Owners should allow pets to come indoors

In 2018 at least 50 reported deaths of pets occurred due to the cold weather. Yet despite these and other startling statistics, not all dogs and pets come indoors. People have different thoughts on leaving their pets outside; some let their pets come and go as the please, some only leave them outside when they're not home, some leave their pets outside all the time, and some don’t have a fenced in yard so they take their pets on regular walks. Dogs should be allowed inside and all cats should be kept indoors.

Dogs love their owners and being apart from them can make them lonely or frustrated. According to a study by scientists in Budapest, “Not only do dogs seem to love us back, they actually see us as their family.” A Gallup poll has revealed that 76% of dog owners and 67% of cat owners buy their fur-babies toys at Christmas, futher suggesting that many owners see their pets as people worthy of recieving gifts. Dogs are pack animals are thrive off of interaction with humans and other dogs. Their ancestors, wolves, do everything together. Dogs were domesticated for a reason: to be with humans.

Leaving pets outside can be dangerous for pets due to inclement weather and wild animals. A dog in my own neighborhood recently got killed by a coyote. Cats life spans can be cut short when they are let outside. According to University of California-Davis, “An indoor cat may live 15-17 years, while the life expectancy for outdoor cats in only 2-5 years.” When pets are let outside they can get fleas and ticks, eat plants that can be toxic, or fall victim to the weather. Cats can get lost or mistaken as a stray and taken in by someone else or a shelter.

Not only do outdoor cats endanger themselves, they also hurt small animals. According to the American Bird Conservancy, “Cats have contributed to the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles in the wild.” Most outdoor cats are still being fed cat food so when they do hunt it is for fun; they don't even kill the animals out of necessity. According to USA Today cats kill as many as 3.7 billion birds each year in the US alone.

Some people may argue that when dogs and cats are let indoors they can make messes like tracking dirt and cat litter around the house or shedding on the furniture. If owners are not willing to clean up after their animals, though, they should not have one. Part of the responsibility of an animal is training them not to make messes and to clean up after them if they do. If a person does not want his pet to get fur everywhere, choose a breed with shorter fur! If a person is worried about allergies they should not even consider getting a pet. Some may argue that wolves and other ancestors of pets survived in the wild but dogs and cats have been domesticated and selectively bred to be with people.

When asked if dogs should be left outside Emma B., a freshman at Airport, said, “No, I think that leaving dogs outside without being able to come in at all isn’t fair to the dogs.”

Freshman Alaina M. said, “two of my dogs stay outside all the time without supervision… when it gets cold we let them inside.”

Lily B., a freshman, said, “I don't see why someone would get a pet if they are just going to leave it outside all day, especially with the weather in South Carolina. If the animal isn't made to survive in the heat then don’t leave it outside all day. Of course I'm not talking about animals that are too big and other exotic animals.” When asked about allowing cats outside she suggested a catio or leash opposed to letting their cat roam.

Leaving pets outside is not a good idea. It can be a danger to their health, mental and physical, and a danger to other species. If people are worried about getting their house messy they should consider another type of pet or not get one at all. Dogs and cats were bred to be with people so we should let them be with people.