Pets on Campus: Where do Students Stand?

While on campus, almost every day you can see a student walking their dog. While many of us may wish we had pets, for most of us, it can be tough making the commitment to take care of another being. How do students feel about having pets on campus, and how does it affect their everyday lives? We interviewed students to find out.

Kimberly Cunningham, a junior digital media major, has had 22 pets and a total of eight different species over her years at the University of Maryland. Cunningham was even put on housing probation during her first year at school for bringing her pet tortoise, Pixel, with her.

According to Cunningham, she turned to animals because of her hectic home life and tough transition to the University of Maryland.

“It felt like my life wasn’t worth living for myself anymore since I couldn't pursue my dream and I felt like I didn't have a support system. So, I turned to animals to have not only a pure source of happiness, but something innocent and loving that would force me to keep going,” said Cunningham, who wanted to study marine biology but didn't due to the major not being offered at UMD.

On top of having a pet tortoise her freshman year, during Cunningham’s sophomore year, she started a 10-gallon freshwater aquarium.

A concern for many students can be what to do with your pet when you’re at class or work. Although for Cunningham, this wasn't the case.

Cunningham adopted her dog, Fifa, when she was 4 months old and refers to the adoption as, “the best decision I think I’ve ever made.”

“Fifa is service trained for epilepsy, migraine alert and medicine retrieval, so I took her literally everywhere. Classes and study groups and all that,” said Cunningham.

Image courtesy of Kimberly Cunningham

According to Cunningham, she got lucky due to her dog’s temperament and professors’ willingness to allow pets in class. Alongside Fifa and Pixel, Cunningham also owns a snake named Lumen and used to own frogs, fish and snails.

Sven Cruz, a senior economics major, has had his dog, Olaf, for four years and other dog, Lylah, for one. According to Cruz, because of his dogs, he always receives a warm welcome home, and his friends enjoy having them around. Another advantage Cruz mentioned is that having dogs forces him to get out of bed in the morning.

Despite the many advantages, Cruz discussed the challenges that come with being a pet owner.

“They eat away at my student budget, so I have to work along with going to school,” he said.

Cruz said that both dogs require an “enormous amount of attention,” and he is constantly cleaning up after them.

Image courtesy of Sven Cruz

Time management and space can be a big concern for students when it comes to taking care of pets. Although in Cruz’s case, there’s a big field right next to his apartment for the dogs and he makes sure to take them out before class.

Julia Pinsky, a senior bioengineering major, has a cat named Poppy and a bunny named Chex. Pinsky, who lives in Landmark, shares the animals with her roommates.

“When you're stressed it’s helpful because you can pet it and your endorphins are released,” said Pinsky. “Also, everytime people came over they ask if they can see my bunny.”

Pinsky said she loves having a pet as a student and doesn't think that it gets in the way of her life too much.

Whether it be a pet snake or a dog, having another being with you at home can be very comforting for many students. Although it is important to remember that if you decide to get a pet while in school, you must make sure that you have the time and resources to care for the animal.