A growing number of universities across the US are allowing students to bring pets to live with them in campus housing, with the aim of reducing stress, anxiety, and homesickness. Institutions such as Eckerd College in Florida, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stephens College in Missouri, and the University of Northern Colorado have implemented pet-friendly policies, each with its own set of restrictions and requirements.
Federal law mandates that public and private US colleges must permit service animals and emotional support animals in student residences. However, beyond legal obligations, more universities are voluntarily allowing non-service pets such as dogs, cats, and small caged animals, recognising their potential impact on student wellbeing and engagement.
Policies vary by institution and animal type
At Eckerd College, a liberal arts institution in St. Petersburg, Florida, students can bring family pets to campus after their first semester. The college’s rules stipulate that pets must have been part of the student’s home life for at least six months and cannot be venomous or aggressive. According to the Associated Press, the college has accommodated a variety of animals over the years, including bearded dragons, guinea pigs, turtles, snakes, birds, rabbits, frogs, fish, and even a tarantula.
MIT, in contrast, limits its policy to cats only. The animals are permitted in specific preapproved dormitory spaces and must meet institutional guidelines. Stephens College allows a broader range of pets, charging an annual fee of $220 for cats and dogs, $50 for caged or aquarium-dwelling animals, and nothing for fish.
The University of Northern Colorado permits students to keep one pet in designated pet-friendly halls, with requirements such as the animal being at least six months old and weighing no more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms). Jediah Cummins, executive director of housing at the university, stated that the upcoming academic year will see the highest number of registered pets on campus since the policy began over a decade ago, as reported by the Associated Press.
Students report emotional and social benefits
Students across these universities have described significant emotional benefits from pet ownership. Sophie Nocera, a senior at Eckerd, lives on campus with her Border collie, Zuko. As reported by the Associated Press, Nocera observed that people on campus often know pets' names more readily than students'. She also shared that her dog provided comfort during a period of academic uncertainty, offering a consistent routine and emotional grounding.
Molly Cheer, a nursing major at the University of Northern Colorado, chose her school partly due to its pet-friendly policy. According to the Associated Press, she adopted her cat, Louie, in her first year and noted that cuddling him helped manage academic stress.
Eva Chatterjee-Sutton, vice president of student life at Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, shared an instance in which a student struggling with social connections became more engaged on campus after bringing a puppy, as reported by the Associated Press.
Campuses adapt to the needs of pets and owners
Implementing pet-friendly housing has prompted institutions to develop new protocols. At Eckerd, staff consider safety, noise, cleaning requirements, and animal welfare. Pet fees, roommate agreements, health documentation, and public restraint policies are commonly enforced. The Associated Press reported that Eckerd even celebrates pets’ roles in students' lives by allowing them to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Nocera, who also serves as staff director of Pet Life, a student-led department managing pet policy at Eckerd, told the Associated Press, “This upcoming year, I’ll be graduating, and Zuko will be in his little pet graduation ceremony, walking across the stage with me.”
While pet-friendly policies are not universal, they are becoming a notable trend in the landscape of student housing in the US.
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Federal law mandates that public and private US colleges must permit service animals and emotional support animals in student residences. However, beyond legal obligations, more universities are voluntarily allowing non-service pets such as dogs, cats, and small caged animals, recognising their potential impact on student wellbeing and engagement.
Policies vary by institution and animal type
At Eckerd College, a liberal arts institution in St. Petersburg, Florida, students can bring family pets to campus after their first semester. The college’s rules stipulate that pets must have been part of the student’s home life for at least six months and cannot be venomous or aggressive. According to the Associated Press, the college has accommodated a variety of animals over the years, including bearded dragons, guinea pigs, turtles, snakes, birds, rabbits, frogs, fish, and even a tarantula.
MIT, in contrast, limits its policy to cats only. The animals are permitted in specific preapproved dormitory spaces and must meet institutional guidelines. Stephens College allows a broader range of pets, charging an annual fee of $220 for cats and dogs, $50 for caged or aquarium-dwelling animals, and nothing for fish.
The University of Northern Colorado permits students to keep one pet in designated pet-friendly halls, with requirements such as the animal being at least six months old and weighing no more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms). Jediah Cummins, executive director of housing at the university, stated that the upcoming academic year will see the highest number of registered pets on campus since the policy began over a decade ago, as reported by the Associated Press.
Students report emotional and social benefits
Students across these universities have described significant emotional benefits from pet ownership. Sophie Nocera, a senior at Eckerd, lives on campus with her Border collie, Zuko. As reported by the Associated Press, Nocera observed that people on campus often know pets' names more readily than students'. She also shared that her dog provided comfort during a period of academic uncertainty, offering a consistent routine and emotional grounding.
Molly Cheer, a nursing major at the University of Northern Colorado, chose her school partly due to its pet-friendly policy. According to the Associated Press, she adopted her cat, Louie, in her first year and noted that cuddling him helped manage academic stress.
Eva Chatterjee-Sutton, vice president of student life at Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, shared an instance in which a student struggling with social connections became more engaged on campus after bringing a puppy, as reported by the Associated Press.
Campuses adapt to the needs of pets and owners
Implementing pet-friendly housing has prompted institutions to develop new protocols. At Eckerd, staff consider safety, noise, cleaning requirements, and animal welfare. Pet fees, roommate agreements, health documentation, and public restraint policies are commonly enforced. The Associated Press reported that Eckerd even celebrates pets’ roles in students' lives by allowing them to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Nocera, who also serves as staff director of Pet Life, a student-led department managing pet policy at Eckerd, told the Associated Press, “This upcoming year, I’ll be graduating, and Zuko will be in his little pet graduation ceremony, walking across the stage with me.”
While pet-friendly policies are not universal, they are becoming a notable trend in the landscape of student housing in the US.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
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