At USC, most students move off campus after their first year. This is much earlier than the majority of other schools. With so many apartment complexes offering single rooms, beautiful pools and less regulations, it is easy to see why the idea is so alluring. But there is another perk that most students are excited about: owning a pet. Most apartment complexes are pet friendly and, with this idea in mind, many students jump the gun and become pet owners. But is this really a smart move for most students?
There is no doubt that there are a lot of perks to owning a pet. Simply petting a dog or cat can reduce stress. Most college students are stressed to the max and could use the extra loving that a puppy could give. In addition, owning a dog can also help students feel more secure. It can be a frightening prospect for three or four girls to live alone. A dog in the home could significantly increase how safe they feel.
But despite the perks, many students get in over their heads when adopting a pet of their own. A pet, especially a dog, is a much bigger responsibility than most realize. They have to be walked and fed every morning before classes, a challenge for those who had previously rolled out of bed at the last possible moment. Also, a busy college student has to account for the fact that they cannot do as they please once they have to take care of a pet. This is a sacrifice many do not realize.
A college apartment or house can be a less-than-ideal location for an animal. The pet owners often throw parties in their home, putting their pet in a vulnerable position. In many cases, when they get drunk, any responsibility they had for taking care of their pet goes down the drain. Drunk party-goers often rough the dog up in a way that could be dangerous. It always seems as though someone has the idea to feed the animal alcohol. Seeing a poor, defenseless dog shaking in the corner of a party because it is so terrified is a heartbreaking sight.
Owning a pet can be wonderful, but there is no need to rush into it. The decision should be well thought out. Often times it would be best to wait for a time in their life that is more stable than college living. There are many people who can handle and deserve the right to have a pet, but there are so many who jump into it too quickly. Students need to realize that just because they can own an animal of their own, it does not mean they should.