When Morgan Shaw saw her physician about fibromyalgia and depression, one of the prescriptions she received was quite out of the ordinary.

Instead of traveling to the pharmacy to fill this prescription, she went back to San Diego to pick up her dog Grayson, a 7-year-old border collie. And according to Shaw, 32, a biology student, Grayson is just what the doctor ordered.

“I realized that when he wasn’t around I had a lot of depressing thoughts going on in my head, which I never thought about when he was there with me,” said Shaw. “When I am stressed he sniffs it out, and you can’t tell him to go away.”

Medical experts have long recognized the health benefits of pet ownership that Shaw derives from her dog.

“Pets are good for our emotional and physical health,” said Nancy Peterson, an animal issue specialist for the Humane Society of the United States. “Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups.”

Since the start of spring semester, Grayson has been at Shaw’s side at all times, including during classes and extra curricular activities. Since she has a note from a doctor regarding her companion, he is considered a therapy dog and is allowed to travel with her everywhere on campus.

Whether the pet is a service dog or stay at home cat, many students at SF State rely on their furry companions to enhance their well-being and lower stress.

“My cats absolutely help my stress, and they are a constant source of affection,” said Jennifer Martin, 26-year-old Special Education major. “It’s really about having something to love.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39 percent of U.S. households own at least one dog, and 34 percent own at least one cat. About 65 million dogs and 77.6 million cats are owned.

Sherri Annis, 52, a liberal studies major, looks to her dog Bruce for more than companionship and stress reduction, as her guide dog he is essential to her mobility.

Annis said having her dog Bruce instead of a cane has helped her feel safer and more confident in figuring out her route. Although her affection transcends just an owner and pet relationship, she said.

“He is absolutely a member of the family. We are joined at the hip,” she said.

While the benefits of pets are well known, they are also an added financial and time constraint that may not be practical for everyone.

Liberal studies major John McDonald, 38, grew up around dogs and chickens and would like to have a pet but doesn’t think it will be a possibility any time soon.

“I live by myself and sometimes get bored or lonely and think it would be nice to have a cat around,” he said, “but I’m too busy and don’t have enough time to devote to an animal.”

Those who decide they will make sacrifices to have an animal don’t regret it, but admit the burden is felt.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that the yearly cost of properly caring for a healthy cat is $715, a $1,190 for a medium sized dog.

These figures may be daunting to a student on a strict budget.

Martin’s 14-year-old cat Ralph has a thyroid condition that requires her to pay $80 monthly for his care. Instead of heeding her father’s suggestion to euthanize the cat, she bears the cost for the benefit of his companionship.

“I wasn’t ready to let him go, I wanted to give the medication a chance to work,” she said.

Morgan Shaw said that when decide to bring her dog back to live with her, Shaw said that the cost of his care was a consideration.

“On my limited income, I asked myself if the benefit of stress reduction would equal out the expense, and it definitely has,” she said.