Pets at Vet School

[christiansenle]

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I have a dog that I am hugely emotionally invested in and I'd really like/need to bring him to vet school with me provided that I do get in somewhere for August 2013. I was just wondering what people thought about bringing pets to school and if any current students have info on how to arrange for having pets at school, especially for St. George, because I know that can be complicated.

My applications are to the following (obviously I won't get into many of them) but if any student at any of these schools have pets of their own I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts!

Tufts
VMRCVM
Ross
St. George's
Oregon State
Purdue (IS)
Michigan State
Edinburgh

Thanks!

 

[cowgirla]

are you asking about moving with your dog or actually being able to bring your dog to class with you? because it sounds like you want your dog with you in class and I doubt most schools allow that with the exception of legit service dogs.

 

[krist]

are you asking about moving with your dog or actually being able to bring your dog to class with you? because it sounds like you want your dog with you in class and I doubt most schools allow that with the exception of legit service dogs.

people sometimes bring their dogs to mizzou for review sessions or meetings at night, sometimes its fine, and sometimes its incredibly annoying when they bark or whine or try to eat people or whatever (yes, we have a girl who brings her landshark chihuahua PUPPY to school and it lunges at people).

I mean, I love my dogs, but if you feel the need to be with them 24/7 and can't be apart for an 8 ish hour school day then umm....yeah you might love them a little tooo much.

 

[equineconstant]

Not sure if it's the original topic or not, but I'd like to hear about moving with a dog/how feasible it is to care for a dog when you're in class all day. Any thoughts?

 

[jmo1012]

I have a dog that I am hugely emotionally invested in and I'd really like/need to bring him to vet school with me provided that I do get in somewhere for August 2013. I was just wondering what people thought about bringing pets to school and if any current students have info on how to arrange for having pets at school, especially for St. George, because I know that can be complicated.

My applications are to the following (obviously I won't get into many of them) but if any student at any of these schools have pets of their own I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts!

Tufts
VMRCVM
Ross
St. George's
Oregon State
Purdue (IS)
Michigan State
Edinburgh

Thanks!

the only way to bring an animal into the lecture halls at SGU is to have genuine need for a service animal. and i am not talking about all of the "service dogs" that students have here, because i am well aware of the fact that most animals get sketchily registered so that they can fly for free in cabin. yes, these are technically service animals, but the university made it VERY clear that they would investigate the circumstances surrounding the need if a student made that sort of request.

if you're not talking about bringing them in the classrooms, its relatively easy to bring dogs and cats here. as mentioned above, a lot of students have service animals which is by law free for traveling and the animal is with you in cabin. you will have to have pretty solid proof in an official physicians letter to submit to the airline company. there is lots of housing here that allows animals, you'll just be paying a bit more. Hills has a feeding program, the school has free heartworm products for up to 2 pets, and the clinic has greatly reduced fees from what you're probably used to paying at home as well as student discounts. pets are used in all our SA palpation labs and people like to occasionally bring dogs to anatomy lab class.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Not sure if it's the original topic or not, but I'd like to hear about moving with a dog/how feasible it is to care for a dog when you're in class all day. Any thoughts?

Moving should not be an issue for most decently adjusted dogs..

As for caring for a dog when you are in class..... It depends HIGHLY on the dog.

I can tell you from experience... that if your dogs are not used to be left alone all day (for potty, or behavioral reasons) then it will be a strain on you to take care of them. I come home every day during lunchtime for my little guys. That means I miss all the awesome lunch talks, and even more awesome free food. Also there are days when I will have classes later, or have to be off-site, and then I need to find someone to take care of them. This is pretty inconvenient.

Also, if you have a special needs dog, keep that in mind. Are you OK, leaving your seizing, or vomiting, or cancer-treatment dog alone? It is a consideration, seeing as a lot of us want to really take care of these guys.

Also, puppies need a lot of training, and frankly I see a lot of unruly dogs raised by vet students. I think that is a tragedy. We are setting a horrible example by having dogs with no social skills as an example to the public. I don't think a vet student should get a puppy. PERIOD. But I am in the huge minority. Think if you want to contribute to the problem, or can you be the exception to the rule (there are some of course)..

Now there are a lot of low maintenance dogs out there.... big calm adult dogs are good keepers in school, and a lot of people have them.

Dogs are great to practice your PEs on, to imagine your anatomy on, and for mental benefits and love they give.

<end of sermon>

 

[Chilli]

I'm curious about this as well, does anyone know if there is a quarantine process or something to brig pets from the US to schools like Ross or SGU? I would imagine that there is some kind of customs process that one would need to go through to bring an animal into the country.

