College life can be overwhelming. Between classes, assignments, social events, and trying to maintain a balance between studying and personal life, it can feel like there’s not enough time for anything else. However, many students crave the companionship that pets can bring. They offer unconditional love, help reduce stress, and be very comforting when things get tough. Yet, what matters the most is finding the right pet that fits your schedule and lifestyle. So, which pets are the best for college? How to care for a pet in college? If you are thinking about pet ownership, this article has answers to all your questions.
Dogs: Your Loyal Companions
Dogs are great companions. They are loyal, loving, and can make a bad day better. If you are struggling with a complex task or don’t know which service to choose to buy a term paper from, go for a walk with your dog, and you might get all the clarity you need. However, they require a lot of time and commitment. These are definitely not easy pets for college dorms. You will need to go on regular walks, play with them, and provide your undivided attention.
Pros
Unconditional love. There’s nothing like the love of a dog. Whether you are relaxing on a couch or taking a study break, you will always have someone to cuddle with.
Stress relief. Studies show that interacting with dogs can reduce stress and anxiety.
Active lifestyle. These pets will encourage you to get out of your dorm room and be active. They can be a perfect workout buddy.
Cons
Time commitment. Dogs are social animals and need a lot of attention: they need to be fed, exercised, and given mental stimulation. This can be hard to manage if you have a packed schedule.
Living space. If you are living in a college dorm, these animals are often not allowed. Even in small apartments, some buildings might have size restrictions, and you will have to check first if pets are allowed.
Cost. These furry creatures can be quite expensive to take care of. Often, they aren’t the low-maintenance pets that many expect them to be. They require constant vet visits, toys, and proper food. It’s important to budget for this kind of responsibility.
Cats: Low-Maintenance and Independent
Cats are the perfect pets for college students, especially for those who need emotional support animals but can’t provide their constant attention. They are among those small pets for apartments that will allow you to live your busy life and still have someone to come home to.
Pros
Relatively low-maintenance pets. Cats don’t need everyday walks, specialized care, or regular visits to the pet store, and they can easily entertain themselves for hours. You just need to clean litter box and that’s it. They are pretty self-sufficient, which makes them an excellent choice for busy college students who often have to be out.
Space-friendly. This great pet doesn’t need much space. Cats are ideal for dorm rooms or small apartments. A comfy bed or a sunny spot near the window will make them happy.
Affectionate yet independent. Some cats love to snuggle, while others prefer keeping their distance. You can choose a college pet that fits your personality.
Cons
Allergies. A lot of people are allergic to cats, so make sure that you and your roommate are not one of them when you bring a new pet to your dorm room. Apart from that, they can chew your leafy greens or become nocturnal animals and be active during nighttime.
Fish: Calm and Relaxing
These are definitely the best pets for college for those who are looking for non-allergenic pets for students. If you are in a dorm room with strict policies or are thinking about owning a pet friend that doesn’t require a lot of pet care, fish (or a hermit crab) is a smart choice. Some need a small aquarium (or the so-called crabitat if you choose to buy a hermit crab), while others may need a huge tank. However, they are excellent pets for college students due to their low maintenance. Besides, watching fish swim reduces stress levels after an exhausting day.
Pros
Low-maintenance pets. Once the tank is set up, all you need to do is feed your Betta fish, hermit crabs, or any other kind you choose and clean their tank. It’s not as time-consuming as some other pets.
Space-saving. A fish tank doesn’t take up much space. It’s easy to fit into a small space.
Cons
Limited interaction. While fish are beautiful to look at, they don’t offer much in terms of interaction. So, if you are looking for a more engaging pet friend, they might not be the best choice.
Small Rodents: Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc
If you are looking for a pet that’s fun and interactive but doesn’t take much of your free time, hamsters or guinea pigs are among the best pets for college students in this respect.
Pros
Low-maintenance pets. These little guys don’t need a ton of attention. Just set up their cage, keep it clean, and feed your animals regularly.
Space-friendly. It’s so easy to fit the cage with hamsters or guinea pigs on a desk or a shelf, which means that owning them is perfect for dorm living.
Affordable. Guinea pigs and hamsters won’t cost you a fortune. Their food and cages aren’t too expensive, either. Moreover, they don’t require regular vet visits unless there’s something wrong with them.
Cons
Short lifespan. Owning a hamster is a very rewarding experience. However, they typically live only a few years, so it can be tough to get attached, knowing that soon enough, you will have to say goodbye.
Birds: Interactive and Entertaining
Birds are among the best pets for college students because they are extremely low-maintenance pets, help students get distracted from school work, and make the whole college experience way more fun. Besides, birds are intelligent, social, and love to engage with their pet owners.
Pros
Social and fun. Birds enjoy interaction and can easily learn tricks or mimic sounds. They are extremely playful and are a perfect choice for college students who need someone to brighten up their days.
Compact size. Unlike larger pets, they don’t require a lot of space. Their cages can fit comfortably in any corner of your room.
Affordable. Their food and other supplies won’t cost you a lot of money.
Cons
Noise. Birds can be very loud, which may be rather distracting for busy students who are already overwhelmed with college life.
Daily attention. Birds are social creatures and can be quite a responsibility for college students. They can get lonely or bored if they are left alone for a long time, so it might not be the best option if you are out often.
Final Thoughts
Dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, or birds are all great pets for college students. However, a lot depends on the kind of life you have, whether you love reptiles or furry friends or want to take care of low-maintenance pets. What college students need to keep in mind is that owning a pet is a lot of responsibility, regardless of their size. Besides, both you and your roommate might need to take care of your animals, buy cat or hermit crab food, clean the tank, as well as walk your furry friend if you have one.
So, which pet is the best for college students? It depends on your lifestyle, the amount of time you can invest, and the kind of companionship you are looking for. The best pet is the one that brightens up your day and makes the life way more entertaining and fun. Feel free to choose any animal that makes your heart melt.
