The Best Pet-Friendly College Dorms in the U.S

Sunshine Wilson
Did you know that there are dozens of pet-friendly college dorms in the U.S.? These pet-friendly college dorms allow college students to have their family pet live with them while they are enrolled at the facility.

All pet-friendly college dorms have their own pet policies that must be adhered to by student pet owners. Pets must be up to date with applicable vaccinations. Dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered. While students are in class, pets must be appropriately confined for their own safety and that of the other dorm residents. There are varying restrictions as to the types and sizes of pets allowed.

Why are these colleges offering pet-friendly college dorms? In addition to providing companionship, pets have been shown to relieve stress and homesickness in collage students. Pets also give college students a sense of responsibility. In general, they are healthier and happier and usually become better students.

The Best Pet-Friendly College Dorms in the U.S. - Eckerd College

Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. This pet-friendly college dorm allows students to have dogs under forty pounds, cats, ferrets, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, turtles, fish and non venomous snakes under six feet long. The Eckerd College Pet Council enforces the college's pet policy. Pets, who must be registered with the Pet Council, must be at least one year old. Pets will be issued an Eckerd College ID card. In addition, dogs and carts will receive an Eckerd College ID tags for their collars. See the Eckerd College website to read the pet policy in full along with its restrictions.

The Best Pet-Friendly College Dorms in the U.S. - Stephens College

Stephens College is a pet-friendly all women's college located in Columbia, Missouri. The dorms at Stephens College have allowed pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, lizards and birds, since 2004. One of the dorm buildings, referred to as "Pet Central", also includes a doggie daycare where dogs may stay while students are in class. Their pet policies are managed by the college's Pet Council, which consists of students and faculty members. Dogs and cats must be registered locally and must be at least a year old. See the Stephens College website for more about their pet policies and restrictions.

The Best Pet-Friendly College Dorms in the U.S. - Washington & Jefferson College

Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pennsylvania, allows pets in one of their dorms called the Pet House. This pet-friendly college dorm permits dogs less than forty pounds, cats, birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, turtles and fish. Pets must be a minimum of old years old and locally registered. Only one pet per room is allowed. See the Washington & Jefferson College website for more information.

Published by Sunshine Wilson

Sunshine is a freelance writer, a certified professional dog trainer and an electrical engineering consultant.  View profile

19 Comments

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  • Jennifer Bove8/7/2010

    I never even thought of this, great write up

  • Memmay Moore7/19/2010

    Never heard of this...great idea.

  • Lynn Mason7/15/2010

    Wow I had no idea there were pet friendly colleges __ don't tell my son he is all signed up to go to a not pet friendly college but is already missing his cat!

  • Matt Bica7/9/2010

    I didn't realize this! I'm looking to meet new people on AC and I will post a comment for every comment you send me so we both get page views! I'm a huge dog lover so I find your articles interesting!

  • Jack Wellman7/9/2010

    I had no idea that any colleges allowed pets. This is so cool. I am thinking of going back to get my masters and we will see if an old dog can learn new tricks. I'm not as think as I smart I am! LOL

  • CJ Mathis7/7/2010

    I didn't realize there were pet friendly dorms at the colleges. Wonderful.

  • Tricia Sabol7/7/2010

    I'm with many of the others in that I didn't know that dorms allowed pets. Interesting article!

  • Jennifer Wagner7/7/2010

    How neat! I didn't know any dorm allowed pets, but that would really help a student feel less lonely.

  • Dina Quirion7/7/2010

    I didn't know this, very good... :o)

  • Ellen Burford7/7/2010

    That is a great idea. It would really make leaving home a little easier

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