 

[that redhead]

Seconding SOV on this one. I have an old dog who is solidly housebroken and sleeps all day whether I'm home or not. She's quiet, low maintenance and my landlord (not much of a dog person) loves her. I personally think a younger/higher energy dog would require more than I can fairly give.

Another thing to consider is the dog's happiness. My dog is really a one person kind of dog (although polite to everyone) and leaving her with my parents would have made her sad. But I'd say all dogs are a lot more adaptable than people give them credit for. There are dogs out there that, whether you want to admit it or not, could easily adjust to being left behind with your family/SO (if they're used to caring for the pet, of course).

 

[hedgiehog]

For all the people with dogs: did you have problems finding housing for you and your dog? All the dogs that I find myself wanting are bigger and a lot of apartments have weight limits.

 

[jmo1012]

I'm curious about this as well, does anyone know if there is a quarantine process or something to brig pets from the US to schools like Ross or SGU? I would imagine that there is some kind of customs process that one would need to go through to bring an animal into the country.

nope for both Ross and SGU. However, Ross claims to have a mandatory 1st term on campus policy (no pets). You would have to verify this with a Ross student though.

 

[kanderson615]

To OP: Pets are strictly prohibited at Oregon State unless they're service animals, there for an appointment (in which case they'd stay at the hospital), or you have permission to bring them in as a demonstration dog (like for palpation or heart sounds).

I have three little dogs (two chihuahuas, one dachshund - all about 10lbs). Moving across the country with them wasn't bad; we just strapped them into their doggie seatbelts for the drive here and had to stop maybe every 2 hours or so to let them do their business. However, it was a total b**** finding a place to live from across the country that would let us have them. Corvallis is supposedly the most saturated housing market in the country, so it seemed like hardly anyone allowed dogs (much less three). We ended up having to commute an hour each day, which got old VERY quickly. Luckily we eventually found a place in town that would allow them (it wasn't posted online, so we literally had to be here to find it), and we actually just moved two weekends ago (I wouldn't recommend trying to move while you're in vet school, by the way..... it's not fun).

As far as what our dogs do during the day: we would just leave them out but they usually cause havoc, so we have them crate-trained, which I highly recommend. They just sleep in their pen all day. Would they rather be out with us home? Yes, I'm sure. But it's the next best solution to boarding, which is way too expensive for me.

 

[Whyevernot55]

If you don't already have pets to bring with you, I wouldn't recommend getting a dog.

I am a cat person. My boyfriend and I have 4 (job hazard...), 1 of whom is still in MA with him, and I brought my 3 kitties with me out to OK when I moved this summer for school. I live alone, and I would be absolutely miserable if I didn't have my kitties with me. They are a huge comfort, great snugglers, an adorable study distraction (my Big White Deaf Cat requires large amounts of playtime). They do NOT require me to run home at lunch every day for potty breaks or dinner potty breaks and they will survive just fine if I am late for dinner or whatever. Mostly they sleep all day and want lots of attention when I DO come home. So personally, I think cats are better for vet students unless you have a non-vet student SO to help with care. But I'm biased.

And obviously, they don't come to class with me. Although I'm sure Deaf Cat would love to... 😉

 

[Jamr0ckin]

Moving should not be an issue for most decently adjusted dogs..

As for caring for a dog when you are in class..... It depends HIGHLY on the dog.

I can tell you from experience... that if your dogs are not used to be left alone all day (for potty, or behavioral reasons) then it will be a strain on you to take care of them. I come home every day during lunchtime for my little guys. That means I miss all the awesome lunch talks, and even more awesome free food. Also there are days when I will have classes later, or have to be off-site, and then I need to find someone to take care of them. This is pretty inconvenient.

Also, if you have a special needs dog, keep that in mind. Are you OK, leaving your seizing, or vomiting, or cancer-treatment dog alone? It is a consideration, seeing as a lot of us want to really take care of these guys.

Also, puppies need a lot of training, and frankly I see a lot of unruly dogs raised by vet students. I think that is a tragedy. We are setting a horrible example by having dogs with no social skills as an example to the public. I don't think a vet student should get a puppy. PERIOD. But I am in the huge minority. Think if you want to contribute to the problem, or can you be the exception to the rule (there are some of course)..

Now there are a lot of low maintenance dogs out there.... big calm adult dogs are good keepers in school, and a lot of people have them.

Dogs are great to practice your PEs on, to imagine your anatomy on, and for mental benefits and love they give.

