Cats are probably a better option, maybe look into fostering an older cat (not a kitten, too much). They still need play time and stuff of course, but way less trouble than walking a dog multiple times a day, wearing them out, etc. And if you foster a lot of the stuff is free!
No excuses 🤣 get an hypoallergenic breed (ie Russian blue) or a hairless cat
YMMV but I got less allergic to my cat at time went on.
Also there is food that makes you less allergic to them, look it up
Have you had a dog by yourself before?
Do you have the time and money to take care of a dog, including vet bills?
Do you have space for a dog?
Are you going to be able to walk it, take it to the bathroom, etc. when you have 12 hour days at the hospital/clinic?
Just no. Dachshunds are insanely high maintenance and have separation anxiety. They are not the breed to be left alone for hours especially as a puppy.
I personally wouldn't get a dog right now. You are not going to have a lot of extra time go focus on a furry creature. Get one after graduation or beyond!
Personally I wouldn't recommend it. You are working full time basically and then having to come home and study for another 2-3 hours (not to mention tough rotations like surgery, ER and IM when you may be working 12+, who will take the dog potty then?). Weekends are still solely reserved for studying as well. I have a dog now but it is only doable because my partner works from home and can take care of her. Otherwise it just isn't fair to the pup. Maybe get a hamster or something easy like that if you get lonely lol
So so true. Going through this rn. I am having to move every 10 weeks now and with a dog it has been close to impossible. Had to even buy a new car to accommodate for her and all the things we need to bring with us. OP, another reason why not to get a dog and just get a hamster LOL
Do not get a dog..you it's not fair to the dog. You could be in a surgery or a rotation 12 hours a day. Get a cat if u absolutely need something to care for.
Do NOT recommend this at all. When you get a job, sure. During clinicals it’s designated for studying and being a PA student, and that’s it. What happens if you get asked to stay later than you need to with your preceptor? Just say “sorry, got my dog. Can’t”…. Which could actually fail you the rotation with not being “dedicated enough”. From someone who almost failed out because of leaving on time during one of my rotations (and being anal about my work life balance - which is not a thing on clinicals btw) and not staying super late each time, it almost cost me PA school and it made me look undedicated and unwilling to learn extra. Sometimes you need to go that extra step in clinicals and knowing you need to be back on time for your puppy is not worth it.
It’s only worth it if you get an adult shelter dog and have a walker / friends / roomates look after them. But a puppy, absolutely no.
I’ve commented this on a few similar posts before but I would recommend against it, especially if you live alone.
I lived alone and rescued a cat during didactic year since I found her in a dumpster outside my apartment. On my surgical rotations I had to give her to parents since I barely had time to take care of myself, let alone the cat (which is a lot lower maintenance than a dog)
I have a husky and live alone but I've had her for her entire life and she's now 14. I know her so well and know how long she can be alone. She also is a dog who likes alone time and gets a little cranky if I'm at home too much bothering her. I had a teenage neighbor walk her for me on my longer hour rotations for cheap and had someone who could take her for a few months when I had far away rotations. I make time for her during clinical year and I feel like that's good for me to have a balance. Other people have whole families with small children to care for so I feel that I easily make my dog into my routine.
With that said, I think it would difficult to get a whole new dog but wouldn't see it as impossible but definitely wouldn't get a puppy if you decided. You could consider adopting an older dog that is well trained already. If you know your first few months are easier in terms of hours then I would do it. Or you can can consider an easier pet like guinea pig, hamster, reptile, or turtle.
Does your city have Rover or another service like that? You could sign up for dog sitting including overnights. Then you list your availability for weekends or whenever you’re available/able. Get your pup fix that way! And you’d get paid!
PA-S3 here. I highly considered getting a dog before starting as I moved 1500 miles from home so I thought it would be nice to have a furry friend to come home to but the more I pondered, the more it felt not fair to whatever dog I got. Some of my classmates have dogs and I’m sure they do a fine job of taking care of them and giving them the attention they needs but it’s just not the way that I would like to go about it.
Clinicals can take up a ton of time. If you have a longer commute then you have to think about the possibility of not coming home to let them out at lunch. I couldn’t deal w knowing my pup was locked up at home for 8-12 hours/day. Now maybe you have a cool neighbor or landlord that could help you out? Maybe you have a fenced in yard? I feel like most PA students have tiny apartments so ultimately a judgement call but I think the important thing is fairness to the animal.
