Should you adopt a pet because you’re lonely abroad?

A pet is a human’s best friend — loyal, comforting, and always there to brighten even the darkest days. We depend on each other more than we realise, forming bonds that run deep. 

So when it’s time to move to a new country, leaving a beloved pet behind can be heartbreaking.

If we cannot bring them along, the next best thing is to adopt another pet while there.

But is it a good idea?

Mimi is Sourav De’s white Shiba Inu, a dog he met near the supermarket while grocery shopping with his friend (now wife) in Taiwan. Source: Sourav De

Hear it from international students with pets

Sourav De, an assistant professor at National Tsing Hua University and a former PhD student at National Cheng Kung University, knows a thing or two about adopting a pet while studying abroad. 

“Mimi, my Shiba Inu, is my pride and joy,” says De. “When I first saw Mimi, she was calm, and I asked my friend [now wife] if I should bring her home. After having a few conversations about Mimi, I decided to bring her home.”

Taking care of a puppy wasn’t easy, and De quickly second-guessed his decision. But De and his wife weren’t going to give up so easily.

“We said to ourselves, ‘No, once we have made a decision, we will have to stick with it and keep it,” he says.

Now, Mimi is proving why a dog is a man’s best friend. De and Mimi have travelled the world together, including to countries like Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, and many more.

Gadjali and Honey. Source: Natasha Elyssa Gadjali

For Natasha Elyssa Gadjali, it was a little different — she couldn’t imagine a life without a dog, so she walked into an animal shelter to adopt one. 

“Back home in Indonesia, I have around 25 dogs,” Gadjali shares. “I’ve spent my life around dogs that I can’t imagine my life without one. Besides, no matter how many friends you have around you, living in South Korea can be a very isolating experience, so that’s when I decided that adopting a dog was the best idea.”

But before you follow in De’s and Gadjali’s footsteps, it’s important to pause and reflect on your own motivations.

Ask yourself this question: Are you adopting a pet because you’re lonely?

Adopting a pet while studying abroad can be a deeply fulfilling experience, but it also comes with long-term responsibilities that go far beyond companionship.

A survey commissioned by HABRI and Mars Petcare found that 85% of respondents agree that interaction with pets can help reduce loneliness, and 76% agree that human-pet interactions can help address social isolation.

While feelings of loneliness are valid, bringing an animal into your life solely to fill an emotional void can lead to challenges — for both you and the pet. 

So, ask yourself, “Are you adopting a pet because you’re lonely?” and “Are you ready to care for another living, breathing thing while taking care of yourself, not just emotionally, but also financially, physically, and mentally?” 

For Gadjali, it was the loneliness that got her to adopt her dog, Honey, while studying in South Korea. 

Honey in a Yonsei sweater. What a cutie. Source: Natasha Elyssa Gadjali

“I’ve been telling everyone, ‘Maybe I should adopt a dog, ’” she says. “But what really pushed me was the loneliness I felt on my birthday. It was during my summer classes, and I was like, ‘God, I’m so lonely. I want to go home, but I’m unable to do so. What should I do?’, so I decided that adopting a dog was the solution.” 

The adoption was on a whim, and there were times when Gadjali doubted her decision. 

“There are times when I thought, ‘Oh man, I really shouldn’t have adopted Honey,’” she shares. “But I don’t regret the decision at all. I’ve been blessed with friends who love dogs who help me out.”

Still, even with the support of friends, Gadjali admits that the reality of adopting a pet abroad comes with its own hurdles. In fact, she advises against adopting a pet as an international student. 

“Unless you’re fully confident in your time management skills and finances of raising another living creature, I’d say don’t do it — don’t adopt a pet while studying abroad,” she says. 

“And I’m saying that from an older sister’s point of view — don’t do it, no matter how much you really want to. But hey, I mean, I did it, and I can’t stop you. So if you’re going to do it, just be fully prepared for what you’re bringing yourself into.”

What you’ll have to worry about:

If you’re dead set on adopting a pet, even if it’s a pet fish or rock, here are some things you should consider.

Time and commitment 

Pets, especially dogs, require more than just food and shelter — they need attention, exercise, and companionship, just like humans.

Honey is a Dachshund. Fun fact, they aren’t built for distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming. Source: Natasha Elyssa Gadjali

As a student, your schedule may be packed with classes, part-time work, and social obligations. Adding a pet into the mix means sacrificing time and flexibility.

