Your time in college is an exciting experience, but it can also get lonely. One excellent way to fight this feeling is by getting a pet. However, taking care of an animal isn’t exactly an easy endeavor, and some pets require much more attention than others. It wouldn’t be fair to choose a pet that you ultimately can’t take care of the way that it deserves.
Your free time while in college will be limited, so if you want (and are allowed) a companion, you’ll need one that can handle being on its own for a while. To help you figure that out, we have compiled a shortlist of pets that are easy to take care of while in college. These are:
- Dogs
- Turtles
- Hamsters
- Lizards
- Hedgehogs
Let’s take a deeper look into it.
The Easiest Pets to Take Care of for College Students
Dogs
![Dogs](https://monkoodog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dogs.jpg)
Not every dorm will allow dogs, but if yours does (or if you have an apartment close by), they are one of the most wonderful pets you can have. Nobody can lighten up a person’s day the way a dog can. However, even though dogs are independent animals, they still need a lot of energy and commitment. If you find yourself swamped with schoolwork, look through our Top Writers Review to find some assistance. As for the dog, you’ll want to limit your choice to smaller breeds if the amount of space you have is limited. You should also do your research on the type of dog you are adopting, as some breeds need more exercise than others.
Turtles
![Turtles](https://monkoodog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Turtles.jpg)
Small pets work best when looking to get an animal that’s easy to handle and permitted in a college room. Turtles don’t require a lot of space, aren’t loud, and are very hardy. You can even keep more than one in a tank, provided it’s big enough. The needs of your turtle will depend on the type you get, but so long as you feed them right and give them the right habitat, they’ll be fine.
Hamsters
![Hamsters](https://monkoodog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hamsters.jpg)
Hamsters not only are the most adorable little furballs you’ll see, but they are also easy to take care of. There’s a reason why you’ll find them in most lists of pets for busy students. Hamsters are practically naturally toilet trained, which is a huge bonus. They can be very affectionate. One thing to remember about hamsters is that they require a lot of interaction. You should give them toys, tunnels, or other accessories so they can stay entertained.
Lizards
![Lizards](https://monkoodog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Lizards.jpg)
A unique pet that will give you an interesting and exotic aura. Or not. Lizards are pretty easy to take care of, as they don’t eat very often and aren’t too picky about what they do eat. If you aren’t sure what to feed them, you can inquire online in vet websites about what lizards eat. But for the most part it will be insects, or occasionally vegetables. They don’t require baths either, so that’s another bonus.
Hedgehogs
![Hedgehogs](https://monkoodog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hedgehogs.jpg)
Hedgehogs have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as pets that are easy to love and maintain. There’s a lot of information out there on how to take care of a hedgehog. Hedgehogs don’t need a fancy getup. A simple cage with some toys and shelter will suffice. Get them a running wheel for good measure.
Make Your Life Easier for Them and You
While there are a lot of ups and downs to each kind of pet, they are all equally lovable and will make your time in college much more enjoyable. Just remember that a pet is a big responsibility, and you probably won’t be able to be there for them all the time. As such, it’s important that you choose wisely with the needs of your pet, and the limitations of your time and space, always in mind. If you take care of them properly, they will take care of you as well.
Bio
Joanne Eliot is an avid researcher that has worked with all forms of content writing. An equal opportunity animal lover, she is fond of pets in all sizes and shapes. Joanne’s particularly experienced with essays and academic research.