These Colleges Are Welcoming Pets in Dorms to Reduce Students’ Stress and Anxiety
On some campuses, it’s no surprise to pass a student walking a dog or spot a cat sitting in a dorm window. Schools that let pets live in student housing see it as a way to ease the stress of college life and help students feel less cut off from home.
Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been running its pet program since 1973. Over the years, students have brought everything from dogs and cats to rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, and even a tarantula. The tradition runs deep: at graduation, pets join their owners on stage.
The Benefits Of Having Pets On Campus
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College can be stressful, with heavy coursework and the pressure of figuring out adult life. For many students, coming back to a pet after a long day can help ease anxiety and homesickness. Nursing major Molly Cheer at the University of Northern Colorado says her cat Louie has been her comfort since freshman year. When school feels overwhelming, spending time with him helps her reset.
Administrators see value beyond stress relief. Jediah Cummins, executive director of housing at Northern Colorado, says caring for a pet shows maturity and independence. Students are required to balance their own responsibilities along with the care of an animal, which he calls a marker of adulthood. At Northern Colorado, dogs and cats must be at least 6 months old and weigh under 40 pounds, and students are limited to one pet. This fall, the school anticipates a record number of registered animals since introducing the program more than a decade ago.
Rules And Restrictions Keep Things Running Smoothly
While the idea of pets in dorms might sound chaotic, schools set boundaries to make it manageable. MIT has a strict policy, allowing only cats in specific, pre-approved spaces. Eckerd requires pets to be part of a student’s household for at least six months before living in dorms. Aggressive or venomous animals are not allowed, and most campuses require proof of vaccinations and good health.
Costs are another consideration. At Stephens College in Missouri, the annual fee is $220 for a dog or cat, $50 for smaller caged pets, and nothing for fish. Other schools may ask for liability insurance or signed roommate agreements. Housing staff also have to plan for noise concerns, safety during fire drills, and additional cleaning needs.
Changing The College Experience
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The presence of pets often alters students’ experiences of college life. At Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, one first-year student was struggling to make connections until her family suggested she bring a puppy. Vice President of Student Life Eva Chatterjee-Sutton said the dog completely shifted the student’s involvement and helped her engage more with her classmates and campus activities.
Pets can also break the ice between strangers. At Eckerd, students frequently stop to greet one another, often leading to new conversations and friendships. This sense of community benefits the wider campus, not just pet owners. For some students, having a pet also provides stability during moments of doubt or stress, reminding them that life continues beyond academic challenges.