Pets For Different Living Situations

By Francine Fluetsch on November 10, 2014

This article is brought to you by the Uloop Housing search service. Ready to make the move off campus? Search through the Uloop housing listings to find your next apartment, condo, town home, or house.

image via www.midwesthomes4pets.com

When you need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to listen to your venting, or someone to cuddle with, you know who will be there? Your pet, that’s who.

Pets make the best of friends, aren’t annoying to live with like humans are (most of the time anyway) and their cuteness will help you forget about all the stress of school.

Want a pet but can’t decide which one would be best for you/your living style? Let me break it down for you.

Small living space: This is where most of us are in college, but don’t let this stop you from getting a pet!

Since it will be small though, you’ll want to make sure that your housemates are cool with it too, since you wouldn’t want to claim the one and only bathroom the designated cat litter pan space if your roommates hate cats, because they might slowly start to resent you and your cat.

Fish: A fish is a great starter pet. It’s not cuddly, but it sure is fun to look at and doesn’t take much effort, though you will have to feed it and clean the tank.

Hamster: Hamsters are great because they are small, and it can actually be pretty fun to let them run around in their little balls. The downside? Their pee smells and they are master escapers, so make sure to get a metal cage (they can chew through the cheap plastic like there is no tomorrow) and to clean the cage often.

I recommend the teddy bear hamsters because they are usually more docile and extra fluffy.

Bunny: Bunnies are cute and fluffy and make perfect cuddle buddies. They love to be petted and also love hopping around the house. They are easy to clean and don’t smell (as long as you don’t leave the cage uncleaned for too long).

They are the perfect pet if you would like something a little more low maintenance, but still want some companionship.

Hedgehog: Um, who wouldn’t want a hedgehog? They can float in the bathtub and are just so adorable. Disclaimer: they are illegal in some states (like California sadly, so I can’t get one) so make sure you won’t be going to jail for keeping this little bundle of cuteness in your place.

Bird: Birds are smart and make for really great pets. They get attached to people, like to cuddle, and can even learn how to talk (so keep the cussing to a minimum around the bird).

Cat: Cats are great because they are independent, so you won’t have to worry about being in class all day, but they do like to be cuddled. They make great Netflix buddies and are all potty trained.

It would be best if you had a small yard or something so they could go out and play, since cats don’t really like being cooped up the whole day if they can manage. Just make sure to play with it a lot especially if you can’t let it go outside.

Small dog: The reason I say small is because a big dog in a small space can get pretty cramped, especially if your place doesn’t have a yard. Small dogs are easier to clean and need less room so they are great for an apartment. You’ll still need to take it on walks, but it will not need as much exercise as the big doggies will.

Bigger place with backyard: So if you’re lucky to have a bigger place with a backyard, there are some more options in pets you might be willing to try. Of course, you could get any of the ones listed above too.

My sister and I on the swings with our chickens

Chicken: Okay, I know you may be thinking “uhh … farm animals?” but chickens make awesome pets! I got a chicken in first grade and she was one of the best pets I ever had. I trained her to come when I called, and she would even go on the swings with me.

The key is to only get one or two, and interact with them every day so they aren’t scared of you. And, you get free eggs! My chicken laid green ones which was really awesome, and since you won’t be giving your chickens any harmful substances, the eggs will taste way better than in the store.

Goat: Goats are super smart and make for awesome pets, but you really will want to have a big enough backyard to have one. You could get one of those mini goats that stay small, or get a big baby. Either way, you’ll have a funny companion that will eat anything and everything in your yard. At least you won’t have to mow it right?

Big dog: Bigger dogs will be perfect in a bigger place. A yard would be awesome too, so they can run around when you don’t have time to go on a walk, and since the house is bigger, you won’t feel claustrophobic with four roomies and a dog there too.

Big dogs are also great alarm systems, and will help you feel safe even when all your roommates go home and you’re at your place all by yourself.

Whichever pet you choose, make sure you are ready to make the commitment and are going to have the time, money and energy to take proper care of the pet. They’ll be worth it, I promise.

Make your next move easy by finding a place to live near campus using the Uloop Housing search service full of students needing Roommates and Sublets or people ready to rent you a great Apartment or House.

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