<end of sermon>

As someone who got a puppy right before vet school started, I concur. It was a poor decision, but I love her. And even though I would never want to give her up, she doesn't get the time, attention, and training she deserves.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using SDN Mobile

 

[cowgirla]

I moved 1700 miles with one dog, acquired another about a month before first year. Maybe I'm lucky, but mine are super easy. Other than occasional dog aggression by the shelter mutt (He's very choosy about who he likes), neither one of them has any major health / bevhavioral issues - knock wood.
Sometimes I come home for lunch. Sometimes I don't. Sometimes I'm gone for 12+ hours. Sometimes I sleep until noon. Sometimes I lock them in the backyard when they piss me off. Sometimes I disappear for multiple days at a time and leave them with a doggie door and a friend stopping in to feed them. They just deal 🙂

I do second the no puppies thing. The adopted dog was almost 2 when I got him, so pretty much past the worst young dog stages, and already 99.9% housebroken. (2 accidents the first week, nothing since then)

I do have to say though, that while I wouldnt trade them for the world, they are making things more complicated now that I am trying to plan preceptors and externships for fourth year. Something to consider esp if you are single / living alone. I haven't had to change my plans based on them yet, but its always in the back of my mind that I either need to be able to find a pet sitter for 2-4 weeks, or take them with me.

I think I would HATE it if people brought their pets to school, to be honest. When I'm up there, it's generally to be productive. I don't always want dogs shoving their heads in my lap. I don't want barking/whining/running around I don't need another distraction haha. Mine will occasionally walk up to school after hours with me to print something, but we never stay for more than 5-10 minutes. If there are a lot of people in the building, they get tied to a tree outside while I do what I need to do.

 

[kakurubird]

Agreed so much with WEN on cats if you have no pets yet.

And I say this as someone who has a dog. I love her dearly and she has sentimental memories to my grandfather and I would do pretty much anything for her, but I got super lucky in that I can leave her for 10+ hours during the day and she's okay (adopter her over 2 months ago--the shelter estimated her age to be 12 years, but who knows at that point). She's not crate-trained, but spends the day sleeping on my bed waiting for me to get home. That said, I still have to make plans around her. If co-workers are going out after work, I generally have to pass and go home and have much less flexibility in my schedule for the day.

I couldn't imagine having a significantly younger or not well house-trained dog in my situation, let alone trying to also study lots. Having others you live with who are willing to help certainly changes the situation, though.

I do have to say though, that while I wouldnt trade them for the world, they are making things more complicated now that I am trying to plan preceptors and externships for fourth year. Something to consider esp if you are single / living alone. I haven't had to change my plans based on them yet, but its always in the back of my mind that I either need to be able to find a pet sitter for 2-4 weeks, or take them with me.

This is a big concern of mine, even though that won't be for many years. Definitely something I'm keeping way way in the far back of my mind.

 

[JoAnna423]

This may be a little of a side topic...but...

I think questions like this can only be answered by your own thinking because every person is different. I have personally always had pets... my dog has been through undergrad with me, moving twice to another state, and even a period of virtual homelessness. He is also a pit bull which makes finding a landlord who approves him even harder. Getting rid of him was never an option...so regardless of where I go, he will come with me or be taken care of by someone else temporarily until I can get him back. Its that simple. I understand that people are sometimes forced to get rid of their pets for valid reasons, a lot of which are beyond their control...but going to veterinary school in my opinion is not one of them. I can see not getting a pet while in veterinary school but to me getting rid of your current one is a bit much. People handle jobs, marriages, even kids in veterinary school...I am sure most are capable of handling a dog as well...

 

[Packen]

I just moved my GSD overseas to Scotland. It was expensive and not the easiest task, but I don't regret it for a minute. I also have an older dog that is really laid back and adjusted pretty easily. The flight and traveling over here can be stressful, so it is not for every dog. Plus days can be long at vet school, so if you have a dog that can't be alone for an extended period of time, it could be an issue.

 

[Foxhunter]

I got a puppy this summer, for me it's worked out quite nicely as I'm doing the first year of grad school at the moment. I have quite a bit of flexibility in my schedule, so especially when she was really little I made sure to come home every single day for lunch. She's 5 months now and can go all day (8-10 hours) in her crate, but I prefer not to do that if I can avoid it. Sometimes I know I'm going to have a late night in the lab because of when samples become available. If I know that ahead of time I try to stay home until lunch so that she's not in a crate for too long. My roommates are good too about letting her out most of the time when they get home. I really am trying to make sure she is a well-trained dog. One thing I will say is I wish I had a real yard. Not having one is probably better for my physical fitness because I now have to run at least a mile and a half or walk 3-4 a day to keep her from being too terribly hyper. I can't imagine having a new puppy with the schedule my roommates have as first year vet students.

