No need to say goodbye to your pet: These colleges welcome dogs and cats

Heading off to university is a life-changing moment for many young adults. It can be a stressful experience as they navigate their newfound independence and the rigors of challenging course work.

Colleges across the country have realized that having a pet around can help students with their emotional and social skills. That is why a growing number of colleges across the nation are letting students keep their animal partner with them on campus.

The benefits of allowing pets on campus

Studies have found that “animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood,” according to the National Institute of Health. Each type of animal can provide a different type of benefit.

For example, watching fish swim around in their tank can produce a feeling of calmness and reduce stress. Having a dog not only helps people be more physically active, but can also open the door to meeting new people.

Such was the case for Sophie Nocera, who attends Eckerd College, a liberal arts school in Florida. She told the Associated Press that her Border collie, Zuko, has not just helped her get to know people on campus, but also emotionally.

“I remember coming back to my dorm and just melting to the floor, and Zuko was right there,” she recalled when she was having doubts about changing her major. “And I remember thinking, whatever happens tomorrow, I’m going to wake up, and I’m going to take him to the dog park. And, we’re going to go play fetch regardless of what my major is.”

The senior at Eckerd, which has had a pet-friendly policy since 1973, is also the staff director of Pet Life, a student-led department on campus tasked with administering the pet policy.

Pet-friendly policies come with restrictions

The pet-friendly policies come with restrictions. Some only allow fish, others cats and some a menagerie, but only one at a time and neither venomous nor dangerous.

The schools typically have designated dorms in which students can have pets and depending on the type of pet, students may incur additional costs for cleaning.

Furthermore, most require that the owners have liability insurance for their pet and agreements with their roommate. As well, students must follow certain rules with regards to their pets like that they are healthy and vaccinated as well as being restrained when in public.

Collegexpress offers a list of schools that allow pets. Check out CX’s website to see what pets are allowed and the restrictions that apply.

Pets can be an absolute game changer for some students

Eva Chatterjee-Sutton, vice president of student life at Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, spoke to AP about her firsthand experience of how much difference having a pet around can make. She related how a first-year student was struggling to connect with other students, but after she acquired a puppy at her mother’s suggestion, the student became much more involved in campus life.

“I think it’s absolutely changed her college trajectory and her connection with others on campus,” she told the AP.

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