If you are like many college students, you either own a pet or would like to. The decision to get a pet should be a carefully and thoughtfully made. Several things should be taken into consideration before making this choice.

Animals require time, attention and work. Between school, jobs, homework, friends, family and significant others, be sure you have enough time to adequately care for a pet.

Having a pet is also a financial commitment. If a pet stays healthy, expenses can be as minimal as food, shots and a litter box for a cat. However, if something goes wrong and medical attention is needed, the bill can be expensive.

The Ames Animal Shelter, 325 Billy Sunday Road, estimates the approximate cost of a cat at $427 to $960 for the first year, and a dog at $562 to $6,000 for the first year. The high figures include the cost of big expenses, such as backyard fences and expensive medical bills. The first year can often be more expensive because of the necessities to get a pet owner started.

Owning an animal limits the amount of housing options, as pet-friendly apartments are limited. Most pet-friendly apartments require a pet security deposit as well as a monthly fee. Jensen Property Management, 4611 Mortensen Road Suite 106, for example, requires half a month’s rent deposit as well as a per month fee for cats and dogs.

Another issue to keep in mind is that pets need adequate room to roam, especially dogs. Keep the animal’s well-being in mind when making a decision as to whether you have enough space to accommodate it.

Most importantly, bear in mind that a pet is not a short-term commitment. Cats can live up to 20 years and dogs can live for 15 or more years. The decision to buy a pet should be made with this in mind. Be sure the pet fits into your current and future lifestyles.

“I would urge students to remember that a pet is a long-term decision. You are taking on the responsibility of another life. Don’t do it on a whim,” said Sue McCaskey, director of the Story County Animal Shelter.

McCaskey said the shelter does its best to ensure the animals are being put with people who will take the responsibility of pet owning seriously.

“Just remember that most of these animals have already been in bad situations so our job is to do our best to make sure they are put in homes where they will be properly cared for now and in the future,” McCaskey said.

At the Story County Animal Shelter, cats are $20 to adopt, and dogs are $25. The shelter checks with the customer’s landlord to ensure that pets are allowed, and once the pet has been adopted, they contact the veterinarian to verify that the required shots have been given.