Also, unless you have a really great set up of some sort where you live or someone at home all day long or an older, calm dog- I can't recommend crate training enough. It's so nice knowing I don't have to worry about what she's getting into while I'm gone. She basically sleeps the whole day. My roommate's dog really didn't like crates, so she was just leaving her out in her room. Her dog then dug up all the carpet around her door. So the dog went back to being crated, and promptly broke out of her crate, scratching up her stomach. So the dog just got left out in the house. A month and a half later, she dug a bottle of ibuprofen out of my roommates backpack and ate the entire thing. That was a fun veterinary bill.

Sometimes I almost wish I just had a cat, but I've gotta say my dog makes me so happy I can't imagine not having her...

 

[wildcatj]

I don't think I could do a dog in vet school. I'll definitely be bringing my one cat for company though.

 

[sbrdvm]

I have my dog with me at SGU. I got her last November as a puppy she stayed with my parents until I came home at christmas and she fly back and forth with me each term. She is an "emotional support animal" just so I dont have to deal with the airline stuff. I think 99% of the students at SGU have there animals registered as emotional support or medical alert so they dont have to pay the pet fee to fly. Also, they airlines only allow 7 pet on the plane (not including emotion support/service animals). SO if they are not certified then you may be turned away from flying that day. She only goes to classes when we need dogs brought to class. I am really glad that I do have a dog. She isnt high maintains just let her out for a little while to run around then she wants to go back inside and sleep. All you have to do to bring her into Greanda is fill out a form each term and get a health certificate from the vet just as if you were going to fly to another state with a dog. There is rabies on the island so they arent concerned with you bringing rabies from the US to here. There are some of the smaller islands that are rabies free and it is really hard to fly to them, so you have to make sure you book a direct flight from the US to Grenada.

 

[that redhead]

For all the people with dogs: did you have problems finding housing for you and your dog? All the dogs that I find myself wanting are bigger and a lot of apartments have weight limits.

I have a small dog (25lbs), so the size wasn't an issue. I was afraid at first since a lot of places in town don't allow dogs, but I think that pet-friendly places aren't too hard to find. My landlord has allowed pets at his places before and I think he's had both good and bad experiences, so he was wary but allowed me to have her. Like I said, he loves her now, haha. I think you can always find a place, it's just a matter of having to either pay extra money or live far away to find a place that will allow a giant breed dog (I just remember you talking about Mastiffs!)

I can see not getting a pet while in veterinary school but to me getting rid of your current one is a bit much. People handle jobs, marriages, even kids in veterinary school...I am sure most are capable of handling a dog as well...

I know I said something about leaving a pet with a family member or SO, but I definitely wasn't advocating dumping your pet just because you're going to vet school. I just know there are people who maybe live with their parents or SO or the dog is frequently watched by that person anyway, and that leaving the pet with a (willing, able) person close to you is something to consider especially if you have to travel internationally.

 

[EngrSC]

I moved recently and aside from pet friendly apartment complexes I was having a hard time finding a place to live. I have 2 80 pound Labs and was set on finding a house to rent. I even called about houses that were listed as no dogs allowed. When I called about houses I told them up front that I had 2 dogs ... BUT I made sure to tell them that I work in a vet office and one of the vets would be more than happy to provide a letter attesting to the behavior and health of my dogs. I made sure to mention their ages (7 and 5 1/2 years old) and assured the landlord that they are both completely house trained. I also offered to pay an extra pet deposit since they are large breed dogs.

The house we ended up getting was listed as "small dogs only" but once the landlord met my dogs she was totally fine renting to me.

It's a little more work to find a place but it's totally do-able if you market yourself and your dog(s) well! 🙂 (good credit also helps - I mentioned that too)

 

[JoAnna423]

Oh of course...my dog spent a month with my bf while I relocated and was living somewhere temporarily no doggies allowed...I also boarded him for 3 weeks during another move. I totally understand that and would never give someone crap. People can just be so dramatic about owning a pet and so quick to "needs a new home"...its a big responsibility but like I said, people manage! I recently adopted two guinea pigs from someone who said "they are just a lot of work...you know?" Uhhhhh no, its a damn guinea pig.

 

[JoAnna423]

I also know that most people who want to go to vet school love animals and probably go to great lengths to keep them. 🙂

 

[squirrelsrule]

I feel like I have really lucked out with having my dog with my during vet school. I couldn't imagine having no pets, but wasn't sure how my dog would adjust to living in an apartment (he's always lived at home with someone being there just about 24/7 and having a fenced yard to go outside). He is the best, though, and I am so happy that I brought him.

I have heard other people in my class not having the easiest time with their dogs though. Most dogs are much higher energy and need a lot more attention than mine. My dog is like the model vet student's dog. He sleeps about 20 hours a day lol and he can hold it for 12+ hours. I come home at lunch if I know I'm gonna be gone past 5 PM (I start at 8 AM), but there have been times when I couldn't come home at lunch and was going to be gone until after 5 and he is fine. He gets all excited when I get home and jumps all over the place and does the whole happy wiggle thing and then he goes outside and when we come in he plops down and goes to sleep. He thinks a long walk is the half mile walk to the mailboxes and back .

