When you picture move-in day at your teen’s college dorm, you probably think of duffel bags, shower caddies, and too many throw pillows — not a dog bed, a bag of kibble, and a lint roller on overdrive. But a growing number of colleges across the U.S. are now allowing pets in dorm rooms.
According to the Associated Press, schools like Eckerd College in Florida, MIT in Massachusetts, Stephens College in Missouri, and the University of Northern Colorado have embraced pet-friendly dorms, with rules ranging from cat-only floors at MIT to a 40-pound weight limit for dogs in Colorado. Administrators say the trend isn’t about making Instagram cuter (obviously) — it’s about supporting student mental health. Pets, they argue, help ease stress, loneliness, and even homesickness, while giving students a sense of responsibility.
Why Colleges Are Saying Yes
The benefits are more than anecdotal. Students say their pets help them stay grounded, make friends, and even get through tough days. Eckerd senior Sophie Nocera told the AP she probably knows more pets than people on campus, since most students greet her Border collie, Zuko, before they acknowledge her. She also credits Zuko with helping her through a major life decision: “Whatever happens tomorrow, I’m going to wake up, and I’m going to take him to the dog park,” she told AP.
Another student at Northern Colorado admitted to the Associated Press that she picked the school because of its pet-friendly policy — and when she’s stressed, nothing helps like cuddling her cat Louie. Any pet owner knows exactly how the student feels. It’s one of the reasons why so many households — 71% of American households — have pets.
Administrators say pets can literally change a student’s college trajectory. At Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, one student who struggled to connect became far more engaged on campus after her mom suggested she get a puppy, according to the AP story.
What Parents Should Consider
Of course, adding Fido to the dorm checklist is not all cuddles and tail wags. Pets mean real responsibility: daily walks, roommate allergies, surprise vet bills, and the fact that your teen might already struggle to remember to do laundry, let alone clean a litter box. Some schools charge pet fees (Stephens College students, for instance, pay $220 annually for a cat or dog, according to the AP), require liability insurance, and even draft roommate contracts. And yes, they’ve had to solve problems like how not to traumatize a bearded dragon during a fire alarm.
The Upside & the Challenges
On the plus side, schools say pets can boost student engagement and provide structure. Some even go so far as to let pets cross the graduation stage alongside their humans — yes, Zuko the Border collie will be getting his own cap-and-gown moment when Nocera graduates, which is definitely a very cute perk. But critics worry about what happens when midterms hit and the dog hasn’t been walked in two days. That’s why schools like Northern Colorado require pets to be at least six months old, healthy, and vaccinated, and some insist students name a backup caregiver.
The Bottom Line
As more campuses roll out pet-friendly dorms, parents face a new question: would your teen thrive with their furry best friend by their side, or is college the time to learn independence without the added responsibility? Either way, don’t be surprised if the packing list now includes a scratching post — right next to the mini fridge.
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