By Laney Eichelberger, The Daily Athenaeum
Before adopting a furry friend as a college student, experts and pet owners alike suggest taking the decision into careful consideration.
The most important detail to consider before adopting a pet is time, according to Joe Moritz, professor of animal and nutritional sciences in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He recommends that students recognize their academic priorities before considering becoming a pet parent.
“I would say that, first and foremost, as a college professor with a teaching appointment, I maintain that the primary focus of an undergraduate student should be to perform well in classes,” Moritz said.
Beyond the approximate $2,000 annual cost of dog ownership, according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Moritz emphasized the time and emotional requirements required for successful pet ownership.
“Companion animal ownership is like many things in life: you get out of it what you put in,” Moritz said. “When you put adequate time and effort into caring for the animal, and that would include things like daily exercise, feeding, vaccination, worming and regular veterinary check ups, then you maximize your enjoyment with the pets and you receive a multitude of benefits.”
In a situation where an animal is left without proper stimulation and care, potential downfalls include behavioral and health issues, which are key reasons that many animals are surrendered to animal shelters, Moritz said.
Feature image cutline: Photo courtesy of Joseph Moritz.
