At some colleges in the U.S., students can live with their pets on campus. For example, Eckerd College in Florida allows dogs, cats, and many other animals in the dorms. Students say pets make life better by reducing stress, anxiety, and homesickness.
Sophie Nocera, a senior at Eckerd, lives with her Border collie named Zuko. She said she often knows the names of pets more than the names of students. Zuko also helps her meet people and gives her comfort when she feels sad or stressed. Eckerd has had pet-friendly dorms since 1973, and students even created a group called “Pet Life” to manage the rules.
Other colleges also have pet policies. For example, MIT in Massachusetts allows only cats, while the University of Northern Colorado lets students keep dogs or cats under 40 pounds. Many schools require pets to be at least six months old, healthy, and non-aggressive. Students usually can only have one pet, and some schools charge a pet fee for cleaning and care.
Students choose pet-friendly schools for companionship. Molly Cheer, a nursing student at Northern Colorado, said she picked that college because of its pet policy. She feels better when she cuddles her cat Louie after a stressful day. College staff say pets help students build responsibility and stronger social connections.
Allowing pets also brings challenges for colleges. Schools must think about safety, fire alarms, noise, and cleaning costs. Some ask for roommate agreements or liability insurance. At Stephens College in Missouri, students pay $220 per year for a dog or cat, while smaller animals cost less.
Despite the rules, many schools celebrate pets. At some graduations, pets even walk across the stage with their owners. Nocera said she will graduate this year, and her dog Zuko will join her in a special “pet graduation ceremony.”
For many students, pets are not just animals—they are friends who make college life less lonely and more joyful.
-Peace News Desk