The intersection with dogs, cats and other animals is part of the campus life of students at Eckerd College, a liberal arts school that allows pets to live in dorms.
Sophie Nocera, a senior at Eckerd, said she probably knows her pet’s names better than her fellow students.
“That’s for a lot of students,” said Nosera, who lives on the St. Petersburg campus with Zuko’s border collie. “When I walk my dog, I often hear them say, ‘Oh, what a god, hi, Zuko!” It’s like I’m not there either. ”
From Massachusetts Institute of Technology to Stephen’s College in Missouri, select colleges and universities across the country welcome pets in campus residences.
For students, dating can help reduce stress, anxiety and homesickness. The university also sees the benefits of helping students engage and build connections with each other.
Federal law requires public and private universities to allow service and emotional support animals in student residence halls. However, many schools allow pets and there are various restrictions.
Not all animals are welcome on pet-friendly campuses
MIT only allows cats with a limited number and pre-approved space. At Eckerd, students can live together their family pets on campus after their first semester. The university requires that pets be part of student home life at least six months before they arrive on campus and should not be toxic or aggressive.
Northern Colorado University allows students in more than 12 campus dorms to have dogs and cats. The animal must be at least 6 months old and below 40 pounds (18 kilograms). Students are restricted to one pet. Jedier Cummins, executive director of housing, will have the most registered pets on campus since the school began allowing campus most registered pets this fall.
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“One of the markers of adulthood is, ‘Can I take care of another organism, not just myself?” That’s an important part of this,” Cummins said.
Senior nursing major Molly Cheer said he chose northern Colorado for pet-friendly policies. When she was highlighted about school, she said it would help her return to Louis, the cat she adopted in her first year.
“Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I pick him up and hold him, and he handles it as long as he needs it,” she said.
Eckerd has had a pet-friendly dormitory since 1973. Jack Layden, dean of residential life and student engagement, said the university hosts hundreds of animals, including rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, birds, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, Geckos, Turtles, Sonekes, Frogs, Frogs and fis.
Pets change the owner’s university experience
Nosera said she not only helped Zuko meet others on campus, but also helped her meet emotionally when she struggled with her decision to change her major.
“I remember going back to my dorm and melting onto the floor. Zuko was right there. No matter what happens tomorrow, I’ll wake up and take her to the dog park.
At Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, Eva Chatterjee Saton saw the difference that pets make when first-year students struggled to make connections before their mother proposed puppies. After the dogs arrived, students became more involved in campus life, said Chatterjee Satton, vice president of student life.
“I think it definitely changed her college trajectory and connections with others on campus,” Chatterey Sutton said.
Residence Halls set boundaries and become creative to support pet owners
Pet-friendly dormitories should consider things like safety concerns, noise complaints, ways to avoid animals in fire alarms, and additional costs for cleaning, Layden said. Some schools charge pet fees that vary depending on the school and type of pet and are often included in housing costs. For example, Stephens College has an annual fee of $220 for a dog or cat. Others require students to have a liability insurance and roommate contract. Pets need to be detained in public places, and most universities require students to ensure that their pets are healthy and vaccinated.
Eckerd and other universities recognize the role of pets in student life at graduation, and in some cases they can go through the initiation stage together.
“Keeping a pet is obviously not for everyone. It’s totally fine,” Nosera said. “But for those who fit it right, it’s worth it. I’m graduating this next year. Zuko will be out at his little pet graduation ceremony and walk the stage with me.”
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