So, you’ve moved into your Athens Ohio apartment or house and you’ve decided it’s time to get a pet to keep you company. How great to have a loyal friend in your new apartment or house! Pet ownership has many positive benefits, from improving your mental health to lowering blood pressure to helping you keep fit (if it’s a lively dog) by encouraging more physical activity.
But hold on. Along with the good things, pet ownership is a serious responsibility. Far too many pet owners enter into it without fully being aware that this living creature you’ve taken on has needs and if you’re not fulfilling then, no one else is likely to.
You’re old enough to understand that a dog in particular is a social creature who cannot be tethered to an outdoor clothesline or and left alone for long periods without seriously damaging its health and mental wiring. No. 1 thing to recognize: do not adopt a dog if you cannot dedicate long hours to its training, to helping it get enough exercise, to make sure it can get outside regular to pee and poop, and to do what you can to make sure it gets along with other humans and animals. It’s far better you adopt a cat or even a goldfish if you can’t be home to socialize with a canine sufficiently. If you have a dog that will spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure it has adequate shelter and isn’t left outside in cold weather for extended periods. In general, dogs are healthier and happier if they mainly live indoors with you, so you may want to choose your canine according to the size and breed that will work in your Athens house or apartment (and wherever you expect to live after you graduate).
Pet Ownership Tips in a Rental
Here are some other tips on pet ownership and living in a rental:
- Talk to your landlord before you acquire a pet, to make sure you understand the property management requirements. Will you need to pay a pet deposit? Does the property manager have restrictions on types, sizes or numbers of pets? Make sure the species or breed you choose complies with the property management’s rules. Some properties discourage or forbid ownership of aggressive dog breeds such as pit bulls.
- If you get a dog, make sure you have time throughout the day to walk Rover on a leash, giving him some relief from being cooped up alone, and also allowing him to relieve itself. Walking dogs regularly helps them become housebroken.
- If you get a dog, clean up around your property and dispose of waste in the recommended manner. Take poop bags with you when walking your dog off the property.
- If you get a bird, clean the cage regularly. Not changing filth-encrusted newspaper or cage liners is unhealthful for the bird and can lead to illness.
- Talk to your roommates before you acquire a pet, particularly if it’s a cat, dog or bird. Make sure your roommates don’t have pet allergies, and that they’re cool with a moderate amount of barking, scratching or screeching. Let them know that they’re free to share in the advantages of having a pet.
- Can you find someone to care for your pet if you have to go away? While you may be able to leave pets with a boarding facility for the holidays, bear in mind this can be expensive ($20 to $40 per day). Don’t even think about leaving pets on their own with a bag of food and a water dispenser if you’re gone for more than a day or two. That’s cruel and a recipe for a pet mess disaster.
- Be prepared, when you move out of your dwelling, to possibly have to repair or replace carpet, flooring or baseboards if your pet has done some damage. The same applies to the outdoor areas of your Athens rental home. Your pet deposit may or may not cover this.
If this is the first pet you’ve cared for on your own without help from Mom and Dad, be sure to consult with a vet and talk about medical care, nutrition and other important aspects of pet care, so you can make your pet ownership experience as positive as possible. And remember, pet ownership can be expensive, especially if your companion animal comes down with an illness.
Getting a Pet Is a Long-Term Commitment
Finally, recognize that adopting a dog or cat is not a short-term decision; you need to realize that this pet will a significant part of your life for 10-18 years into the future. It’s hard to believe, but every year a small number of thoughtless OU students leave their pets behind to fend for themselves. Don’t be that person.