Here’s good news for any student who loves pets: pet-friendly colleges and universities are on the rise. Right now, there are still plenty of student accommodations that don’t allow pets, but don’t despair. If you simply can’t bear the thought of leaving your beloved pet at home for months on end while you’re in college, then you should be able to find a pet friendly university or college. I’m out there.
Almost all colleges have a policy to disapprove of students who keep pets. This is so for a variety of reasons. Pets are generally considered to be smelly, loud, and capable of biting or scratching. Another big concern is that some students may have allergies. Additionally, there is a possibility that once the novelty of having a pet wears off and students are busy with their academic (and social) pursuits, they may neglect or abandon their pets. That wouldn’t be beneficial to other students, and it certainly wouldn’t be beneficial to the pet either.
There is a very positive development going on. Many authorities are starting to realize that having pets can be very beneficial. For one thing, they’re a great stress reliever. It also appears that pet owners tend to be happier and more relaxed than non-pet owners. Having pets around can be very beneficial for college students. It can help them cope with the stress of exams when that time comes. Pets can also help reduce the initial feeling of homesickness at the beginning of the term.
The largest pet colleges and universities
The closest to being pet friendly colleges and universities in regards to most, is to allow fish or small reptiles. Seems pretty “safe”, right? Of course, guide dogs and other service animals are welcome. However, in recent years, many more colleges and universities are licensing certain animals on an experimental basis. This is good news for college students who would rather go to college with their pets.
Two major and reputable universities allow cats that have been spayed or neutered, namely MIT and UCLA. They also require that all pet vaccinations are up to date and that the pet is registered with the campus housing office. Every resident on the floor must approve the cat before he can stay there “” to avoid allergy problems, for example.
Eckered College has special “pet dorms” where cats and dogs are allowed, though they must weigh under 40 pounds, and again, all vaccinations must be up to date. Stephens College will allow cats, dogs and rabbits in one of its halls, but only on the first floor, so pet “places” are limited.
Vassar College has had a pet policy since 1971, although it operates a voting system and requires at least 75 percent of a dorm’s residents to vote in favor of allowing pets before the dorm becomes a “dormitory for pets.” pets”.
CALTEC will allow cats into their dorms, as will the State University of New Your. The University of Pennsylvania will allow hamsters, birds and rabbits.
As you can see, many prestigious colleges and universities will accept pets. An increasing number are considering the possibility each year, so when applying be sure to ask if pets are allowed at the university. You may be happy to find that you can bring your pet with you when term begins.