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are more independent, they still require love and socialization. Play sessions with your cat provide it with physical and mental stimulation and strengthens the bond you share.
"As much as I want everyone to adopt a pet, if you're gone all the time, I suggest you wait until you can devote the proper time, energy and love to that special companion." says Megan Blake, celebrity pet expert and former host of the PBS show Animal Attractions TV.
Blake suggests going to an animal shelter to look for a pet because many need to be rescued. According to The Humane Society of the United States, every eight seconds a cat or dog is euthanized in a U.S. shelter — which is approximately four million pets a year. The Lawrence Humane Society shelters approximately 7,500 dogs, cats and other small animals each year. It costs $50 to adopt a dog or cat if the pet is already spayed or neutered, but an additional spay/neuter fee is charged for unsterilized pets.
Will Fluffy break the bank?
When her boyfriend's aunt found an abandoned boxer-pit bull mix, Ashley Kohlenberg, Louisburg junior, couldn't help but be tempted. Kohlenberg and her boyfriend saw the dog, which was malnourished and beaten up, and fell in love instantly. Kohlenberg had a cat, Josie, but wasn't sure if she could also take care of a dog. "With food and vet bills it all adds up," Kohlenberg says.
'Puppies and kittens grow up to be dogs and cats. They're not always cute and tiny."
Mark Stickney, veterinarian
According to the ASPCA, the first year of pet ownership can cost an average of $1,000 for a cat and as much as $1,800 for a large dog. Some of the costs potential pet owners need to consider are visits to the veterinarian, vaccinations, flea and tick control, food, grooming, identification tags and boarding or pet-sitting when the owner goes out of town. "Your pet's life will revolve around you so you need to make sure you can alter your budget to support it," Stickney says.
Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of the Adoption Center at the ASPCA, says although most owners anticipate routine costs, they aren't prepared for unexpected needs. "Animals get sick without notice and lots of everyday items can be extremely harmful to your pet," Buchwald says. Students may not realize if their pet gets into party leftovers such as chocolate or alcohol, they
may have to make an emergency trip to the vet resulting in expensive bills.
Is your living space pet-friendly?
A common problem students with pets face is finding a place to live. Small dogs and cats tend to be better suited to the space of an apartment. Larger, more active dogs need a yard to play in, and Stickney says potential owners need to anticipate their future needs. "Puppies and kittens grow up to be dogs and cats," Stickney says. "They're not always cute and tiny."
Blake says you must also consider current and potential roommates when having a pet. Saale discussed getting lzzie with her roommates at the time, and their preferences helped Saale decide on the right dog. "At first I wanted a big dog like a lab, but one of my roommates doesn't like big dogs," Saale says. Saale lives in an apartment now, which she says also influenced her decision to get a small dog.
Potential pet owners must also consider other factors regarding their roommates. They must ensure roommates don't have pet allergies, which can cause a great deal of conflict. Blake says you should also evaluate your roommates' furniture, lifestyle and personal property before getting a pet to be respectful of shared living space.
Most importantly, pet owners should make sure the landlord allows pets. Considering future living arrangements is also important, since options may be limited owning a pet. Apartments that allow pets may have restrictions on the number of pets or breeds allowed. Some prohibit stereotypically aggressive breeds such as pit bulls or rotweilers. Some pet-friendly apartments enforce weight limits, so having a large dog may cause trouble finding proper living arrangements. There may also be a hefty pet deposit and monthly pet rent fees.
Why they're worth the work
Although there's a lot to think about before owning a pet, there are many benefits. With the immense pressure college students face, Buchwald says a pet can be beneficial because pets relieve stress and form a loving relationship with their owner. According to an American Animal Hospital Association survey, 76 percent of respondents said their stress levels were reduced by their companion animals.
Buchwald also says pets can be a good determinant of the compatibility of a potential romantic partner. "If someone says they don't like animals at all, then that should probably raise a red flag immediately." Buchwald says. Many owners hold their relationship with their pets to a high level of importance. In 2006, nearly half of all pet owners considered their pets to be family members, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
If you've weighed your options and are trying to decide if you're ready to own a pet, Saale suggests pet-sitting a friend or family member's pet. "I brought my parents' dog to Lawrence with me for a week or two," Saale says. "I think it really helped me decide that I was ready." Jp
Furry fun. Though taking care of a pet can be costly and time-consuming, there are, of course, many benefits Pets can reduce stress and contribute to their owner's overall well-being, not to mention they're just damn cute.
TOP 10 QUESTIONS to ask yourself before adopting a pet:
1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?
2. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?
3 Do you know what kind of pet is right for you?
4. Can you afford to care for your pet's health and safety?
5 Will you be able to spend quality time together?
6. Are you prepared to deal with an animal's health challenges?
1 Are you willing to train your animal companion?
8. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home?
9. Is your living space adequate for an animal companion?
10. Is your (future) family ready for a pet?
Taken from www.aspca.org
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