Sofia LockhartIt doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or a senior, you’ve considered getting a pet at least once during your time at college, right? However, before you make this big step, you first have to ensure your dorm allows pets and that you will be able to take proper care of it. So, check the rules and regulations to see which animals you can bring into your room; in most cases, they only allow smaller species like fish, turtles, and hamsters but you can also find those that allow more interactive pets such as cats and dogs. Doing your research properly is important and you should avoid sneaking in pets if they are not allowed – you don’t want to risk fines and/or expulsion.
On the other hand, it’s also vital that you understand that your pet will need taking care of and that pet ownership has certain costs. So, if you are just beginning college and can’t even take proper care of yourself, this might not be the right move. You also need to see whether you will have enough free time to give them the attention they deserve and if your roommates are okay with you adding a pet into the mix.
Once all of these things are sorted, you can start decorating your dorm room with your pet’s needs in mind. Take a look below for some suggestions.
Designate a Space for Your Little Friend
How much space your pet will require will depend on the type of animal you get. Of course, a fish in a tank will not need a lot more than some space on a desk or shelf. However, a cat or dog will certainly need a bigger area. For example, a nice and cozy corner hangout spot. In addition to a bed, this area should also hold all their toys. In case you are thinking about getting a cat, you can consider a scratching post to prevent your furniture pieces from getting ruined. Furthermore, have a feeding area and a place for the kitty litter. Something that cannot be stressed enough, however, is proper training. Seeing as how you will not always be there for your pet, they need to learn to behave when you are away. This will make your life much easier and your roommates will not be angry at you.
Cover Your Bed With Easy-To-Wash Covers
Chances are pretty high that your pet will ignore their bed and decide to sleep with you instead. In that case, you should definitely get some easy to wash bed linens. The choices here are various. For instance, silk and sateen can be the right option depending on whether your pet sheds a lot or not. Organic linen sheets are very durable and naturally hypoallergenic. However, if you want to prevent this from happening altogether, you need to set the boundaries early on and teach them not to get on the bed.
Keep Décor and Plants on Higher Shelves
While you might use all sorts of decorative items and plants to boost the aesthetics of the room, you will also need to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind. Everything that might pose a choking or strangling danger needs to be kept out of reach. Also, if you love plants, you need to be aware of the fact that certain varieties can be harmful to animals. With that in mind, look into pet-friendly varieties such as areca palm or spider plant that you can add to your room without worrying about your little friend’s wellbeing. Furthermore, make sure your cleaning supplies and other chemicals are not easily accessible or are ideally stored out of sight. These precautions are naturally crucial for when you might have to leave them alone in the room.
Look for Stain-Resistant Rugs and Curtains
With going to classes, studying, minding your mental health and taking care of your pet, you surely will not have too much free time when it comes to cleaning. This is why you need to look for décor pieces that are practical as that will save you a lot of time and nerves. For example, if you need a rug in your room to make it warmer or to hide some unsightly floor crack, make sure the one you get is stain-resistant. Moreover, opt for a color or pattern that can easily hide dirt until you have time to clean. The same goes for curtains so make your choice carefully if you wish to avoid an unsightly mess developing.
In case you are thinking about introducing a pet to your dorm room, there are numerous things you need to consider. From whether you are actually allowed to do so at your university through to actually being able to take proper care of the pet. Make sure to take into account your college obligations and how that might impact the animal during your stay there. Once you’ve analyzed all the aspects you can then think about how to decorate the space with functionality in mind, for all parties concerned.