Others have had issues with having to go home to let the dog out, having to take their dog for multiple walks a day to get their energy out, having to study elsewhere because their dog just wants lots of attention when they're home because they've been gone so long.

So, it depends on the dog.

 

[cowgirla]

, having to study elsewhere because their dog just wants lots of attention when they're home
.

I long ago mastered the art of flipping pages with one hand and throwing the tennis ball with the other. The tennis ball always magically reappears in my lap .2 seconds later for repeated throwing haha. The growling as the tennis ball is "killed" is more distracting than me having to throw it!

 

[orcagirl]

the only way to bring an animal into the lecture halls at SGU is to have genuine need for a service animal. and i am not talking about all of the "service dogs" that students have here, because i am well aware of the fact that most animals get sketchily registered so that they can fly for free in cabin. yes, these are technically service animals, but the university made it VERY clear that they would investigate the circumstances surrounding the need if a student made that sort of request...

I just want to say that while I do agree with not bringing dogs to school during class time (people have brought dogs to the school on weekends and it's usually not a big deal then), investigating the circumstances of a service animal is technically illegal (though I guess being outside the US gets them around that). I understand why they would want to, but it irks me for some reason.

I feel like I have really lucked out with having my dog with my during vet school. I couldn't imagine having no pets, but wasn't sure how my dog would adjust to living in an apartment (he's always lived at home with someone being there just about 24/7 and having a fenced yard to go outside). He is the best, though, and I am so happy that I brought him.

I have heard other people in my class not having the easiest time with their dogs though. Most dogs are much higher energy and need a lot more attention than mine. My dog is like the model vet student's dog. He sleeps about 20 hours a day lol and he can hold it for 12+ hours. I come home at lunch if I know I'm gonna be gone past 5 PM (I start at 8 AM), but there have been times when I couldn't come home at lunch and was going to be gone until after 5 and he is fine. He gets all excited when I get home and jumps all over the place and does the whole happy wiggle thing and then he goes outside and when we come in he plops down and goes to sleep. He thinks a long walk is the half mile walk to the mailboxes and back .

Others have had issues with having to go home to let the dog out, having to take their dog for multiple walks a day to get their energy out, having to study elsewhere because their dog just wants lots of attention when they're home because they've been gone so long.

So, it depends on the dog.

He sounds just like my dog.

 

[jmo1012]

I just want to say that while I do agree with not bringing dogs to school during class time (people have brought dogs to the school on weekends and it's usually not a big deal then), investigating the circumstances of a service animal is technically illegal (though I guess being outside the US gets them around that). I understand why they would want to, but it irks me for some reason.

yeah not being a US country equals not having US laws (completely unrelated, but there is no "official" speed limit here, drunk driving is not illegal, the campus is not handicap accessible at all, etc.). i dont know if they make good on their threat, but there are hundreds of registered service animals in a population of about 5,000. the upper vet terms probably have 50% or more service animals per class, and on any given flight at the beginning/end of the term, there can be 50+ service animals per flight.

 

[PetPony]

Not to start a debate, but it bothers me when everyone wants to make their pet a service animal just to make their lives a little bit easier. Not because it's actually needed.

 

[cowgirla]

Not to start a debate, but it bothers me when everyone wants to make their pet a service animal just to make their lives a little bit easier. Not because it's actually needed.

👍 I can sorta see it if you adopt a dog down there, and need a way to get it home, since there are so few options and most airlines wont ship dogs cargo if the temp is too high. But routine flying back and forth bothers me. Where do all these students get fake papers in the first place??

What bothers me even more is when students who have transferred to the states CONTINUE to do it. I sure wish I could fly my dogs home with me, but instead, I drove 1700 miles one way with them this summer, because I didnt want to leave them behind for a few weeks.

 

[jmo1012]

Not to start a debate, but it bothers me when everyone wants to make their pet a service animal just to make their lives a little bit easier. Not because it's actually needed.

👍 I can sorta see it if you adopt a dog down there, and need a way to get it home, since there are so few options and most airlines wont ship dogs cargo if the temp is too high. But routine flying back and forth bothers me. Where do all these students get fake papers in the first place??

