Humane society encourages foster program for young adults
Without parents to prevent students from buying or adopting pets, many students turn to humane societies, such as PETS Inc., to find a lifelong friend.
However, many of the adopted animals, especially puppies, are not lifelong.
"[Students] are out on their own and they can have an animal now without their parents really being able to stop them," said Nicole Nettles, a PETS Inc. administrator. "They want a puppy because puppies are really cute and that sort of thing. They feel like they can make their own decisions now, so they take advantage. Sadly, there is a decent return rate for puppies because of the commitment."
Before students, who make up the majority of weekend PETS Inc. patrons, are allowed to adopt pets, an adoption specialist determines if pets are allowed in the student's residence. After that, hopeful pet parents are versed in the responsibilities of animal care.
"We go over all the pros and cons of a puppy and tell them that an older dog may be more suitable for their lifestyle and schedule," Nettles said. "If they're really busy, we tell them maybe they should wait until they're less busy. We go over what a puppy brings to the table. It's a huge responsibility."
PETS Inc. recommends young adults adopt an older dog because they are less of a time commitment and usually trained. PETS Inc. recommends all people, especially young adults, participate in the organization's foster program, where dogs can be taken out for the day as running partners or buddies.
"Our foster program doesn't allow the puppies and kittens to go because they generally do get adopted out pretty quickly," Nettles said. "I would really recommend a student, or anyone thinking of getting their own dog for the first time, to foster an adult animal so they know what they're getting into. Puppies have to be house-trained and taught not to chew stuff, and it can turn into something a busy young adult doesn't want to deal with. They could learn a lot through doing a foster."
Second-year exercise science student Marley Berling discovered how time-consuming owning a dog can be, but she has no regrets.
"My sophomore year I adopted a Jack Russell terrier puppy named Oscar from the Humane Society," Berling said. "He's great company and everyone loves him."
However, he has been a commitment. Berling had to house-train Oscar and teach him not to chew or tear up the walls and furniture.
"The reward is great, though, because you have a buddy to hang out with all the time," Berling said. "I like to take him running with me, and we play on the Horseshoe a lot."
She cautions students about adopting because many people forget puppies grow up big and need a lot of care.
"I know a few people who thought that they could handle it but really couldn't with their busy schedules," Berling said. "Many students will send them back to the shelter, but it's better to do that than just forget about the dog and mistreat it."
Though dogs may be the most popular pets for young adults, they certainly aren't the only animals students are interested in.
"I didn't want the commitment of a dog, but I wanted something to keep me going through the end of the year. I wanted a couple friends or buddies to keep me company, so I decided to get a couple of crested ducks," said second-year retail management student Katie Rockefeller.
The ducks, which she found on Craigslist and picked up from a local feed and tack store, aren't messy and are easy to take care of, according to Rockefeller.
Although she planned on letting them go into a pond or giving them away when they got bigger, she has already become too attached to them since purchasing the male and female ducklings known as "Scally" and "Waggs" last week.
"I have no idea what I'm going to do when they get big, but I'll figure something out," Rockefeller said.