Rabbits during College?

[Joeythenethie]

Hi everyone

I may be going away for university in the coming fall, and I’m not sure what to do with my bunny Joey. We’re pretty close, hanging out with him is always the brightest part of my day. I could either move out to a university out of town, or go to a university in my home town, which is a bit less prestigious but still good. I was wondering if anyone had to go to college and bring their bunny with them, and how they did it. I know that most residences don’t allow pets, and finding an apartment that allows pets would be pretty slim. I’d hate to have to give Joey away, but I would do what’s best for him. Any advice is appreciated

[Wick & Fable]

Bringing a rabbit to an on campus dormitory does not seem wise to me. Too many things out of your control, not to mention you as a college student in that environment is really going to affect how you do or do not stick with your rabbit’s already established routine.

Finding off campus housing that allows a pet rabbit would be better because when you’re outside campus, you’re mentally more prepared to switch back to -rabbit owner- mode. I’m currently searching for apartments in DC and there are only a handful of places I found that wouldn’t allow Wick. I think you could find a place and its more likely for off campus than on campus to allow a pet.

If you cannot find proper college accommodations, it’d be important to figure that out sooner than later, because rehoming properly can be a long process in order to help the rabbit transition. Speaking with the new home, helping them read body language and signals, and just generally giving you and your rabbit time to establish that separation when it’s possible for you to still visit if the rehoming doesn’t seem to be working.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Deleted User]

I got a rabbit during college, but he was a rescue that came my way and I couldn’t say no. I definitely wouldn’t recommend that anyone currently in college or planning to enter college in the near future get a rabbit (or any other pet).

I went to school in a city that had ample off-campus apartments. I only lived on campus my first year, because it was required by the school, and the dorms were absolutely no place for a rabbit. Even at my “fancy” private school, freshman dorms were small and noisy. Most people had roommates, and there were definite prohibitions against having any pets (as well as candles, toasters, and a trillion other things).

Having a rabbit off-campus was still a lot of work for me, and logistically it made the whole college experience a lot harder. I was lucky that I had a roommate who also had pets (cats and a dog), so when she went away for a few days, I’d take care of her animals, and vice versa. I also spent a year studying abroad, and did a lot of extensive traveling during the summer breaks, and my rabbit went “home” to stay with my parents, which wouldn’t have been an option if my parents weren’t “animal people” who I could trust with him.

If it’s important to you to have the “classic” college experience, with study abroad, hosting parties, and being able to take spontaneous weekend trips with your friends, you might want to start looking for a new home for Joey.

[Author]

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