What bothers me even more is when students who have transferred to the states CONTINUE to do it. I sure wish I could fly my dogs home with me, but instead, I drove 1700 miles one way with them this summer, because I didnt want to leave them behind for a few weeks.

ack i dont want to start a hate party against SGU people! i think the big reason is that of the 4 airline carriers that fly here (LIAT, caribbean airlines, AA, and British airways occasionally), only 1 (AA) lets pets in cabin. And the rule is 7 pets max per flight, so you run a very high risk of getting bumped from a flight if you have a pet with you during high traffic times. (and at least one of the layover countries has quarantine policies so you cant fly through with animals period without quarantine)

The papers aren't fake, they are all from MDs and the like.

 

[sbrdvm]

There is only 1 flight from Grenada to Miami (the only direct way to america) on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. SO only 28 pets can leave the island a week unless they are service animals. This is the main reason that people make there pets service animals so they can bring there dogs/cats with them. Most people don't have family that they can just leave there pets with either. All the letters students have come from MDs. It isn't as easy as just ordering a vest online and getting on an airplane.

 

[cowgirla]

Personally, I still don't see how its okay just because you convince an MD that "Fluffy" is a service dog. If they aren't medically required to perform a service- shouldnt be flying as service dogs. And if the MDs are signing off on it that easily, there's probably a problem there as well. Yeah, it would be great if I could go the doctor, get a piece of paper, and fly my dog home for Christmas. It would be convenient, it would be nice to go home for the holidays for the first time in 3 years, but that doesn't make it right.

It does a disservice to all the trained, legitimate dogs that provide a needed service that run into questioning because so many people are suspicious of ALL service dogs now - if you don't think it happens, try Google. Or what if someone with a horrible fur allergy is stuck on that flight with 30+ dogs? Should they be the one to have to change their flight or suffer the whole way?

As a future veterinarian, if someone brings you a form asking you to say that their dog is not a public threat, and should be allowed to fly as a service animal (Yes, this form exists. I've seen it. You can buy it on the internet), are you going to sign it for everyone that asks?
I know people who fly with aggressive dogs - because they are "service dogs" so that makes it okay. It shouldnt be "accepted" just because vet students love their pets and want to have them with them - there are plenty of in-country schools. Going overseas is a choice - And I'm not singling out SGU. I'm sure there are thousands of people around the world who would like to fly with their dogs in cabin - why are vet students the exception?

Like I said before, I'm sorta okay with it as a one time deal, "OK, get this dog that I rescued off the island and be done with it." It's the people who fly back and forth multiple times (like I said, sure would be nice if I could fly my dog home for the holiday), or continue to use it once they are back living in the states that I have the most issue with. At that point its for pure convenience, not necessity of moving your dog.


I should add: I also don't like when non-handicapped people use the blue handicapped tags for their car just to get better parking. And I know people who have done it, and know for a fact they have no reason to be parking there other than "boyfriends' cousin's best friend broke his leg and then sold me the car tag"

 

[PetPony]

I do think it's part of the reason why we have trouble with our guide dogs in training now. Technically they're allowed to go everywhere that's public, but that doesn't mean people believe they are actually legitimately guide dogs in training.

It also makes flying hard. They're not allowed in cargo (organization rules) but some airlines no longer allow us to bring them into the cabin. Very inconvenient and annoying.

 

[sazor2412]

I have my dog with me at SGU. I got her last November as a puppy she stayed with my parents until I came home at christmas and she fly back and forth with me each term. She is an "emotional support animal" just so I dont have to deal with the airline stuff. I think 99% of the students at SGU have there animals registered as emotional support or medical alert so they dont have to pay the pet fee to fly. Also, they airlines only allow 7 pet on the plane (not including emotion support/service animals). SO if they are not certified then you may be turned away from flying that day. She only goes to classes when we need dogs brought to class. I am really glad that I do have a dog. She isnt high maintains just let her out for a little while to run around then she wants to go back inside and sleep. All you have to do to bring her into Greanda is fill out a form each term and get a health certificate from the vet just as if you were going to fly to another state with a dog. There is rabies on the island so they arent concerned with you bringing rabies from the US to here. There are some of the smaller islands that are rabies free and it is really hard to fly to them, so you have to make sure you book a direct flight from the US to Grenada.

How do you register your animal ( does it work with cats?) as emotional support For airlines?

 

[christiansenle]

people sometimes bring their dogs to mizzou for review sessions or meetings at night, sometimes its fine, and sometimes its incredibly annoying when they bark or whine or try to eat people or whatever (yes, we have a girl who brings her landshark chihuahua PUPPY to school and it lunges at people).

I mean, I love my dogs, but if you feel the need to be with them 24/7 and can't be apart for an 8 ish hour school day then umm....yeah you might love them a little tooo much.

