There are three things that college students enjoy bragging about. The first is how steeped in poverty they are. The second is their concerning lack of food. The third is the number of followers their cat’s Instagram page has.
The bragging rights end, though, when that cat, or any other pet one might have, becomes ill. It quickly becomes a decision between eating or paying for vet bills.
I believe college students shouldn’t have pets due to their inability to monetarily support their pet. The average dependent college student makes $13,880 a year. Most of that will go to rent and other housing expenses. The rest to food.
There isn’t much left for expensive prescriptions for pet antibiotics, surgeries, food or toys.
A chart from a study by the American Pet Products organization broke down the yearly cost for such items. Routine vet (Dog $212, cat $160), food (Dog $259, cat $228), surgical visits (Dog $426, cat $214).
Some of these items can be cut as they are non-essential.
An example being kennel boarding (Dog $229, cat $120) which can be sidestepped by having a roommate, friend or family member to look after your pet for free or a lower fee. Grooming can also be ignored if your pet’s hair doesn’t require grooming.
Of course, surgery isn’t required every year. It can be, though, the most expensive and unpredictable service cost.
Essentials, per each class of pet, still end up being around $1,000 per year.
Another issue is the relationship between housing and owning a pet. Most school housing restricts pets. Off-campus housing can be just as restrictive which can lead to students seeking housing further away in order to keep their pet. Pets can reduce housing options for students.
I think students rush into getting pets to achieve a form of social status. The status being that of autonomy, adulthood and… having something cute.
College students should wait until they have a reliable income to have a pet. The cost won’t be as daunting.
Costs can be cut through exploring food options on Amazon and exploring pet health insurance plans.
Your pet may give you bragging rights now but may ultimately be a detriment to your bank account.
True Dabill can be reached at dabi7280@stthomas.edu.
