Schuyler Burke

During many hours of community service at the El Paso Animal Shelter, I have seen firsthand the inner workings of the adoption process and the realities of shelter life for animals. Unfortunately, this means I have also witnessed pets abandoned by owners who weren’t prepared for a new companion. 

Adoption helps many animals find a home, and a college student may be the perfect person to offer a safe and loving environment. However, adopting a pet is a decision that comes with long-term responsibilities. It’s important to consider an animal’s needs and the commitment you are willing to undertake before making a spur-of-the-moment decision.

“We are relying on adopters to do their research ahead of time and to really think through adopting,” said Kelsey Cler, marketing and communication manager for the Austin Animal Center. “A dog means coming home every day and making sure that they get exercise and potty breaks.”

While it is important to consider the responsibility and commitment that comes with a new pet, this shouldn’t dissuade students from adopting. Taking care of a pet can be surprisingly doable for college students, even in apartments. There are many resources online about making a healthy environment for a pet living in an apartment. 

“I’ve lived in an apartment with dogs, and as long as they’re getting appropriate levels of mental and physical stimulation so that you know that they’re not bored, it doesn’t matter, they just want to be with their people,” Cler said. 

It can be easy to rush to adopt out of excitement, but it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re ready for a new pet. If you’re unsure about adopting, there are options to see what works best for you beforehand. Fostering allows students to experience what it’s like to care for an animal without the sudden, full-time commitment of adoption, allowing students to discover if adopting is ideal for them, their situation and their schedule.

“You can foster them for a few days or a few weeks, whatever works for you,” said Luis Sanchez, director of public relations and communications for Austin Pets Alive! “I think that provides people with a good opportunity to test things out before they go into making this big decision.”

According to Sanchez, there are many concerns about pet ownership that first-time adopters might not recognize, such as how pets can cause issues with future housing, especially since some apartments have breed restrictions. When looking to adopt, it’s important to think about your ability to handle problems related to the pet for years down the line.

“A lot of people rush into it … but this pet is someone that’s going to be with you for a very long time,” chemistry junior Kristanna Jean said. “They’re very cute and lovable, but at the same time, they’re living creatures that deserve a good life. In order for them to live a very healthy life and a fulfilling one, you definitely have to have the patience to raise an animal. They’re not perfect all the time.” 

Making changes in your life is a necessary part of adopting an animal. Students can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership while helping an animal in need, as long as they are willing to do their research beforehand and commit to a long-term responsibility. 

Rail is an English, anthropology & rhetoric and writing junior from El Paso, Texas.