Updated with current information for 2022
Thinking about owning a pet when you’re an Ohio University student? Before you sign the adoption papers, make sure a pet is allowed in your lease. It’s also a good idea to think about whether you want a cat or a dog and how each can affect where you are able to rent. Some apartments don’t allow any pets. Some allow cats but not dogs. Some only allow dogs that meet certain size and breed restrictions. Here are some things to consider when it comes to cats and dogs as pets and the pitfalls of trying to add them to Athens Ohio student rentals.
The Difficulty of Finding a Student Rental that Accepts Them
It can be difficult to find a student rental that accepts pets. While most will accept cats with a pet deposit, dogs are much more challenging. You may have to fork over a bigger pet deposit. Some landlords object to dogs entirely. If you own a large dog and want to bring them to college, consider renting a house in the country near town. Many of these landlords have a harder time finding tenants so are willing to overlook dogs.
Peeing Restrictions
When choosing your pet, be honest with yourself about how often you’ll be home. Dogs need to be walked for exercise and bathroom breaks. Cats are pretty much self-managed. Before you decide on a dog, make sure you are able and willing to commit to being home every few hours to give them their break. Considering how busy finals week can be, it’s important to consider this carefully and honestly.
Costs
Any pet can be expensive, especially if there are vets involved, but dogs can be especially expensive. You’ve got more expensive food and diet, more boarding requirements, etc. Both cats or dogs will likely need to be spayed or neutered. Think about your budget. If things are tight, you might be better off with a goldfish or a pet rock.
Have You Considered About Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is like health insurance — but for your cat or dog. It’s a way of making unexpected medical bills for your furry loved one cheaper on a college budget.
Pet insurance is becoming more popular — it’s actually one of the fastest growing insurances in the US. Like health insurance, it’s important to pick a plan that fits your needs and budget. You can choose your deductible and select a co-pay percentage. You are billed for the coverage monthly.
Quality can differ according to the plan — so it’s best to do your research! But if your cat or dog should have a health issue, you’re not stuck choosing between your pet’s care or affording the rent on your Athens Ohio apartment.
Does your Rental have Enough Space?
Most importantly of all is making sure that your rental has enough space for your furry friend.
If you live in a small studio apartment or one-bedroom unit, and your dog is a large, active breed like a Border Collie – you’re in trouble. Make sure that the activity level matches the space that the animal will be occupying. Having a more sloth-like breed or cat in a one-bedroom apartment is probably fine provided that you have given the animal at least some space of the student rental to call their home.
For larger apartments and student homes, the opposite problem emerges – having too much space. If you have a smaller breed, say a toy poodle, or a kitten that weighs just a few pounds, it can become very easy to lose sight and track of the animal, leading to dangerous situations like getting stuck or trapped, unbeknownst to you.
The best solution is to make available space and activity-level with the size of the rental. Have a big yard for the animal to roam? Go with an active, large breed. Have a small, confined apartment uptown? Go with a smaller, less active breed. Use your best judgement and don’t be scared to have these kinds of discussions with the person whom you plan to buy the animal from.
