River Club has a 2-pet maximum, with a few restricted breeds.
Lots of UGA students want a pet to snuggle and play with them in their Athens apartment, but you need to think about what kind of schedule you have and apartment rules. There are lots of places in UGA Off-Campus Housing that allow pets, so if you do want to bring an animal, you should be able to. However, apartments will usually limit what kinds of pets they allow. When looking for apartments, it's a good idea to note their pet policy because not every apartment in Athens is the same. Several communities will allow cats and dogs, but they might have breed or weight restrictions. Other pets like guinea pigs, lizards, and fish may be allowed but it depends on the individual apartment community. If you are planning on having an animal, think about what kind of schedule you have. UGA students can have classes during most of the day, and then maybe go to a part-time job or organization meetings. Especially with a dog, being gone more than eight hours several times a week can leave the dog in a bad situation. So, if you are busy but want a pet, think about something with less time and maintenance involved. You can find more things to consider about owning a pet in college in this article here.
Pros of having a pet in your Athens apartment
Having a pet can be a lot of fun. Having a cuddle buddy while studying is always the best, not to mention the physiological benefits they can also bring. Pets can help lower anxiety and stress levels, what college student wouldn't want that? A dog can help you stay active by taking them outside to play and on walks, and a cat would love to catch any stray flies you might have in your apartment.
Cons of having a pet
Unfortunately, having a pet in your UGA apartment isn't a great option for everyone. For starters, most pet-friendly Athens apartments will have you pay a pet fee, which can be as little as $10 a month but can grow depending on the Athens apartment. Some people will try to get by this by hiding their animal, however, it usually does not end well and in some cases, could get you evicted. Also, having a pet takes up a lot of time. Dogs need daily exercise and to be let out several times a day. Cats are less maintenance but still need to be entertained and someone to clean their litter box. Leaving town can also be difficult if you are not going to a place where you can take your pet.