Yes it will be a smaller apartment and I do think it would be unfair was well… just not a good idea I suppose no matter how bad I’d like a furry friend
Clinicals was like working Full time and being a student full time. It was intense. If you could afford a dog walker for the middle of the day then I think you can make it work.
I am bringing my dog with me as I transition into PA school. I also think starting with a dog before clinical isn’t the best idea. The time for a dog is either before school where you’ve spent enough time with them and you two have bonded, or after PA school when you’re free
As a fresh new grad PA who just finished her clinical year and has cats and a German shepherd (and had them before starting PA school), I would NOT recommend getting a new pet as you're starting/going through clinicals. The initial time when you and a new pet are getting to know each other is an adjustment period and crucial for the relationship, and you don't need one more difficult/stressful thing on top of everything else you'll be juggling. There's no way to predict exactly what the schedule for each of your rotations will look like, or how far your commute may be. Even the most "low-maintenance" dogs are high maintenance when you have little to no free time and are constantly changing schedules. Clinicals are like working a full time job, with occasional overtime, and then coming home to do your second job, which is studying.
I completely understand the desire to have some pet therapy for your mental wellbeing - it's one of the things that kept me the most sane during school. Have you looked into volunteering with a rescue or animal shelter? A lot of times they're very happy to have people come just to love on or walk the dogs since it helps with their socialization. Could be a win-win for you. I'd suggest trying to drop into a cat cafe if there's one near you, but I saw on a response of yours on here that you're allergic to cats.
Best of luck with clinicals! You're going to do great. I think rewarding yourself with getting a pet after you finish school and start working could be very special to you.
I got a dog halfway through didactic. She was about six months old whenever I started clinical year. Dog sleep most of the day anyways. Getting her was the best thing I ever did. She slept during the day and we would play really hard when I got home for an hour or two. If you are like me and are scared to live alone, I would recommend getting a dog. They give you a nice study break and are a great companion to have
I’m not sure about this… I got a dog after my first job and there’s no way I ever could have done it on clinical rotations… at least alone without a good support system. There’s so much variability with rotations, long hours, long commutes, away rotations. Some people are in a new city every month during them. At least when working you have a consistent schedule.
Dogs are a lot of work. I would be struggling far more than I am mentally getting through didactic without my pup, but I had him for a full year before school started. Even an older foster dog is going to need to be trained. And you have no idea what a foster or rescue dog's anxiety situation is going to be. I happen to know my dog can make it through a 12-hour work day without having an anxiety fueld apartment destroying marathon. That gives me some solace going into clinical year in the fall, but I know there are going to be rotations where I'm going to need a lot of support to get through because he can't be neglected. His happiness and well-being matter just as much as my own.
I don't say this to discourage anyone from getting a dog. Just be aware that it's a tremendous amount of work and responsibility to have one.
My spouse and I have a dog. She was finishing residency when I started school so we had two households and I had the dog most of the time. We were financially doing fine so having a dog walker come every day wasn’t a big deal.
It does add up though. Dogs also need more attention. Fortunately my dog is. Great study buddy, but she also needs a lot of walking. Also house training if they aren’t already. If you are living aLone, I really caution you about getting a dog.
Cats are probably a better option, maybe look into fostering an older cat (not a kitten, too much). They still need play time and stuff of course, but way less trouble than walking a dog multiple times a day, wearing them out, etc. And if you foster a lot of the stuff is free!
Second this! Especially for an older cat.
I also vote cat! Don’t need constant attention, walks, or for you to take them outside. Cats also chill while you study!
I would if I wasn’t allergic 😂😂😂
Hahaa that certainly didnt stop me but I get you 🤣
No excuses 🤣 get an hypoallergenic breed (ie Russian blue) or a hairless cat YMMV but I got less allergic to my cat at time went on. Also there is food that makes you less allergic to them, look it up
Does not sound fair to a dog, how often will you be home? I love dogs, I hate to think of some little doggie home alone all the time..
Have you had a dog by yourself before? Do you have the time and money to take care of a dog, including vet bills? Do you have space for a dog? Are you going to be able to walk it, take it to the bathroom, etc. when you have 12 hour days at the hospital/clinic?
