A recent study showed that college students who have pets are less likely to be depressed or suffer from loneliness. The Ohio State University study found that students with pets typically rely on the pet to help them through stressful or depressing times.

James Gause, a licensed professional counselor with Montgomery Area Mental Health, said pets really help with many mental illnesses.

“Prisoners on death row keep pets and it cuts down on violence by a large percentage,” Gause said.

Gause said the prisoners are just like depressed or stressed out individuals, and the effects of having a pet around are the same. He added that the responsibility and care of the animal gives the individual something to look forward to.

“Having a responsibility to have a pet calms you down and brings you back to the real world,” Gause said.

Gause said that putting pets into the mix gives people a renewed view on life. He added that in some cases pets help extend some people’s lives. He said that he has seen many of his patients get animals and greatly improve their depression and other mental illnesses.

April Rogers, a UNA student and Shoals P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Worth Saving) volunteer, said her agency sees a large number of college students showing interest in adopting a pet.

Rogers added that students who are willing to give pets plenty of love, food and exercise are ideal candidates to adopt a pet.

“It’s very important for everyone to adopt instead of buy because thousands of animals are euthanized every year right here in the community,” Rogers said. “This area has a lot of high-kill shelters.”

Rogers said Shoals P.A.W.S. has opportunities for students who do not have the means to adopt dogs.

Rogers suggested students who do not have a large home or yard could adopt a cat. She said cats typically are better inside-the-house animals.

“P.A.W.S has many volunteer opportunities and so does the Florence Animal Shelter to deal with the animals, especially if [students] want hands-on experience with an animal,” Rogers said.

Rogers also suggested that people who want an opportunity to be a foster parent for pets can do just that. She added that P.A.W.S. works solely on foster homes to take care of their animals.

“[Fostering] is a good option if someone cannot adopt because fostering is usually short term until a permanent home is found,” Rogers said.

For more information on adopting a pet, visit shoalspaws.com.