By Ella Miller

It’s no secret that college students are busy. Even though students juggle classes, studying and social lives, some choose to add another task to the mix: owning a dog. For many, the idea of returning home after a day of classes to a wagging tail is enough to outweigh the added responsibilities. But what is it really like to own a dog while balancing the chaos of college life?

University of Arkansas senior Ashlyn Massey always knew she wanted to own a dog in college. Now, Massey’s 1-year-old goldendoodle, Oaklee, is a source of comfort, routine and companionship. Massey said that owning a dog has changed her college experience but in the best way. 

“Getting my dog was probably the best decision I ever made,” Massey said. “Even if I didn’t know it at the time, it was something I really needed in my life. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her now.” 

Owning a dog in college isn’t just about companionship; it changes students’ lifestyles. Massey said that Oaklee has helped her create and maintain a steady schedule.

“It helps me get outside more, helps to keep a fairly consistent routine, and it’s nice to have a dog to come home to,” Massey said.

However, Massey said this comes along with being mindful of how long she’s away from home or leaving events early to take care of Oaklee. Massey said this can be a good thing, as it holds her accountable. 

U of A senior Ty Neidlein adopted his Pitbull mixed breed dog, Obi, from the foster-based dog rescue Big Paws of the Ozarks.

“Fitting Obi in is harder than one might think,” Neidlein said. “I need to get up early enough to walk, feed and hang out with him before my classes start. Whenever I have time between my classes, I usually head home to take him outside again or just hang with him.”

Regardless of the added tasks that come with owning a dog, both Massey and Neidlein have had many special standout moments with their pets. Massey said her favorite memory with Oaklee was during a spring day when her and her friends took the dog to Mamaka Bowls. 

“The people at Mamaka gave her a little dog treat, and we all sat at the tables with swings and had our smoothie bowls and enjoyed the nice weather,” Massey said. “But honestly any day that I get to go home and see how excited she gets to see me is a great experience.”

Neidlein said his favorite memory with Obi was when his roommate returned from a semester of studying abroad. 

“Obi acted like he’d known him forever, and he was just another roommate he’d met thousands of times,” Neidlein said.

Besides lifestyle shifts and happy memories that come along with owning a dog, both students highlighted the financial aspects that come with owning a dog. Neidlein said monthly costs are something to plan for, but there will always be surprises. Added expenses such as food, treats, vet bills and haircuts can add up.

“The hardest part is definitely the money,” Neidlein said. “Dogs are so expensive. Especially when they have health issues.”

Dr. Denise Beike, a social and cognitive psychologist and U of A psychology professor said “there is a clear negative effect of owning a pet for young adults that is not psychological: Pets are expensive.”

Other than added expenses, Big Paws’s Director of Operations and Marketing Maisie Carothers said some obligations students may not take into account when looking to adopt a dog are training, cleaning, regular exercise and socialization and how schedules or living situations may change. 

Housing can also be a barrier for students when looking to adopt a dog. Some college apartments have strict pet rules or additional fees for owning pets. 

“People may treat you differently because of (owning a dog), both in good and bad ways, and it’s not as easy to live in the apartments on campus with a dog as I had thought it would be,” Massey said.

Despite the difficulties of owning a dog in an apartment, Massey said having Oaklee has helped her while living alone. 

Massey and Neidlein both said owning a dog in college has had a positive impact on their college experience. Besides the companionship, Oaklee has helped Massey mentally and physically. Massey also had Oaklee certified as an emotional support animal, so she is able to take Oaklee places with her if she needs to.

“Any time I was having a hard day or wasn’t motivated, I had her to either make me feel better or motivated,” Massey said. “It was also very helpful to take her on walks and was something that at the time I didn’t realize I needed, but became very beneficial when I was stressed or just needed to get out of the apartment.”

Carothers said owning a dog can reduce stress levels, loneliness, and encourages you to care for someone.

“About 40% of college students today have moderate to high levels of depression,” Dr. Beike said. “I always find compelling research showing that people who are depressed often report that their pet was what saved them and kept them alive. What better psychological benefit is there than saving your life?”

Dr. Beike said having healthy and secure attachments benefit overall well-being, health, and performance at school and work. College students have a secure attachment to their pets, around a similar level to a secure attachment to a sibling. 

“I’ve found in my own research that students who are more strongly attached to their pets are also more strongly attached to friends and family, suggesting that pets are part of our healthy social network of close relationships,” Dr. Beike said. 

The psychological concept of self-disclosure also comes into play with owning pets. Self-disclosure is a way people are able to open up to others about themselves and their struggles, helping to form relationships and creating psychological benefits. College students may struggle with self-disclosure, as living away from home could contribute to difficulty in trusting new people. 

“Research shows that people self-disclose to their dogs more than they do to their family and friends, and to the same extent that they disclose to their spouse or partner,” Dr. Beike said. “This makes sense, because pets are great listeners, and they never judge or share your secrets with anyone.”

In addition to the psychological benefits of owning a dog, Carothers said owning a pet teaches responsibility and provides lifelong friendship.

“I have adopted dogs to several students that all know each other- siblings, friends, etc. over the last few months and they have shared their experiences and learned from each other,” Carothers said.

“Owning a pet in college was the best decision I’ve made here,” Neidlein said. “(Obi’s) brought so much joy to myself and my roommates every single day.”

Both students agree that while owning a dog in college is something more students should consider, it isn’t something to take lightly.

“It’s not as easy as a lot of people think,” Massey said. “I worked really hard trying to train her, and even though she’s a great dog, I have to do a lot of extra things now that I didn’t have to before I had her.”

Neidlein’s advice? “Save up!”

Massey’s advice? “If you think you’re ready for it, then do it.”

“Whenever a student tells me they’re adopting a dog, I think of it as something to celebrate,” Dr. Beike said. “I think of all the joy and unconditional love they are about to bring into their lives. But I would counsel any student to think carefully about what it means to adopt a pet.”

Owning a pet, especially a dog, in college might not be for everyone. For those who are debating adopting a dog, it could be one of the most rewarding college experiences they have. Dogs can provide the home-away-from-home feeling in college and teach students valuable skills. Both Neidlein and Massey prove that with planning, dedication, and love for their dogs, balancing the hectic college life and owning a dog is completely possible and rewarding.