With the exception of a few colleges and universities scattered around the country, pets are not allowed in student housing and students leaving home to attend college are forced to leave their furry best friends behind.
Studies have shown that sharing space with pets is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of humans. Lizz Cassidy writes in an article for Pet Care Club that “pet owners are less likely to suffer from stress, depression and anxiety because of the playful nature of animals.”
Pets love unconditionally and the only thing they ask for in return is an occasional treat and a scratch behind the ear. Having a pet nearby to talk to can offer comfort and lower stress level in students and give them something to focus on rather than their studies.
If students were allowed to keep pets, their health and wellbeing would not be the only thing to see benefits. They might just notice a marked improvement in their GPA. In a study done in 2010 by the American College Health Association, more than 25 percent of the students surveyed stated that stress had a negative impact on their grades.
Owning a pet can provide a much needed study break and an opportunity to relieve some stresss. Taking a dog out for a 10 minute walk pulls students away from the books and gets them out for fresh air. While Fido was running around and doing his business, students would have the opportunity to clear their head and perhaps get a fresh perspective on what they were working on.
Sara Grace McCandlesss writes that “pets are instant ice breakers.” A dog can be a great point of entry. People can be shy, but introduce a lovable, friendly wagging tail into the mix and things seem to change. People open up when they talk about their pets. Many friendships have started with “That’s a good looking dog you have there.”
Dogs are also a great way to ward off the “freshman 15.” They love to explore, so throwing a leash on Fifi’s collar and taking a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood can be beneficial to both the pet and her human. Numerous studies have shown that people are more likely to reach exercise benchmarks if they walk with their pets.
Cats make great pets for students. They do not take up a lot of room and are fairly self-sufficient. Most cats are not bothered by the lack of attention they get from their students during late night cram sessions for midterms or finals. They are perfectly happy with clean litter boxes and food in their bowls.
All cats have unique personalities. Some are very regal and expect to be catered to like royalty. Others are clowns and are happy to just entertain their humans.
Cats are natural hunters and anything that might have a chance to escape is prey. Watching cats chase bugs across the floor can be highly entertaining.
Cats and dogs also make great foot warmers although it can be hard to move around once they get comfortable. Once they get comfortable, moving them is like trying to move a ton of bricks, especially a big dog.
Students lead stressful lives. Owning a pet can help alleviate some of that stress and offer companionship during a time when they are stepping out on their own for the first time, and testing the waters of adulthood.
While the University of Wyoming does not allow pets in student housing, many studies have shown that the grades, health and well-being of owning and caring for a pet may be positively affected.
