The ongoing dependence of emotional support animals (ESA) has led people in college to disregard the consideration that their actions may be causing just as much stress on their pets. We have assigned the responsibility of regulating our negative emotions to animals that may not be able to offer trained emotional support, much less handle the lifestyle of a college student. Dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, and reptiles cannot earn a degree, so why do we insist on keeping them at college?

There’s no doubt that the company of an animal brings many happy emotions, but why should we sacrifice the quality of their life for our happiness? I may be an advocate for mental health and am aware of the benefits of having an ESA animal, but I also question the fairness of confining an animal to the unpredictable schedule of a college student while simultaneously being locked in a 200-square-foot cinder block room. There are several aspects of dorm life that not only induce stress for the people living there but even more so for the animals that are not used to this type of residence. The noisiness of living in a dorm is canon to every person living on campus. There is no escaping the slamming of doors, shouting in the hallway, and whatever the upstairs neighbors are doing. I am convinced mine are stomping in circles with steel-toe boots on. Students know what is happening when they hear these noises, but do the pets? No. Consistency is key for pets, and college might be one of the most inconsistent places. When their environment becomes unpredictable and alarming, there is no place for pets in the buildings to escape and relax. Instead, they must confront this head-on or attempt to bolt out the door the second it opens in an effort to flee these confusing circumstances. 

College students are busy people. Classes, clubs, sports, exams, jobs, and social outings take up the majority of our time. Where, in this busy schedule, do people find the time to properly care for an animal? Where in your room will the litter box go? How are you going to give them a bath when the University forbids them from being in common areas? How will you stop the dog from barking and risk a noise complaint when you aren’t there? Sure, a student may be incredibly responsible and can somehow maintain a healthy balance of taking care of their pet while juggling the demands of school. However, this does not account for the inevitable. Messes will happen, pets will get sick, and there will be accidents. I find it hard to believe that students can afford to financially support an animal, not to mention when that animal gets sick or injured. College has become more and more expensive over the years and now it just became even pricier because of this additional roommate.

There are exceptions to this argument which is service animals living on a college campus. Emotional support animals greatly differ from service animals because they are performing a job that they are qualified to do. Those considering bringing their furry friend to college under the guise of emotional support should truly weigh the pros and cons. I understand the excitement of arriving at college with all thesenew responsibilities and independence, but do not let this cloud your judgment when it comes to the decision of bringing a pet into the equation. This is not a fun little hobby; you and this animal will be together for quite a while. Ask yourself, am I financially responsible, reliable, mentally prepared, and mature enough to give this animal the quality of life they deserve on top of being a college student?