Dogs on College Campuses: Pros and Cons

Dogs on college campuses can be a bit of a pain. But they can also be a lot of fun, as well (or more) than having to live without them.

Here’s the good and bad of owning a furry friend in college. 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 37% of all households in the United States have at least one dog.

This means that if you’re a student attending college in America chances are you’ll run into someone who has a dog – either on campus or in your surrounding community.

And while there are many pros to living with dogs on campus, there are also some cons that everyone should be aware of before making their decision. 

Pro’s of having a dog as a student

Dogs are a man’s best friend. This phrase is not only a cliché, but it is also true.

Dogs provide companionship and unconditional love, which is why they have become popular pets in recent years.

In fact, according to the American Kennel Club, there are 78.2 million pet dogs in the United States.

And this number is growing because more and more people are realizing the benefits of having a dog by their side.

If you are a student considering whether or not to get a dog for your upcoming school year, here are some pros to consider: 

1. Having a dog provides constant companionship 

 A dog could be your best friend. Someone to always be there for you, through the good and bad times.

They provide endless amounts of love and Companionship, which is something we all need in life.

So maybe next time you’re feeling lonely, you should consider finding a  furry friend!

2. They’re great stress relievers

Studies have shown that interacting with dogs can lower blood pressure and heart rate. 

So during exams or the stressful periods while working on a project, turning to the dog and letting your mind shift focus can be beneficial for overall well-being. 

3. Dogs are wonderful motivators

The benefits of owning a dog are undeniable.

You’ll feel better about getting up in the morning when you know that your pet needs food, shelter or walks!

The best part?

They’re always happy to see their owner because they rely on them so much- there’s no way this can go wrong at all since these animals will be providing energy bursts nonstop.

4. Dogs are great exercise partners and can help you stay active

They’ll keep you active and make sure that your walks don’t go unfulfilled!

Playing ball or running alongside their leash is always fun for both parties involved – but if those options aren’t available then there’s no need to worry because furry friends can be paired with other forms of physical activity just as easily: from yoga sessions at home plate (yay!), morning runs along campus…the list goes on indefinitely.

5. Dogs are great for socialization

Dogs can help you make friends in a number of ways.

For example, dogs can help you meet other dog owners on campus.

By taking your dog for walks around campus, you’re likely to encounter other dog owners who are also out walking their dogs.

This presents an opportunity for you to strike up a conversation and get to know one another.

Who knows, you may even make a new friend!

So, if you’re looking for a furry friend to keep you company during your time at school, a dog may be the perfect pet for you.

Just make sure you are aware of the potential cons before making your decision.

Have we missed any other pros of having dogs on campus? Let us know!

Cons of having a dog on campus  as a student

College can be a hectic time – you have classes, papers, group projects, and a million other things to worry about.

It’s hard enough trying to juggle it all without adding a dog into the mix.

As much as we all love our furry friends, there are some definite downsides to having them around on campus.

Here are four reasons why you might want to think twice before bringing your pup to school with you.

1. Dogs can be noisy and disruptive, especially in a shared living space

If you’re a student or young adult living in a shared space, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered a dog that barks and whines incessantly.

While many people love dogs, they can be extremely noisy and disruptive, especially when their owners don’t take the time to train them properly. 

2. They require a lot of care

This includes regular feeding, walking, and cleaning up after them.

Failing to fulfill these duties can lead to behavior problems and health concerns for the dog.

So if you’re thinking of getting a dog, be prepared to commit to taking care of it properly.

3. Dogs can be expensive to care for

Dogs can be expensive to care for.

Not only do you have to pay for food and toys, but you also have to pay for veterinary care.

Veterinary bills can add up quickly, so it’s important to make sure you are prepared for the cost of owning a dog before you get one.

Pro tip: Dog baths can be very devious and time-consuming, so if you are time-constrained, use waterless dog shampoo or dog wipes to quickly freshen up your dog’s coat. 

4. If you’re not home often, you’ll need to find someone to dog-sit for you

Are you a student who is often away from home, or do you work a lot?

If so, you’ll need to find someone to dog-sit for you.

It may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools in your toolkit, it can be easy.

In this post, we’ll outline some tips for finding the perfect dog-sitter, and we’ll also provide a list of resources that will help make the process easier.

5. Not everyone on campus is pet-friendly

College campuses are often teeming with people and pets of all kinds.

But not everyone on campus is pet-friendly, and as a student or young adult, it’s important to be aware of which buildings and areas are off-limits to your furry friend. 

So, should you get a dog while in college?

The answer is definitely not one size fits all – it depends on your individual situation.

But we hope this article has given you something to think about as you make your decision.

If you decide that a dog is right for you, be sure to do your research and find an animal that will fit into your lifestyle and campus regulations.

And most importantly, remember to take care of your furry friend – after all, they’re counting on you!