Whether you have a pet who’s been with you for a long time or you feel like college is the best time to get a fur baby, you should understand the responsibility that it entails. Your pet is like a child that should be nurtured so that they can grow healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Moreover, not all universities allow pets on their campuses, so if you’ve decided to bring your pet with you, you should make sure to apply to a pet-friendly college. One of the best things about having a four-legged companion during this period is that they serve to support you emotionally through the transition, especially when you miss your family back home.

Here are some tips on how to take care of your pet while in college:

1. Consider Your Pet In Your Schedule

If you bring your pet along during your university years, you have to think about them when planning for your schedule. This primarily means working around your classes and study times to find a way to take them out for a run or check-up.

Incorporate breaks into your daily study routine to walk your fur baby. Ideally, both of you should go out at least once in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You don’t need to spend a lot of hours outside, but taking your pet for a breath of fresh air every day will do wonders for their health.

On the other hand, if you have a full schedule for this semester, you can find free pet sitters on the campus. The best part about them is that they will never ask for any payment from you. They just work with free food and water for their services. You just give them a deposit and that’s it. 

Another great thing about this service is that they’ll take your pet for a walk or drive around the campus or park on your behalf, especially when you don’t have the time to do it yourself with all the coursework that you have to complete.

Nonetheless, make it a point to schedule some quality time with your fur baby. It can also serve as a time to de-stress  and just focus on giving your pet the tender, loving care they deserve.

2. Know The Best Time To Get A New Pet

As mentioned above, some people bring their pets to college since they can’t bear to part from their beloved companions. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who believe that college would be the best time for them to adopt a fur baby.

If you fall into the latter category, you should ask yourself whether or not you’re ready to be a pet parent. Another factor you should take into consideration is the time when you’ll finalize the adoption process.

Preferably, you ought to get a pet a few months before you start college, which is in the summer before you begin life at university. This would give you enough time to train them, especially with behavior and other essentials, like going to the potty properly.

Additionally, doing this would allow you to prepare yourself and your apartment since you’ll be incorporating a new member into your family. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, these are the best breeds to consider:

• Dachshund – This dog type is known for being low-maintenance. They only need a moderate amount of exercise and make great couch buddies.

• Greyhound – Although this breed is popular as a racing dog, they actually enjoy sitting around with their owners. Greyhounds are easy to take care of and very receptive to training.

• French Bulldog – A French bulldog can provide you with immense emotional support since they’re among the most cheerful dog breeds. They require basic foundation training, but are generally well-behaved when provided with structure. Plus, they also have minimal grooming requirements.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – If you’re looking for a fur baby that will look like a puppy forever, this breed is for you. They’re gentle, mild-mannered, and affectionate. Cavaliers are low-maintenance and easy to train, too. However, you’ll need to set aside a budget for their grooming needs due to their fur.

• Mastiff – If you consider yourself a couch potato, a mastiff would be a great buddy for you. This breed has a relatively low energy level, so they don’t need that much exercise. Nonetheless, you should still encourage them to go out for a walk or run to stay healthy. 

3. Plan Your Budget For Two

Having a pet will take up a substantial portion of your monthly budget. You have to buy their food, supplements, toys, grooming, and other necessities. Your financial situation is one of the aspects you ought to go over if you want to bring a pet to college.

Moreover, you also have to set aside emergency funds for you and your pet. You’ll never know when you have to bring your fur baby to the vet or groomers urgently, so it’s good to have money stashed for these purposes.

4. Make Your Place Pet-Friendly

Another aspect to consider when taking care of a pets is to provide a suitable home environment for them. This means keeping your apartment or dorm room clean, especially their sleeping area. You should also protect them from electrical and other potential hazards.

5. Join A Community With Other Fur Parents

Your pet needs to socialize as well, so it’s a good idea to find a community where you can interact with other fur families. If you have a dog or cat, look for a group with similar pets so that they can play with others.

6. Know The Campus Vet

Take note of the contact number and location of the campus veterinarian. Most pet-friendly colleges have a doctor within their premises for emergency situations to provide first-aid treatment to fur babies.

Conclusion

Bringing a pet with you to college entails major responsibilities. You have to make sure that you can feed them and give time to take them out for a walk or run. Another factor to consider is your budget since you have to buy their necessities, as well as have funds for emergencies.