Moving off campus can be an exciting new experience. One difference students might find once they move out of the dorms and into apartments and houses is that they are now allowed to have pets other than fish, in most places.

Essentially, pet ownership begins when the student knows whether or not the landlord allows pets. Some places might allow small, cage-dwelling animals such as rabbits or hamsters, but not allow dogs and cats. Some might allow dogs and cats if the student pays fees, sometimes adding up to a couple hundred dollars. Other places may not allow pets at all, regardless of size or the willingness to pay fees.

Students need to discuss this detail with landlords; otherwise they might find themselves paying hefty fees in addition to searching for a home for their pets.

In addition, students need to make sure their apartment or house is animal-friendly. Many places, such as the Coles County Animal Shelter, will only adopt out cats if they are to be kept indoors.

Questions the student needs to ask are:

Is there enough space for my pet?

Cats and dogs need room to run around and play. Small apartments are not ideal for dogs. Many dogs are better suited for houses that have fenced-in yards to play in. However, long, tethered leashes might work as well if a fence is not plausible. Certain breeds also do well in smaller homes and apartments, so research is important.

Cats tend to be naturally inquisitive animals that need room to explore. They need to be able to wander throughout the house and be stowed away in one room. Roommates need to be on board for an addition of the furry kind.

Will the neighbors mind?

Many people cannot stand barking dogs, or animals for that matter. Apartment life is very close. Neighbors might complain if they are not happy with your animal choice, which can amount to fees and fines piling up at the door.

Am I willing to pay for damage done by my pet?

Animals, particularly young ones, are notorious for “accidents.” Puppies and kittens need to be potty trained, and until this is done, the owner may have many carpets to clean. Puppies especially also have a tendency to chew on things, so an owner needs to be prepared for furniture damage and the occasional destroyed homework assignment.

Kittens are just as naughty, scratching their claws down furniture and scent marking. These habits can be avoided by providing toys and a clean litter, but no cat is perfect.

Is it a safe environment for my pet?

College life is not particularly glamorous. Many apartments and houses are run down. Students need to make sure their pet is not able to easily escape and run away.

Another thing a student should put into consideration is his party life. Many animals become anxious around loud, large crowds. Perhaps a cat or a dog would not be suited for that lifestyle.

With these animals, it is important to take into consideration more than just the cost of the animal itself. A student will need to buy food, a cage, and accessories, such as food bowls, habitat objects such as rocks, and toys.

While some students might prefer smaller animals, there are many who wish to adopt cats and dogs. The fee to adopt animals at the local animal shelter is $41 for puppies, dogs, and kittens, and $15 for cats older than 5 years. Microchipping, spaying or neutering and vaccinations are included in the adoption fee. Several of the local vet’s offices have a few animals at a time up for adoption, with a fee that is usually around $40 or $50.

Once an animal is adopted from any of these places, a student will be required to spay or neuter that animal if it is not already. They will also need to make sure the animal is up to date on shots, especially with puppies and kittens.

Then there is the cost of things such as pills to make sure the animal does not get worms, and medication to prevent fleas. Some veterinarian offices, such as the Animal Medical Center, have “adoption packages” to help with the price. These packages include the spaying or neutering, in addition to the initial shots. The price is usually discounted from that of the regular price, but only if the owner pays it all at once.

Also, when dogs and cats become ill, bills can add up. Christine Komis, a junior family and consumer sciences major, knows this from personal experience. Her cat became ill early in the semester, and the bills added up to hundreds of dollars. Even after the treatments, the cat died. “It’s like paying three months of rent and having nothing to show for it,” she said.

Food alone for cats and dogs can be $15 to $20 a bag. Cats will require litter, which averages around $8 for 10 pounds, in addition to food.

The last thing students need to decide before adopting a pet is whether or not they have enough time for the animal. Dogs in particular need a lot of attention. They need to be walked and played with daily. They will also need to be trained.

Cats, dogs, and some larger caged animals need to be groomed regularly. Tank and cage animals need to have their cages cleaned often. Litter boxes need to be cleaned almost daily. If a student does not plan on being home often, he or she may want to consider a caged or tanked animal that does not need to be walked or played with. Students should also take into consideration that while their current living place might allow pets, their future ones may not.

Animals are not a short time commitment. Many hamsters live to be 2 or 3 years old. Rabbits can live to be 7 to 8 years old. Cats and dogs can live to be 15 years old, and sometimes older. The older some animals are the more frequent and costly the veterinarian visits can be.

While owning pets can be fun and rewarding, students need to realize and be prepared for the time commitment and costliness of being a pet owner.

Kate Vandermeer can be reached at 581-7942 or knvandermeer@eiu.edu

Jerry Donna started serving as director of Financial Aid on July 20, and previously held the same position at Salem College in North Carolina. (Eric Hiltner/The Daily Eastern News)

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