You’ll need to walk them regularly, spend quality time with them, and make sure they’re not left alone for too long. Unlike a project or exam, you can’t “pause” a pet when life gets busy. 

When Gadjali has classes to attend, she’d send Honey to a day care. That could be an option for you, too, if you can afford it. For when she has social obligations, she’ll bring him along. 

“My friends love dogs, and I’ve been very blessed that they help me out,” she shares. “Honey is well-loved and is always included in everything.”

Vet bills, food, and everything that involves money

Now here’s where finances come in.

Healthcare for pets isn’t cheap, especially in countries where pet insurance may not be common or accessible for international students. From vaccinations and check-ups to unexpected emergencies, vet bills can quickly add up.

It’s so expensive that even pet owners have the misconception that vets are money grabbers. 

In South Korea, a pet owner spends an average of 300,000 won (approximately US$217) to 400,000 won (approximately US$290) per year on check-ups for healthy pets, according to The Korea Times. 

As of 2025, ManyPets found that the average cost of a veterinary consultation in the UK stands at 58.29 pounds – an 8% increase from the previous year. If you were to own a pet in the US, a routine vet visit can range from US$70 to US$174 for dogs and from US$53 to US$124 for cats. 

Accommodations that will allow pets 

Finding pet-friendly housing can be one of the most challenging aspects of being a student with an animal. 

Many university dorms and shared apartments have strict no-pet policies. Even if you find a place that allows pets, there may be additional fees or requirements. 

A loophole you could jump through is getting a fish in a tiny tank — but even then, some universities don’t allow fish. 

Let’s take Iowa State University as an example. Animals, including visiting animals, are prohibited in on-campus housing, unless they’re non-dangerous fish that are in an aquarium that’s less than 30 gallons. If it’s an emotional support animal, it must be registered with the university housing department. 

For Gadjali, she rents an officetel, a type of mixed-use building that combines features of an office and a hotel, often functioning as a studio apartment.

youtube.com/watch?v=pDp1XMr8BRY&pp=ygUNcGV0IGNhcmV0YWtlcg%3D%3D 

Finding a caretaker for when you go on holiday

One of the biggest challenges student pet owners face is planning around school breaks or spontaneous travel. 

Unlike roommates or friends who can just pack a bag and go, having a pet means you need to make arrangements well in advance. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a visit back home during the holidays, you’ll need someone reliable to care for your animal. 

This isn’t always easy — especially in a foreign country where your social network might be limited. Gadjali shares that she’s been lucky to have dog-loving friends who are willing to help out, but not everyone is in that position. 

Professional pet boarding services exist, but they can be expensive and may not be readily accessible in every area.

A Reddit user shares, “Overnight prices depend on the size of your pet (dog). If you have a big dog (anything over 10kg), the prices may start at 30,000 won (US$21.70) per night.” 

Pet boarding costs in the US typically range from US$25 to US$65 per night in the US. In the UK, you can expect to pay 15 pounds (US$20.38) to 100 pounds (US$136) per night. 

Bringing them home after graduation

Finally, when your programme ends, the question becomes: what happens next? 

International students need to factor in the logistics of shipping three to four years of their life back home. But if you have a pet, you’ll have to consider the costs of taking your pet back home — a process that can involve paperwork, quarantine periods, and expensive flights. 

In some countries, it can even take months of planning.

“I brought my dog back for my summer holidays,” Gadjali shares. “It was very hard to deal with it. There are many things you need to prepare for, for example, blood tests and vaccinations. Once that’s done, the vet will have to send it to an organisation for a set of results, which you’ll then ship to your home country for another process in order to obtain an import permit.”

That’s not all; she had to bring her dog to a quarantine agency three days before she flew off. She then had to call the airlines to inform them that she was getting a pet on board. Gadjali also has to make sure the dog carrier is the right cabin size. 

“I’ve been back home for a few days now and my dog isn’t even out of the quarantine centre,” she says. 

The most painful aspect of this process is the significant expense involved. 

Pet relocation can often cost between US$125 to US$200, sometimes even running up to US$1,000. If you’re looking to relocate them through international pet transport, the cost may range from US$1,000 to US$6,000.

Another downside of relocating your pet is that it can cause them severe stress.

Knowing all these things, do you still think you’re ready to adopt a pet while being an international student? 

If the answer is yes, then the journey ahead might just be one of the most meaningful parts of your time abroad.

Because in the end, a pet isn’t just there for you — you have to be there for them, too.