Pro: Pets have their perks

will require free menstrual products be provided starting next fall for middle school, high school and college students. Although that is a step up, we should take action immediately and not have to wait another year.

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“'AllIWantforChristmasisYou,' butspecificallytheMariahCarey rendition.”

--MichaelWertenberger

BY SOPHIE WARD Copy Editor and Reporter

College can be a stressful time for many students, both academically and emotionally.

However, owning a pet can improve one’s college experience.

Many students find themselves lonely or isolated while attending college, especially those who are new to their campus. Having a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness by providing companionship and love to their owners.

Pets can also be a reminder of one’s home to those who bring their pets to college. In addition, pets can be easy conversation starters. Many pet lovers enjoy

“'JingleBells.'Youcanʼtbeatthe classics.”

--Jesus Alvarez stopping and talking to others. Having a pet opens up opportunities for one to meet fellow pet lovers, improve one’s social life and form new friendships. Owning a pet can also improve one’s emotional and mental health. College students often struggle with stress, anxiety and depression.

According to a survey by the Human - Animal Bond Research Institute, 74% of pet owners said owning a pet improved their mental health. Pets can improve one’s mental health by offering their owners a distraction. Whether it be playing with or cuddling them, having a pet is a good way for one to take a break from their studies.When one cuddles, plays or simply looks at their pet, humans’ oxytocin levels increase, according to the Washington Post. Oxytocin is a hormone that is linked to love and makes one feel good.

A 2019 study by Patricia Pendry and Jaymie L. Vandagriff found that college students who spent ten minutes petting a dog or cat saw a reduction in their cortisol levels, which is a hormone responsible for stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said having a pet can improve symptoms of PTSD. Pets can also positively affect one’s physical health. According to the CDC, owning a pet can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. These relate to one’s cardiovascular health so when these levels are lower, there is a less likely chance that one will have a heart attack. Pets, especially dogs, can also encourage students to engage in physical activity. Routinely taking a walk or run with a dog can positively affect one’s physical health by encouraging them to stay active and get some fresh air. Pets also teach students responsibility. They require lots of care. Students need to ensure their pet is healthy, stays active, is fed and loved. Owning a pet can help students improve their time management skills by forcing them to attend to their needs throughout the day while balancing the stressors of school and work. Being able to manage one’s time is a beneficial skill that students can also use inside the classroom. Having a pet can also help students learn how to follow routines and schedules, since being a pet owner requires that pets are fed and taken outside at certain parts of the day.

Pets can also be expensive. When students own a pet, they can learn how to manage their finances and will be able to decide on which things are necessary to purchase and which things can wait. Having these money management skills will benefit students as they continue to live on their own and have to make more payments.

Although pets require large amounts of responsibility, time, and money, they are great for college students who want to improve their health and happiness. Owning a pet teaches students how to balance their academic life and personal responsibilities, while at the same providing them a friend.