I was just talking about having a dog while I'm in vet school, not bringing them to class, but thanks for the info! I suppose I should have clarified. 🙂

 

[christiansenle]

I have my dog with me at SGU. I got her last November as a puppy she stayed with my parents until I came home at christmas and she fly back and forth with me each term. She is an "emotional support animal" just so I dont have to deal with the airline stuff. I think 99% of the students at SGU have there animals registered as emotional support or medical alert so they dont have to pay the pet fee to fly. Also, they airlines only allow 7 pet on the plane (not including emotion support/service animals). SO if they are not certified then you may be turned away from flying that day. She only goes to classes when we need dogs brought to class. I am really glad that I do have a dog. She isnt high maintains just let her out for a little while to run around then she wants to go back inside and sleep. All you have to do to bring her into Greanda is fill out a form each term and get a health certificate from the vet just as if you were going to fly to another state with a dog. There is rabies on the island so they arent concerned with you bringing rabies from the US to here. There are some of the smaller islands that are rabies free and it is really hard to fly to them, so you have to make sure you book a direct flight from the US to Grenada.

Thank you so much for the info! I'm not sure if I'd get my dog registered or anything, since I wouldn't be flying back and forth much, but it's definitely something to keep in mind!

 

[Goatherdess14]

I am a second year and I have four dogs. I live in the states (Mizzou). I have had multiple dogs my entire life and my opinion is that if you want something enough, you make it work.

I have one Great Pyrenees male (108 pound), two active Border Collie females (40-ish pounds) and one blind/deaf diabetic Border Collie (40 pounds). And a rabbit.

I did have some issue with finding housing. I settled on a duplex in a not-so-grand neighborhood. I haven't had one single issue, knock on wood, but I also have a large barking dog.

I also got a puppy this year (one of the Border Collies) and so far, so good. I had to have a friend puppy-sit her while i was at work when she was just a little tyke, but we are over that now.

The big poses his own issues because he barks a lot and hates my neighbor. But other than that and his size, he is a model citizen.

My Border Collies require a lot of attention and mental stimulation... and exercise. We walk/run most mornings, and we go to various dog classes some evenings and weekends.

The old gal is somewhat of an issue because I have to be home every twelve hours. It tooks some figuring, but so far so good.

Like I said, if you want something, you will make it work. Is dog ownership while in vet school for everyone? No. But it works for me and is worth it. It isn't impossible, just requires some sacrifices. Things are going to change once we get to clinics, for sure, but we will cross that bridge when we get there.

 

[SnowyRox]

My animals keep me sane and I don't regret getting them for a minute. I adopted a rabbit first because I wanted a sensible pet (okay, and he's SUPER adorable). But I found that I couldn't sleep in an apartment in the city without a dog. I love that she alerts me to anyone near the door and even though she's harmless, I feel safer having her here. She drives me bonkers, but I wouldn't trade her for the world.

Never had an issue with the schedule of vet school and owning a dog. In fact, it's easier than when I was working this summer because I can often bike home to walk her if I don't have a lunch talk. I love having her and I look forward to the days when I can take her out several times a day.

No issues with finding apartments near Penn that take dogs, although it helps that she's relatively little and not a pit-mix. I have had landlord issues but that's neither here nor there. I would move but it's daunting to move alone during the school year.

Maybe it would be harder if I wasn't madly in love with my critters. hahaha, crazy vet student here!

 

[orcagirl]

ack i dont want to start a hate party against SGU people! i think the big reason is that of the 4 airline carriers that fly here (LIAT, caribbean airlines, AA, and British airways occasionally), only 1 (AA) lets pets in cabin. And the rule is 7 pets max per flight, so you run a very high risk of getting bumped from a flight if you have a pet with you during high traffic times. (and at least one of the layover countries has quarantine policies so you cant fly through with animals period without quarantine)

The papers aren't fake, they are all from MDs and the like.

I didn't mean to start anything. The situation just was weird to me. I also can see why people would want their animals as service dogs. I'm lucky my dog could possibly travel in the cabin with me (if I pay her way as she's teeny).

 

[EdinBelle]

Although I haven't tried bringing my dog on a flight to SGU, I have spoke to a few airlines about traveling with my golden retriever in the cabin. He was a medical release from a guide dog school and I currently have him certified in Canine Good Citizen and Pet Therapy. Since he is 70 lbs and not a service dog, he should technically go in the cabin. However, since he is a therapy dog with his CGC and has a history of guide dog training (he rode on a plan in the cabin under my feet while he was in training) a few airline representatives were willing to work with me so that he could ride in the cabin. No exaggerating his status, no papers for an MD to sign.

Granted, I'm sure that there aren't as many people interested in traveling with a dog on just a normal flight from FL to NJ but just thought I'd throw that out there.

