Small Pets for College Students

One of the most difficult aspects of going off to college is leaving your pet behind. A few lucky students are able to take their pets with them, but for others it may not be an option. For instance, college apartments are often quite small– perhaps too small for even a mid-sized dog like a Labrador. It would be rather cruel to confine a boxer or a Lab to a small apartment, especially if there isn’t a dog park nearby. Also, many apartment complexes might not even allow dogs regardless of the size.

College students who still want to have a pet in their college apartment should consider smaller animals as pets. These small pets take up limited amounts of space, are more affordable than dogs (in most cases) and don’t require as much attention as dogs. Even with small pets, there are certain responsibilities that you need to be prepared for before you’re really ready to take care of a pet.

Here are some small pet ideas that could be a great fit for a college apartment as well as some pets that you should stay away from, despite their diminutive stature.

Fish

In many ways, fish can make ideal pets for college students— whether they are in apartments or in dorm rooms. Fish don’t take up much room. They are quiet, do not chew up furniture or leave a mess and depending on the type of fish, they can be low cost.

Fish can be very relaxing to watch and they can be very decorative as well. Colorful varieties like Betta fish or the ever-popular Goldfish are widely available and fairly low-maintenance.

Of course low-maintenance does not mean no-maintenance. Fish require a proper habitat: an aquarium of some kind, an aerator, filters, lights and gravel. Most of these items need not be expensive, but they require cleaning and care. Also, if you’re going on vacation, you need to make arrangements for feeding the fish and cleaning their aquariums.

Turtles, Salamanders and Newts

Newts, salamanders and turtles are somewhat more exotic tank-living pets. Salamanders and newts can make interesting pets, while turtles have been a favorite aquarium pet for decades. Not all species of salamander or turtle are legal to own, but some are and can be easily purchased in most pet stores. The resources for their feeding and care are also generally available in most pet stores. These kinds of aquarium pets require more maintenance than fish and some species of turtle can carry salmonella, so care must be taken.

Hamsters, Guinea Pigs and Other Small Mammals

If you prefer a more active pet, a small mammal like a hamster or a pet mouse might be more to your liking. Hamsters, Guinea Pigs and other small rodents are widely available as pets and many resources are available online that can tell you how to care for them. Additionally, these small mammals don’t take up much room and are not exceptionally expensive.

Small mammals do require more care and equipment than fishes: hamster wheels, water bottle and wood shavings are some of items you will need. They also require more care, especially with regards to cleaning since Hamster or Guinea Pig cages can begin to smell quite rapidly.

One pet to consider is the pet rat. None of the pets mentioned previously are very affectionate (although some Guinea Pigs learn to recognize their owners) and they can’t be trained. Pet rats are highly intelligent, social animals and some can grow quite attached to their owners. They are not low-maintenance pets, but they are not particularly difficult to care for. When choosing pet rats, be careful that it meets with the approval of your apartment complex or your roommates– fairly or unfairly, rats do not have the best reputation.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pets like snakes, Sugar Gliders and Bush Babies are generally not recommended as pets. For starters, many exotic animals cannot be legally kept as pets. A few of these animals can be legally owned, but even then they are not recommended as pets for college students. Exotic animals like Sugar Gliders are very expensive and high-maintenance animals– they require expensive foods or have difficult habitat requirements despite their small size. Additionally, many roommates and apartment complexes might not be to keen for you to keep them in your room.

That being said, a few exotic pets have been around long enough to be viable as pets. Resources exist for their care, they are legal to own and tips can be found online. These include Chinchillas and Tarantulas.

The college student who wishes to have a pet do have quite a few options. These can range from relatively low-maintenance and inexpensive pets like fish to more exotic ones like Tarantulas. Depending on your available space, time and budget, you can find a matching pet to keep you company while you’re away from home. Always remember, pets are living beings under your care. Make sure to clean their habitats, feed them regularly, keep them safe and make sure they are cared for when you’re away. And of course, make sure that whatever pet you choose is allowed by your apartment complex’s rules and policies.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a small pet in your college apartment? Sound off in the comment section below.