Pets are great—great distractions from homework, great delayers of homesickness and a great responsibility. But are they a great idea while you’re in college?

In Dorms

If you live in a dorm, the short answer is: NO. Every dorm will have restrictions on pets and most allow no pets at all. It’s much simpler if you at least wait until you’re in an apartment before looking into getting a pet. If you really, really, really want a pet, check with your school about its policies for pets in dorms.

In Apartments

There are two types of apartments: those that allow pets and those that don’t. If you want a pet, make sure you live in an apartment that allows them. There will be charges, usually one up front and a monthly add-on to your rent.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Pets are expensive. You have to feed them, take them to the doctor if they get sick and pay increased rent.

• Pets are work. Depending on the kind you have, you must clean their cages, walk them, give them baths, train them—and the list goes on.

• Someone will have to take care of them when you’re gone, for the day, for the weekend or extended absences. You have to find that person—and usually pay them.

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too: Foster Care

The Humane Society and many other animal shelters offer a foster care program for eligible households. With these, you temporarily take into your home animals from the Humane Society, either until they’re adopted or until there’s room for them at the shelter. Most of these programs pay for the food, vet visits, etc., for the animals that you are fostering. It’s the perfect way to have that animal love around without committing long-term.

Let’s be honest, guys: most college students do not have the time or money for a pet. Do yourself and any potential pet a favor by holding off on getting an animal until you’re in a better position to handle one. But, if you have the time and the money, you’ve put a lot of thought into it and Scruffy has always been your heart’s desire, invite me over so I can play with him, too!

Written by: Laura R. Aiuto