In attempts to completely understand the responsibilities of pet ownership, we asked two veterinarians and a certified veterinary technician and animal rights advocate who work around Isla Vista their opinion on college students owning pets. Dr. Evelyn Brand highlighted that "the human animal bond is a really remarkable thing". Pet ownership can really bring a lot of joy to one's life but it is important to remember it is a huge responsibility and a life long commitment. Dr. Hilary Quinn emphasized that "financial, social, and time constraints should all be given deep consideration before taking on this responsibility". The idea of getting a new puppy or kitten may seem fun and exciting; I mean who wouldn't want to cuddle and play all day. But what about taking responsibility for another life, spending your savings on vet bills when you need to pay rent that week, staying home on a Friday night instead of going out with friends, or waking up in the middle of the night because your puppy needs to use the bathroom? Alisha Dally, a certified veterinary technician and a devoted animal advocate parallels owning a pet to having a child; "a dog must be fed and looked after, get exercise and health care. A dog is not a couch pillow or backyard security system just like a kid isn't a doll". Alisha also has noticed that many of the pet owners in Isla Vista are not stepping up to be forever homes for the pets they take into their care. "Most college students I see with pets treat them like their school year bike or lease agreement. The end of every year you see ads and ads looking for long term pet sitters so a student can go home for the summer or 'rehoming my baby' ads or outright abandoning". Dr. Hilary Quinn, a veterinarian in Goleta has noticed "a concerning trend among a select few college students to obtain pets as a spur of the moment decision, and then to abandon them when they graduate or move". She urges "prospective pet owners to take stock of their time, schedule, finances (the adoption fee is just the tip of the iceberg!) and what their future might hold before taking on responsibility of caring for another living being". An animal can bring great joy to your life, but the decision to take on this responsibility is one that definitely shouldn't be taken lightly.