Student sues GVSU, says she needs pet for support - WSBT-TV

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Student sues GVSU, says she needs pet for support WSBT-TV (AP) — A student is suing a Michigan university for the right to keep a guinea pig on campus for emotional support. Kendra Velzen says Grand Valley State University in western Michigan is violating federal housing rules. The 28-year-old from Grand ...

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[lemonham]

I personally think that all college students should be allowed to have guinea pigs as pets.

[doganddisc]

I personally think that all college students should be allowed to have guinea pigs as pets.

I disagree. I think there are rules in place for a reason. Most college students barely have time for everything they're doing and adding a pet to that kind of schedule only results in lack of proper care for that pet.

I am a college student and the only reason I'm able to care for my animals as well as I am is because I have the help and support of my family and because I skip a ton of classes to stay home and play with my animals.

[ThePigAlchemist]

While I would have loved to keep my guinea pigs in my dorm room, I think the biggest issue was the lack of space. I'm still a college student, and I'm living on my own, but my apartment is perfect for my guinea pigs.

[pocketmonster]

I disagree. I think there are rules in place for a reason. Most college students barely have time for everything they're doing and adding a pet to that kind of schedule only results in lack of proper care for that pet.

I am a college student and the only reason I'm able to care for my animals as well as I am is because I have the help and support of my family and because I skip a ton of classes to stay home and play with my animals.

I don't totally agree with this. I am a full time student and have ample time for three piggies (soon to be four!). I definitely agree that it depends on your major, though. I am a design major and almost everything can be done from my computer so unless I'm in class, I'm usually in my room with my piggers.

However, I don't agree with the girl in the article, either. Campus policies regarding pets are in place to please everyone. Pets, no matter how clean, can invite situations that may not be ample for every student living in that dorm (allergens to hay, dander, etc.). I live in an apartment with my three piggies but agree that on-campus students wouldn't have the time or the resources to accomodate an animal.

[doganddisc]

I don't totally agree with this. I am a full time student and have ample time for three piggies (soon to be four!). I definitely agree that it depends on your major, though. I am a design major and almost everything can be done from my computer so unless I'm in class, I'm usually in my room with my piggers.

For the record, I'm not saying absolutely no college student should have a pet ever. I'm saying many who live on campus should not. The average college student wants a pet until they realize how much of a commitment it is.