What is the best pet for a college student?

Question

I really want a pet, but I'm not sure what. So I was wondering what all of your answers would be. I live in a dorm before anyone asks.

This one girl has a ferret and someone has a gerbil. I want something small.

Also I'm in my room a lot, I'm not the big party hardy kind so I have a lot of love and attention time to give.

Answer 1

I would recommend a fish or something that is very little maintenance. I wouldn't recommend a gerbel or anything like that, because they smell after only one day of being in their cage and I don't think your roommates would appreciate that.

Answer 2

Good question! And before I forget to ask later....are you sure your dorm allows pets?

Most do not, but if so, your best bet in such a small room would be goldfish, or other "aquarium" animals.

Once off campus I myself graduated to getting a rabbit, but a home is best for an animal, even of this size, as they need the room to be let out and run!

Check with the dorm rules, at the very least I would assume that they would have a list of what is allowed and then you can decide from there!

Answer 3

Your best choice would obviously be something simple. You're going to be spending a lot of time studying, at least 4 hours a day, and maybe even working. When you find free time you'll probably be at a party of with friends, not necesarrily with your pet. I would suggest maybe you don't get a pet until you see how busy you are. But if you want one right away, I would get a cat. Cat are simple, just leave a food and water bowl out, give them something soft to lay of sleep on, and keep a litter box out. I would suggest you get an automatic litter box though. Also get a trained cat, not one that you have to, it will make you become very unhappy.

Answer 4

If you live in dorm....don't get a pet! wait till you graduate and then when you are living in a real apt get a dog/cat...something you know you will be happy with. Remember, bringing a pet into your life is a lifetime commitment. They require lots of attention, time, patience, love and good training. Having a pet to be leaving him alone all the time or not having enough time to take him out for walks....is not good. Finish college....then get a pet!

Answer 5

you can probably only have fish. Not even caged pets like ferrets and birds are allowed. Check your school's handbook and find out. Then depending on how strict your ta is you can probably throw some hermit crabs in there. Make a minirainforest. When you move off campus then MAYBE consider getting something else..if you have the time and $$.

But check with your TA - Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland allows birds, gerbils, hamsters, and nonpoisonous snakes in its dorms

Answer 6

My friend had a small pet rabbit when she was living in a dorm. And I had another who had a pet rat. And believe it or not, rats are VERY affectionate pets, and quite easy to take care of. They are also quite smart. I almost considered getting one, but my cats would probably try to have a feast on it... The pet rabbit was also quite cute and rather easy to take care of.

In a dorm, cats are quite hard to take care of. Litter boxes need to be changed everyday! Some will say it doesnt matter, but the smell in a small dorm or apartment can be unbearable if you do not change it everyday, you can also run the risk the cats tracking dirty litter clumps everywhere by it not being changed everyday. Cats should also be socialized frequently or they grow reclusive and become a bit unfriendly, so i do not recommend a cat.

Dogs are also difficult to take care of if you are in school and living in a small dorm or apartment. For one, it is time consuming to have to house train them, and to train their behaviours. Dogs need a great deal of attention as well, and if you are gone too much, they can become depressed.

Answer 7

Small fish tank and I think the maximum for dorm is ten gallon. You can have about six fish and if you don't put too much food in the water they will live and with a good filter there won't be a lot of maintenance. Or you could get a hermit crab but they can get really smelly. Snakes and other reptiles don't really do much.

Answer 8

I think you want a quiet animal that doesn't bother your roommate in a dorm, and you don't want something like a dog that needs a lot of space and attention.

I'd suggest a small reptile, like an anole or even a snake. Or iIf you really want something furry, then I'd suggest 1 hamster or mouse. Buy a plastic cage and skip the hamster wheel to minimize the noise.

I wouldn't recommend fish because you'll have to find someone to feed them over spring/winter breaks... it's a pain in the *** to take them home with you.

Answer 9

A fish. Though they are not very exciting. Maybe a cat or a small dog (like a pug) if they are allowed. Then there is a snake, turtle lizard, frog. Good luck and make sure you really want one, whatever it is. Pets need a lot of care no matter how small they are.

Answer 10

A gold fish is the best pet for a college student in a dorm. Because they're neat and won't violate any dorm rules.

Answer 11

Before you get a pet, make sure you are allowed to have one. With that said, I would say the best pet to have is a fish. They are easy to keep, make no noise and if you need to go away, you can just drop those tablets and they self-feed for a few days.