Having a pet in college

Photo by Alaina Burris

As a senior, this is my first year living off campus. I have three roommates: my boyfriend and two of our friends. This past summer, I decided to add to our residence, and with the permission of all of my roommates, I got a dog. Then, not long after, I added a cat to the family, too. 

Our dog, Avery, is a four- (almost five-) month-old Boxer/Husky mix, while our cat, Sioux, is a three-month Domestic Shorthair Tabby. They’re still young and definitely still growing. 

These two animals have brought us joy, anger, confusion and financial concerns. However, having these two isn’t anything that I would trade for the world. I know I am not the only one who decided to add a pet to the college experience; many students find their own reasons to bring one into their lives while they’re in Ottawa. 

“I got a dog because it would give me a companion, and I would get to see him every day after school or work,” junior Kyle Lovell says. “I leave him in his kennel (when I have class or work) with a couple toys so he doesn’t get lonely.” 

Lovell lives with a couple of roommates; they all came to the conclusion to get a dog together. 

“We wanted a dog that's hypoallergenic so we didn’t get dog hair everywhere,” Lovell says. “We went through friends to find our dog.” 

Lovell’s dog, Booker, is a Labradoodle/Australian Shepherd mix. Booker and Avery have become good friends, as we live in the same apartment complex, and they often play together. With both of them still being pretty young, and being dogs that will grow to be a large breed, buying their dog food can be expensive -- as are their vet bills. 

“We try to split three ways but mostly we just buy him food and whatnot when he needs it and not really keep a tab,” Lovell says about how he and his roommates take care of Booker’s needs. 

In my apartment, since it was ultimately my decision to bring our pets home, I try to do the bulk of the buying and paying, but everyone still tends to spoil Avery and Sioux with toys, treats and love. 

One of my roommates, junior Jadyn Barr, was a little worried when she moved in, as we already had Avery, but we hadn’t yet added Sioux to the family. 

“I was a little hesitant at first, especially knowing that (Avery’s) breed was a Boxer/Husky mix, which is going to be a big dog in such a small apartment,” Barr says. “I also am not a huge cat person either. But both of the animals have grown on me, and I have fallen in love with both of them.” 

Animals can have so many different effects on people, but these two are definitely a part of the family; Lovell would say the same for his home with Booker. While having pets and being actively involved with school, work and sports can be a challenge, it certainly is a fun one.