Personally if I go to a Caribbean school, I plan to move my dog out there once and keep him there until its time to come home for good. He gets entirely too stressed out to be capable of flying that frequently; on top of the fact that I won't have that kind of money to buy plane tickets for the both of us multiple times yearly! This is one of the main reasons why I would consider Ross over SGU.. But that's a completely different topic =)

 

[GhostBusterBill]

Although I haven't tried bringing my dog on a flight to SGU, I have spoke to a few airlines about traveling with my golden retriever in the cabin. He was a medical release from a guide dog school and I currently have him certified in Canine Good Citizen and Pet Therapy. Since he is 70 lbs and not a service dog, he should technically go in the cabin. However, since he is a therapy dog with his CGC and has a history of guide dog training (he rode on a plan in the cabin under my feet while he was in training) a few airline representatives were willing to work with me so that he could ride in the cabin. No exaggerating his status, no papers for an MD to sign.

Granted, I'm sure that there aren't as many people interested in traveling with a dog on just a normal flight from FL to NJ but just thought I'd throw that out there.

Personally if I go to a Caribbean school, I plan to move my dog out there once and keep him there until its time to come home for good. He gets entirely too stressed out to be capable of flying that frequently; on top of the fact that I won't have that kind of money to buy plane tickets for the both of us multiple times yearly! This is one of the main reasons why I would consider Ross over SGU.. But that's a completely different topic =)

Best thing about having Simer as a pet. No tickets when he flies 😎

 

[PetPony]

😕

 

[Jamr0ckin]

Adopting a pet is fulltime responsibility. Pet owners must be able to provide for their pet's physical and emotional needs. Aside from the basic needs of food, shelter and affection, pet owners need to have their pets regularly examined by a vet. One misconception is that their pet only needs to go to the vet or animal hospital in emergencies. However regular visits to the vet is essential to keep pets healthy and disease free in order to detect problems before they become serious. If you are a pet owner who lives in Liverpool and is looking for a trusted vet Liverpool area, then Ingleburn Veterinary Hospital is for you.

Seriously?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using SDN Mobile

 

[Foxhunter]

Adopting a pet is fulltime responsibility. Pet owners must be able to provide for their pet's physical and emotional needs. Aside from the basic needs of food, shelter and affection, pet owners need to have their pets regularly examined by a vet. One misconception is that their pet only needs to go to the vet or animal hospital in emergencies. However regular visits to the vet is essential to keep pets healthy and disease free in order to detect problems before they become serious. If you are a pet owner who lives in Liverpool and is looking for a trusted vet Liverpool area, then Ingleburn Veterinary Hospital is for you.

I had no idea regular vet care was important for animal health. Your post has changed my entire viewpoint on keeping pets. Thank you so much. Unfortunately, traveling to Australia for veterinary care is a little out of my price range at the moment. Do you have any recommendations for vets in the United States; I live in North Carolina, but understand that I might have to travel quite a ways for such innovative ideas like preventative healthcare and yearly exams. Thanks!

 

[EngrSC]

I had no idea regular vet care was important for animal health. Your post has changed my entire viewpoint on keeping pets. Thank you so much. Unfortunately, traveling to Australia for veterinary care is a little out of my price range at the moment. Do you have any recommendations for vets in the United States; I live in North Carolina, but understand that I might have to travel quite a ways for such innovative ideas like preventative healthcare and yearly exams. Thanks!

 

[jmo1012]

I had no idea regular vet care was important for animal health. Your post has changed my entire viewpoint on keeping pets. Thank you so much. Unfortunately, traveling to Australia for veterinary care is a little out of my price range at the moment. Do you have any recommendations for vets in the United States; I live in North Carolina, but understand that I might have to travel quite a ways for such innovative ideas like preventative healthcare and yearly exams. Thanks!

if you cannot afford to travel to australia for the health and wellbeing of your pet foxhunter, then you are clearly unfit to own an animal. you should be ashamed of yourself for providing nothing more than pure neglect to some poor animal!

 

[Jamr0ckin]

if you cannot afford to travel to australia for the health and wellbeing of your pet foxhunter, then you are clearly unfit to own an animal. you should be ashamed of yourself for providing nothing more than pure neglect to some poor animal!

👍

Sent from my DROID RAZR using SDN Mobile

 

[Foxhunter]

if you cannot afford to travel to australia for the health and wellbeing of your pet foxhunter, then you are clearly unfit to own an animal. you should be ashamed of yourself for providing nothing more than pure neglect to some poor animal!

Oh gosh. You're right, I guess I'll let my poor neglected pup outside. I'm sure she'll survive much better in the wild suburbs of Raleigh. I've heard that dogs thrive best when eating their natural predatory diet, not this crap giant corporations pass off to consumers as high-quality dog food. This has just been such an enlightening day

 

[wolfspeaker]

🤣