For many college students, the companionship of a pet can be a source of comfort and emotional support amidst the pressures of academic life. However, emotional rewards of having a pet also come with financial and physical responsibilities, which can be overwhelming for some students.  

According to the UC Davis Health article titled “Health benefits of pets: How your furry friend improves your mental and physical health,” having an animal in the home is proven to help reduce stress and anxiety, ease feelings of loneliness and create a calming presence, which can be crucial in the midst of busy college life. 

The article claims that physically, 60% of dog owners meet the recommended weekly amount of exercise, which can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, and just the presence of animals can significantly reduce blood pressure. 

“It keeps me active for sure, taking my dog on walks, but he’s also such a comfort,” said Rebecca Young, a sophomore English major.“Just coming home and him being so excited really just lightens the pressure of school and all the other things.”

Young and many other students adopted pets before coming to college and experienced separation anxiety and homesickness being away from them during their first year at GCSU. 

“I got my dog in the ninth grade of high school, and honestly freshman year was so hard without him,” Young said. “I just had to figure out a way to have him here with me.” 

In general, pets are not allowed in GCSU residence halls, with the exception of fish, service animals and emotional support animals. For students who grew up with pets, not having an animal companion can be an adjustment, leading them to adopt pets early in their college experience.  

“I have had pets growing up my entire life and it just did not feel right to be here without a pet,” said Caitlin Schmidt, a sophomore elementary education major. “The situation just kind of fell into my lap where I had the opportunity to adopt a cat, and I’ve had Archie ever since.” 

While having a pet certainly has its benefits, there are also challenges. Full-time college students still have to care for their pets, including the physical responsibilities of feeding, exercising, and playing with pets as well as the financial responsibility of providing for them. 

“It’s definitely a challenge to keep up with the maintenance of having a pet and just the responsibility of it,” Schmidt said.“There’s a learning curve that takes a little bit of time to get over.” 

Students who are away for long hours at class and work may struggle to find enough time for a pet, especially more high-maintenance pets such as dogs that have been routinely taken outside.  

“It can definitely be difficult sometimes, but my roommates are really sweet about taking him out when I’m gone for a long period of time,” Young said. “If I do go on like a weekend trip, I have to drop him off at my parents or grandparents or somebody to take care of him, but every trial is worth it.” 

For students looking to adopt, Young suggests taking time to evaluate whether or not they’re ready for the responsibilities of having a pet. 

“I would say to just be really conscious of the responsibility, making sure to put in the time to take them on walks, to make sure that they’re fed really well and getting plenty of exercise,” Young said. 

Schmidt also recommended ensuring students have enough time to commit to their pet and are both physically and financially capable of providing for them. 

“I would say get a routine down as soon as you can and just be able to section off a little bit of time every day to spend time with that animal and be able to financially and physically support it,” Schmidt said. 

For students at GCSU who are looking to adopt, there are cats and dogs available for adoption at both the Baldwin County Animal Control, located at 1395 Orchard Hill Road and the Animal Rescue Foundation, located at 711 South Wilkinson Street. Students should expect to pay $100-200 in adoption fees as well as fill out adoption applications, which may take a few days or weeks to process.  

For those interested in smaller or lower-maintenance pets, the PetSmart on North Columbia Street offers hamsters, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, fish and reptiles, as well as plenty of general pet supplies for new owners.