Pros & Cons Of Having A Pet In College
Pets are an essential part of life for many UGA students. But prior to moving into apartments in Athens, GA, residents should understand the pros and cons of owning a pet while attending the University of Georgia. Should students decide to bring a pet with them to college, Athens Ridge is a pet-friendly apartment community, perfect for residents and their furry companions. Our four-bedroom townhomes and five-bedroom townhomes provide Bulldogs plenty of space for rambunctious pets to play and for residents to spread out. Before bringing a dog, cat, or other pet to college, consider these advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership from Athens Ridge.
BENEFITS OF A PET
The benefits of owning a pet are well-known. Living with a pet not only provides residents with companionship but health benefits, too, such as lower blood pressure and a longer life expectancy. Other benefits specific to students living in our apartments near UGA include the following:
EXERCISE
After a long study session, pets are a welcome reminder to get up and go outside for some fresh air and exercise. For residents with dogs, it’s an ideal opportunity to take a much-needed break from classes and enjoy nature. Among our many community amenities, we have a property-wide nature trail, perfect for a relaxing walk with your furry friend.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Not only do pets make great companions, but they also act as a gateway to meet other students and peers. Taking your dog to a pet-friendly park is a great way to meet other dog lovers and chat. Both cats and dogs provide students a perfect way to break the ice in certain situations including conversations with professors, colleagues, or new friends.
INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY
An important life lesson for UGA students is learning to be responsible. Nothing is better at teaching responsibility than taking care of a pet. Pets rely on their owners for food, water, and shelter. Whether it’s routinely cleaning your cat’s litter or bathing your dog regularly, adopting a pet as a college student helps foster lifelong skills.
STRESS RELIEF
Life as a Bulldog can be hectic with classes, extracurricular activities, work, study sessions and more, but few things are as relaxing as cuddling with a pet. Petting your furry companion is a natural stress reliever, and when the demands of UGA classes start to pile up, your pet is there to comfort you.
DISADVANTAGES OF HAVING A PET
Pet ownership differs for students living in UGA off campus housing than average pet owners. There are more challenges involved with having a pet at this stage in life that are important to consider before running to the shelter to adopt.
TIME COMMITMENT
Students are busy, whether they’re studying for exams, participating in extracurricular activities, or hanging out with friends outside of class. Some students have a job outside the classroom as well. All of this adds up, leaving little time to devote to loving and caring for a pet that’s dependent on your company.
EXPENSIVE
College students typically operate on a shoestring budget, so the added cost of a pet’s food, vet appointments, and other expenses can be a shock for prospective pet owners. Also, many apartments charge extra fees if residents choose to have a pet and may have breed restrictions. Contact us today to learn more about our pet policy.
NOISE COMPLAINTS
When a pet lives in your UGA apartment, you assume responsibility for them. If you own a dog that barks incessantly, neighbors might file a complaint for which you’re liable. Also, a noisy pet is distracting for students trying to complete schoolwork, study for exams, or get a healthy amount of sleep.
LIMITED SPONTANEITY
College is a time for experimentation and finding yourself — that can be difficult when you have a pet to take care of at home. Having a flourishing social life can be more difficult since you’ll need to arrange for someone to care for your pet while you’re gone, whether for a weekend or a weeklong break.