Meet Malorie Catlett. Malorie is a senior Kinesiology major from Hot Springs, AR. She is also pursuing a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She plans on going to graduate school to become an Occupational Therapist. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and enjoys volunteering at local elementary schools and animal shelters. She has always wanted to attend the University of Arkansas and loves fall in Fayetteville.
At one point in your student’s life, they’ve probably owned a pet or asked for a pet. If they haven’t, chances are they probably will during their college years. College is a stressful time, and some students attempt to relieve their stress by adopting an animal from one of the many shelters here in Northwest Arkansas. Sometimes your student will ask you for permission or what you think about them adopting a pet, but other times they will just surprise you with their new animal. If they adopt a pet, they will need to be prepared for the responsibilities that come along with owning an animal.
According to the University of Arkansas Residence Hall Handbook found at http://housing.uark.edu/handbook/Residence_Hall_Handbook.pdf, the only pets allowed in the residence halls are small, harmless fish. Guests cannot bring their pets when visiting either. This rule does not apply to service or assistance animals that have been approved through University Housing and the Center for Educational Access for people with disabilities. If your student lives on campus and does not own a service or assistance animal, they cannot have a pet in their residence hall unless it is a fish. If your student lives off campus, they must check the rules of where they live before adopting a pet. Many apartments allow pets if you pay a pet fee and a deposit. Even if their apartment allows them to have a pet in the apartment, your student should check with their roommates and see if they are okay with living with an animal.
I adopted a cat from an animal shelter here in Fayetteville my sophomore year of college. My parents told me that I could get him as long as I knew I was responsible for all of his vet appointments, the pet fees to my apartment, and any other costs associated with him. Knowing that I am responsible for anything he needs financially, I am more mindful with my money. I have to save money in case there is ever an emergency that occurs with him. I’ve had him for two years, and I have never regretted adopting him. He provides emotional support not only to me but also to my roommates and friends who come over.
Recently I have tried to convince my parents to allow me to adopt a dog so that my cat will have a friend. Even though they allowed the cat, they will not allow me to adopt a dog. They know that a dog is a bigger responsibility than a cat and they don’t think that I should add another responsibility at this point in my life. Many students don’t think for a long time before getting an animal and a lot of times, it is too much for them to handle. If your student is thinking about getting an animal, I would encourage you to have them make a pros and cons list and to think about it for a while before making the decision.
If your student does decide to adopt a pet, remind them that it can be a commitment for a long time. It is important that they have a veterinarian to take their animal to for their routine vaccinations and any other complications that come up. I know that my cat has been a great addition to my apartment for my roommates and me. If your student has enough time, I would say that adopting a pet is a great decision. Ultimately, it is up to you and your student, so be ready for that conversation because it usually happens when they decide to move off campus.