You've got math, biology, and chemistry all before lunch. Then comes your work out, your job, and finally that club meeting. Generally, college students are discouraged from taking on the responsibility of a pet. But I am here to tell you otherwise. As long as you are willing to adjust your schedule, and your priorities, then owning a dog in college can be an incredible and rewarding experience.
First off, not everyone benefits from having a dog in their life. If the thought of having something's life depending on you sends you into a panic, it is probably best to start with a plant. If the only way you will graduate is by taking a full 18 hour schedule and working full time, it probably is not the best time to introduce a dog to your life. If you are living on campus or in any housing that forbids pets, it is definitely a bad idea to break that rule. If you can't afford to eat anything but ramen, it probably wouldn't be best to add another mouth to feed. However, many college students do not fall into these categories, and would make great pet owners. Here are some reasons why you start taking a peek at your local animal shelter's "Available Pets" page.
You can find the perfect pooch to fit your lifestyle and your space. The American Kennel Club recognizes 167 different breeds of dogs all with different physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. With so many choices, there is bound to be a breed of dog that will work for you. Most college students live in an apartment, and should be on the look out for low energy, quiet, and typically smaller dogs. The American Kennel Club cites Bulldogs, Pugs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as perfect dogs for apartment dwellers. A surprising breed that thrives in apartments is the Greyhound. Be sure to check out breed specific rescues, and consider mixes of these breeds as you search for your perfect pooch. Ask the shelter or rescue about the dog you are interested in's personality and energy requirements.
You can save a senior dog's life. All puppies require much more time and patience than an adult dog will, so be on the lookout for full grown dogs rather than taking on a baby. Specifically regarding seniors, you may be able to find a great pet in the breed you always wanted but that generally wouldn't work in your situation. For instance, the summer before my junior year of college I rescued my Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix from a local shelter. Sounds like a whirlwind of a dog, right? Well, Dollie is over 7 years old and has the energy equivalent to me after a double shift at work. So while I normally wouldn't be able to house a Border Collie in my one bedroom apartment, Dollie gets along just fine due to her age and therefore lower energy requirements.
You have a built in stress reliever. Not only does your cute, furry companion serve as the best cuddle buddy ever, but she also encourages you to set your priorities straight, develop a routine, and keep your apartment clean and tidy. This may sound like a lot of extra stress due to increased responsibility, but surprisingly enough your stress levels will actually decline. Having you priorities in order discourages procrastination, so you are always on top of what's next. Keeping a routine decreases stress because you always know what is coming. A clean house means a clean mind. A dog will also encourage you to be outside more and increase your exercise, which is even better for your stress levels!
So, my excited college friend, yes. If you are willing to prioritize, live in a pet friendly dwelling, are financially capable and willing to accept the responsibility of a dog, you certainly should begin your search for the perfect canine comrade! The process can be long, your dog may not show up right away, but you will know it when you two meet.
