Should students keep pets? Comfort versus the cost of care
For many people, having a pet is a way of life. Some of us are simply incomplete without a furry, feathery or scaly friend to help us get through the stresses of daily existence. Being a student comes with a lot of emotional challenges, so a pet might seem like a great idea. There are, however, some factors you need to consider before making the “pet decision”, especially if you are a student who travels regularly.
A student’s life is a busy one, and having a pet will undoubtedly add to your responsibilities. The first thing to consider is whether you are willing to put in all the time and effort required to look after your pet. Grahamstown’s SPCA have had many cases over the years where students have abandoned their pets, or given them up for adoption when they didn’t want them anymore. This is of course distressing for the animals involved, and strains an already over extended system.If you want to have a pet while being a student, you have to make the time to feed, walk and care for it.
“You have to do it every day, no exceptions,” says Mark Thomas, Centre Manager for the SPCA.
In fact, the SPCA has recently altered their policy for students who wish to adopt animals.
“We now require written parental and landlord approval,” says Thomas. “A small bunch in the past have adopted [pets] without fully considering the implications.”
In case you need Pet Help - SPCA Grahamstown Veterinary Clinic
046 622 3233; 046 622 6743;
Frontier Veterinary Clinic
046 622 3261. 046 622 352. 046 636 1531; 084 283 9746;
Fairbairn Kennels Pets Place
Another thing to bear in mind is your travel schedule. Since many Rhodes students are not from Grahamstown, they need to travel long distances to go home for the holidays. If you’re one of these folks, then having a pet here might not be the best idea.
“Most domestic animals hate change and being left alone,” Thomas says. “This can cause lots of unnecessary stress, which can lead to illness.”
However, there are some options if you do have a pet and need to leave them for a short while. The SPCA provides boarding facilities, which you have to book in advance – simply call them to inquire about the cost and cover. There are also private kennels in the area, such as Fairbairn Kennels in Grahamstown, and Pet’s Place, which is situated near Salem. Of course, accommodation for your pet means there are costs to consider. Student budgets are notoriously fickle, so if you’re considering looking after yourself and a pet, a long-term budget for you both is vital.
Being an animal lover and a student is certainly not easy. If you aren’t ready to juggle the struggles of owning a pet, or live in a place that does not allow it, there are other options available. For one, you could volunteer to help care for the animals at the SPCA. Thomas says that this can be a rewarding experience, as these animals have no homes and need all the love and attention they can get. You could also ask your local friends if you can spend some time with their pets.
Adopting a pet is a big decision, so remember to consider all the factors that could affect both your life and the animal’s. If all else fails, you could always get a little plant for your windowsill – just don’t forget to water it, talk to it, and give it the right amount of sunlight!