Many schools around the country actually allow leeway on what pets to have in college. Some schools are super strict and do not allow any pets, while others have no rules about them at all. I have a few different friends from different states that have told me about the best pets to have in college. First, start with a house plant. If that doesn’t die then you can consider getting a pet!
1. Guinea Pig
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One of the different types of pets to have in college are guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are basically like giant hamsters. Although they need a bigger cage, they are great first pets. However, they can live from around 5-10 years, so make sure that wherever you go outside of college, you are allowed to have pets.
2. Fish
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This one is pretty obvious. If you can take care of a plant, you can take care of a fish. All you have to do is feed it and clean out the bowl every few days. Depending on the fish they can live from a few months to a few years. Also if you are going to get multiple fish, make sure that the fish are not going to rip each other apart.
3. Lizard/ Turtle
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Lizards and turtles are nice pets because they don’t really need a lot of space. One thing you do have to remember is to clean their cage, because reptiles tend to smell really bad. Also make sure that they have a heat lamp because they are cold-blooded and will die if their body temperature isn’t high enough.
4. Hermit Crab
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Hermit Crabs are easy to take care of and fun to have. They also just need a clean cage, food and water. Every few weeks you should also get them a new shell so they can grow and be comfortable. You and your friends can even paint the shells so you have pretty crabs.
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5. Chinchilla
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I have a friend that goes to Florida State University who has a pet chinchilla named Chad. He doesn’t even have a cage, he just hangs out in my friend’s dorm while he’s in class, and then goes out with him when my friend hangs out in the Florida sun. However if you get a chinchilla that isn’t trained too well then you should probably have a cage for him.
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Chinchillas are known for their soft fur and playful nature, making them utterly adorable companions. Despite their chill vibe, they do require a specific environment to thrive. It's crucial to keep their space cool and dry since they're prone to heatstroke. Also, these little guys are active and need plenty of exercise, so make sure to provide a safe running wheel for them. Occasional "dust baths" are a must – it’s how they keep their fur in tip-top condition. Chad may be an exceptional chinchilla, but they all share the need for love and proper care.
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6. Sugar Gliders
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These little guys are actually related to possums, but are much cuter. They are smaller than the palm of your hand, and have huge loveable eyes. You need a decent sized cage for them because they like to fly from things, but you can always take them out and play with them!
7. Hedgehogs
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My old roommate has a deep love for hedgehogs. They may seem threatening but they are actually one of the sweetest animals on the planet. They are relatively small, and they love laying on their backs and floating in water. These are probably the hardest to care for, but they are a great topic of conversation when your friends come over to visit.
Having a pet teaches a person a lot about responsibility. You have to keep something alive besides yourself, which can be a hard thing to do sometimes while in school. Remember, animals cannot eat cheap ramen noodles. So if you have the time and can afford it, then by all means get a college pet! They will be there through the ups and downs of your college life, and will love you as much as you love them.
Comments
Meagan: Hermit crabs must me cared for in a glass tank, 3 gallons per crab, they must have proper sources of water which is salt AMD freshwater. They require daily misting or an expensive mister ($100+), they also require 4-6" of substrate so not sand. Painting a hermit crabs shell is also toxic for the hermits because it can chip and they can eat it.... Obviously there should have been MUCH more research into this and that pisses me off because youre misinforming people who can potentially kill these pets if they don't do the research before hand.
Chelsea: I think since everyone has already criticized the small animals that are difficult to keep we should also mention that while some geckos do not need large enclosures most lizars Ike
Kristine: A lot of bad or missing in this article... If you plan to get a pet PLEASE do your research first. Pets are living things and deserve proper care from their people.
Gabrielle: Hedgehogs are illegal in some states.
Whitney: Sugar gliders die if they're on their own and not loved every second of the day! Downright hardest pet to own! And so are chinchillas!! They are needy an nocturnal and bark at night! Only the first four animals should be recommended. Whoever wrote this did not do their research
Chelsea: Be very expensive.
faybee: guinea pigs should always be kept with pairs and need large cages, I have 2 and their cage is 7ft long. This is the minimum! They need lots of love, daily exercise, plenty of fruit and veg and Hay and most store bought guinea pig foods are not suitable for them. Their vets bills are also expensive and they have really sensitive respiratory systems, if you don't notice a small change in their breathing/behaviour they can die within 24 hours. I really don't think that people take this into account, they're wonderful creatures but they're not suitable for students
Summer: This is like to worst post, ever. Many of those are not even pets! Leave the poor animals alone. By seeing this, some irresponsible young people make think this is a great idea and end up not tending to them at all cause they're too busy partying. A hedgehog, really?! Why not a raccoon!
Kate: Sugar gliders should be in pairs, or colonies. They're nocturnal and get extremely lonely without a partner. My sister-in-law had one and she was the sweetest, but was so lonely she screamed at night. She is now happily in a colony in another home though.
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