For the animal lover, going away to college and leaving our furry family members behind can be hard. Often times, the question is asked “Can my sorority or fraternity house have a house pet?” Caring for any animal needs to be taken on as a serious responsibility. Several types of pets have their pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular house pets, along with some pros and cons to consider for each.
Rabbits:
PROS: Given their quiet yet loving nature, a rabbit may be a good choice for a house that desires the affection from a dog but perhaps does not want to care for something quite as demanding. Rabbits have charming personalities and can be very intelligent. They can be trained to walk on a leash, use a litter box, and even do tricks! CONS: Although they require less interaction that a canine companion would, rabbits are still highly interactive animals and tend to bond with their owners. There would definitely need to be time put aside for a house to play and interact with a pet rabbit. They can be stubborn chewers, so exposed electrical cords or other harmful items are a big no, no. If your house tends to throw a lot of parties, this may not be the pet for you since rabbits stress easily. Be aware, that unless litter box trained, you may stumble across plenty of rabbit dropping all of your house. Rabbits are a poop factory!
Cats:
PROS: Known for their sassy and fun nature, cats have an independence that can be a great fit for house that does not wish for the responsibilities of walking or bathing a pet. They are self-groomers, and typically have no problem spending periods of time by themselves. They are easily litter box trained and great bedtime snugglers! What better therapy to help with the stress of studying for a big exam than purring kitty by your side! Dharma is one famous house kitty that lives with the Acacia Fraternity at UC Berkeley. CONS: While you don’t have to walk them to assist them in using the bathroom, you do need to take care in cleaning their litter box on a daily basis. Cats are very clean animals and will sometimes exhibit inappropriate elimination if their box is not kept clean. Cats also require veterinary care which include but are not limited to: spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and heartworm/flea prevention. Be aware that your feline companion comes attached with loaded weapons on all four paws that are primed and ready for clawing a sofa (or you) if proper cat scratchers are not provided.
Goats:
PROS: Yes, you read correctly - goats. Pygmy goats to be exact. This new trend started last year and has continued to gain popularity among fraternity and sorority houses. Penn State’s Lambda Chi fraternity house is home to an Instagram famous goat by the name of Belle Russe. These compact goats are charming, friendly, and playful. In addition to having them as house companions, many sororities/fraternities use them in various fundraising efforts. They can be brought indoors under supervision and require only about 200 square feet of outdoor space. Make sure that research is done to provide proper bedding, and nutrition.
CONS: While they are cute and unique to have, this is not a responsibility that should be taken on lightly. Goats require routine veterinary care that includes regularly caring for their hooves and horns. They are very adventurous and will chew EVERYTHING. You may want to save up for repairs to fix the damage that they might create in or around the house. Extreme caution should be taken in paying attention to what your goat could potentially get into. Remember those small rabbit droppings? You would be trading those in for some larger goat droppings all over your kitchen floor. The average lifespan of a pygmy goat is between 10-12 years, so there would need to be a plan for long term commitment.
Fish: PROS: Low maintenance, and minimal interaction are required for this pet. There is a large variety of fish to choose from, with a variety of different habitats. There isn’t much that owning a fish prohibits you from doing. Beta fish are always among the most popular because they require little aquatic space and are easy to keep clean. You can be as minimal or as creative when it comes to owning one or multiple fish.
CONS: Research is required to make sure that all your tank specifications meet whatever fish you decide to keep. The tank must be cleaned regularly or your room will start to smell like rotten seaweed. Interactions with your fish are very limited, of course so you won’t get the joy of snuggling that you get with your furry house pet choices.
Dogs: PROS: Last, but certainly not least, would be our canine companion. Loving, loyal, interactive, and emotional. Dogs come in a variety of breeds, sizes, energy levels, and personalities. They are not only used as house companions, but as therapy dogs for a variety of college students. Dartmouth’s Kappa Kappa Kappa Fraternity is home to loveable border collie named Zeus, while some college campuses will even allow small dogs in their dorms! CONS: Dogs are going to be the highest maintenance pet listed. They are the most dependent on human interaction and many breeds require a lot of exercise. Careful consideration must be taken when selecting a particular size and breed of dog. Everyone should be prepared for the initial potty training and destructive setbacks that can happen in the early months or years of a dog’s life. Dogs require routing veterinary care that includes: vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and flea/heartworm prevention. Please keep in mind the financial obligation that comes into play when owning a dog.
Any pet decision should be done carefully and with the understanding that there is a high amount of responsibility at stake. Having an animal around can be extremely rewarding and help students through some stressful times during their college years – just be aware of the obligations that are owed to your new family member.