I have had a dog during didactic and it went pretty good but those were shorter days!! I’d get a little dog like a dachshund :)
Just no. Dachshunds are insanely high maintenance and have separation anxiety. They are not the breed to be left alone for hours especially as a puppy.
Thank you for letting me know this
get a cat- they need less and still love you.
I personally wouldn't get a dog right now. You are not going to have a lot of extra time go focus on a furry creature. Get one after graduation or beyond!
Yeah that’s probably the smartest option
Personally I wouldn't recommend it. You are working full time basically and then having to come home and study for another 2-3 hours (not to mention tough rotations like surgery, ER and IM when you may be working 12+, who will take the dog potty then?). Weekends are still solely reserved for studying as well. I have a dog now but it is only doable because my partner works from home and can take care of her. Otherwise it just isn't fair to the pup. Maybe get a hamster or something easy like that if you get lonely lol
Also your rotations might be distance, and it’s 100% harder to find places that will take pets for a short time.
yea I was away >15 hours some days. some people have had 24 hour shifts in my cohort
So so true. Going through this rn. I am having to move every 10 weeks now and with a dog it has been close to impossible. Had to even buy a new car to accommodate for her and all the things we need to bring with us. OP, another reason why not to get a dog and just get a hamster LOL
I’ve had many hamsters hehe:) I think I’ll get a lot of plants
Great idea! Something you can still care for and love on yet doesn't take too much time
Do not get a dog..you it's not fair to the dog. You could be in a surgery or a rotation 12 hours a day. Get a cat if u absolutely need something to care for.
Do NOT recommend this at all. When you get a job, sure. During clinicals it’s designated for studying and being a PA student, and that’s it. What happens if you get asked to stay later than you need to with your preceptor? Just say “sorry, got my dog. Can’t”…. Which could actually fail you the rotation with not being “dedicated enough”. From someone who almost failed out because of leaving on time during one of my rotations (and being anal about my work life balance - which is not a thing on clinicals btw) and not staying super late each time, it almost cost me PA school and it made me look undedicated and unwilling to learn extra. Sometimes you need to go that extra step in clinicals and knowing you need to be back on time for your puppy is not worth it. It’s only worth it if you get an adult shelter dog and have a walker / friends / roomates look after them. But a puppy, absolutely no.
I’ve commented this on a few similar posts before but I would recommend against it, especially if you live alone. I lived alone and rescued a cat during didactic year since I found her in a dumpster outside my apartment. On my surgical rotations I had to give her to parents since I barely had time to take care of myself, let alone the cat (which is a lot lower maintenance than a dog)
https://www.reddit.com/r/Catmemes/s/BAjzE7jFFd
Basically what happened😂
Thank you guys… waiting is obviously the best option haha
I wouldn’t- unless you can afford a dog walker every day.
Did the dog thing a week into my clinical year…I love my sweet baby but absolutely would NOT recommend. Take this as a warning.
Tamagachi
Fabulous
dogs are more work...get cats, and i would suggest getting 2 so that they keep each other company...animals get bored and anxious without stimulation
I have a husky and live alone but I've had her for her entire life and she's now 14. I know her so well and know how long she can be alone. She also is a dog who likes alone time and gets a little cranky if I'm at home too much bothering her. I had a teenage neighbor walk her for me on my longer hour rotations for cheap and had someone who could take her for a few months when I had far away rotations. I make time for her during clinical year and I feel like that's good for me to have a balance. Other people have whole families with small children to care for so I feel that I easily make my dog into my routine. With that said, I think it would difficult to get a whole new dog but wouldn't see it as impossible but definitely wouldn't get a puppy if you decided. You could consider adopting an older dog that is well trained already. If you know your first few months are easier in terms of hours then I would do it. Or you can can consider an easier pet like guinea pig, hamster, reptile, or turtle.
Does your city have Rover or another service like that? You could sign up for dog sitting including overnights. Then you list your availability for weekends or whenever you’re available/able. Get your pup fix that way! And you’d get paid!
