, which is why research is vital before adopting. Typically, pocket pets require a lot of enrichment of the environment and proper habitats to fully feel comfortable in their new home.

College miscalculations

Having a loving pet to return home to after a grueling school day may sound like a dream, but it can turn into a nightmare for the animal if its basic needs are not fully taken into account before adoption.

“The first big mistake first-time pet owners make is overlooking the commitment in caring for the physical, financial, and emotional health of the animal.” Ray said. “Another misstep in pet ownership includes not fully understanding the breed of the dog or cat they are adopting/purchasing.”

For example, an Alaskan Malamute puppy may weigh just 15 pounds when they’re adopted, but when they’re fully grown, they could weigh as much as 80 pounds or more. An active, 80-pound dog requires more space and more food than the 15-pound puppy a new pet owner originally brought home.

Other considerations for first-time pet owners should include:

• Feeding schedule—requires scheduling around/with classes
• Health risks by breed—requires the financial ability to pay for medications and routine check ups
• A yard for active or working dog breeds or appropriate space for enrichment and activity for cats—requires space
• The ability to walk and/or exercise the dog regularly—requires time
• Other animals in the household—requires the ability to safely socialize the animals
• Rental agreement stipulations about breeds—legal requirements

Risk in relocation

Alternatively, students seeking a companion by their side may prefer the familiar face of bringing their family pets with them to school.

The hardest goodbye when packing for college can involve the confused, yet wagging tail of a furry friend that does not understand the duration of separation that is about to ensue from their favorite person.

An immediate solution may include bringing these pets to college alongside you, but Ray says age, personality, health, new environments, new animals, and the owner’s new schedule need to be considered before an animal is uprooted from its home.

Ray advises that owners consider the potential negative impact this move can have on the animal.

“For instance, imagine the anxiety for an elderly cat used to a quiet home being relocated to a loud, roommate-filled, apartment, or a college student’s schedule taking priority over the frequent veterinarian visits and medications required for a dog with heart disease,” Ray said.

“Some pets are very attached to their college-aged owners and would want to move with them, but you need to consider what is in the pet’s best interest to ensure it’s appropriate and safe for the pet to tag along,” Ray said.

Value in veterinarians

In addition, Ray reminds first-time pet owners that regularly taking your pet to a veterinarian for wellness and preventative care—including vaccines, heartworm and flea/tick prevention—is imperative in becoming a responsible pet owner.

Many times, pet insurance can be helpful to offset the cost of medical care. It is recommended that owners research companies to find the best fit and to make sure the specific insurance is taken by their veterinarian, according to Ray.

“It is recommended that a veterinarian be consulted before, and again soon after, any move to establish care and to make sure you have a relationship with a veterinary team in your home community in case concerns, sicknesses or emergencies arise,” Ray said.

“Pets are a life-long investment that require a lot of time, energy, love and financial support. Veterinary teams can make sure your pet is healthy and happy in their new environment.”