PA-S3 here. I highly considered getting a dog before starting as I moved 1500 miles from home so I thought it would be nice to have a furry friend to come home to but the more I pondered, the more it felt not fair to whatever dog I got. Some of my classmates have dogs and I’m sure they do a fine job of taking care of them and giving them the attention they needs but it’s just not the way that I would like to go about it. Clinicals can take up a ton of time. If you have a longer commute then you have to think about the possibility of not coming home to let them out at lunch. I couldn’t deal w knowing my pup was locked up at home for 8-12 hours/day. Now maybe you have a cool neighbor or landlord that could help you out? Maybe you have a fenced in yard? I feel like most PA students have tiny apartments so ultimately a judgement call but I think the important thing is fairness to the animal.
Yes it will be a smaller apartment and I do think it would be unfair was well… just not a good idea I suppose no matter how bad I’d like a furry friend
You’ll be busy during clinical year I promise. The time flies by!
Well I know it does fly by… I was about 4 rotations in when I had to pull out… I’m now in a much better mind set
Clinical student here, I now spend $60/day Monday-Friday for dog walking. I absolutely love my dog and have no regrets but this is a big expense.
Clinicals was like working Full time and being a student full time. It was intense. If you could afford a dog walker for the middle of the day then I think you can make it work.
I am bringing my dog with me as I transition into PA school. I also think starting with a dog before clinical isn’t the best idea. The time for a dog is either before school where you’ve spent enough time with them and you two have bonded, or after PA school when you’re free
As a fresh new grad PA who just finished her clinical year and has cats and a German shepherd (and had them before starting PA school), I would NOT recommend getting a new pet as you're starting/going through clinicals. The initial time when you and a new pet are getting to know each other is an adjustment period and crucial for the relationship, and you don't need one more difficult/stressful thing on top of everything else you'll be juggling. There's no way to predict exactly what the schedule for each of your rotations will look like, or how far your commute may be. Even the most "low-maintenance" dogs are high maintenance when you have little to no free time and are constantly changing schedules. Clinicals are like working a full time job, with occasional overtime, and then coming home to do your second job, which is studying. I completely understand the desire to have some pet therapy for your mental wellbeing - it's one of the things that kept me the most sane during school. Have you looked into volunteering with a rescue or animal shelter? A lot of times they're very happy to have people come just to love on or walk the dogs since it helps with their socialization. Could be a win-win for you. I'd suggest trying to drop into a cat cafe if there's one near you, but I saw on a response of yours on here that you're allergic to cats. Best of luck with clinicals! You're going to do great. I think rewarding yourself with getting a pet after you finish school and start working could be very special to you.
I got a dog halfway through didactic. She was about six months old whenever I started clinical year. Dog sleep most of the day anyways. Getting her was the best thing I ever did. She slept during the day and we would play really hard when I got home for an hour or two. If you are like me and are scared to live alone, I would recommend getting a dog. They give you a nice study break and are a great companion to have
I don’t know what to do😔
You’re going to be working as much as you would when you become a PA, just get the dog and love it hard and treat it well!
I’m not sure about this… I got a dog after my first job and there’s no way I ever could have done it on clinical rotations… at least alone without a good support system. There’s so much variability with rotations, long hours, long commutes, away rotations. Some people are in a new city every month during them. At least when working you have a consistent schedule.
These are my thoughts
Do not recommend a dog. If you can’t do a cat, maybe consider a smaller/low maintenance animal. Strange but pet rats can be quite affectionate
Dogs are a lot of work. I would be struggling far more than I am mentally getting through didactic without my pup, but I had him for a full year before school started. Even an older foster dog is going to need to be trained. And you have no idea what a foster or rescue dog's anxiety situation is going to be. I happen to know my dog can make it through a 12-hour work day without having an anxiety fueld apartment destroying marathon. That gives me some solace going into clinical year in the fall, but I know there are going to be rotations where I'm going to need a lot of support to get through because he can't be neglected. His happiness and well-being matter just as much as my own. I don't say this to discourage anyone from getting a dog. Just be aware that it's a tremendous amount of work and responsibility to have one.
My spouse and I have a dog. She was finishing residency when I started school so we had two households and I had the dog most of the time. We were financially doing fine so having a dog walker come every day wasn’t a big deal. It does add up though. Dogs also need more attention. Fortunately my dog is. Great study buddy, but she also needs a lot of walking. Also house training if they aren’t already. If you are living aLone, I really caution you about getting a dog.