Savanna Hoffman
Many university students live in dormitories on campus, and some may wish to bring their pets with them. However, pet policies vary across universities, with some being more welcoming to pets than others. Generally, universities that allow pets on campus may limit students to having fish, small caged animals, or even cats. Some universities may also have specific dormitories or floors that are pet-friendly. It is important for students to carefully review the pet policies of their university before bringing a pet to campus.
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What You'll Learn
Fish are often allowed in dorms
While many colleges and universities do not allow pets in their dorms, fish are often an exception to this rule.
Some institutions, such as Louisiana State University, the University of Arkansas, the University of South Carolina, the University of California, Berkeley, Eckerd, and Middlebury College, allow students to keep fish in their dorm rooms. However, they may impose a limit on the size of the fish tank, typically restricting tanks to a capacity of 5 to 10 gallons.
Students interested in bringing fish to their dorms should carefully review the pet policies of their specific college or university, as these policies can vary greatly. Some schools may require students to register or seek approval before bringing any pets to campus, and there may be additional requirements regarding the health and vaccination status of the fish.
It is worth noting that some colleges and universities, such as MIT, allow cats or other small animals in addition to fish. However, these institutions are still in the minority, and most schools maintain strict no-pet policies. Students with pets may need to make alternative living arrangements, such as renting an off-campus apartment, if their school does not accommodate their furry, scaly, or feathery friends.
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Some colleges allow cats
While most colleges allow small animals like fish in dorms, bringing a cat to college is a little more complicated. Some colleges allow cats, but only in dedicated pet-friendly housing. For example, Washington & Jefferson College, just outside of Pittsburgh, has a pet-friendly dorm. Similarly, W&J's pet-friendly dorm, Monroe Hall, houses up to 32 students and their pets. Dogs, cats, and small animals are all welcome.
If your college does not allow cats in its dorms, you can choose to live off-campus or in an apartment near the school that accepts pets.
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Dogs are sometimes welcome
While many colleges and universities have historically been reluctant to welcome dogs on campus, this trend is changing. More than three dozen colleges in the US allow dogs on campus, even if they are not service or emotional support animals.
Some colleges allow dogs in specific dorms or residence halls. For example, the University of Northern Colorado welcomes dogs on three floors of Lawrenson Hall and in all single rooms of Belford Hall. Washington & Jefferson College allows dogs up to 40 pounds in its Pet House residences. Johnson & Wales University Providence permits dogs on select floors of three residence halls, each with a designated pet relief area. Eckerd College has been welcoming pets since 1973 and now has 16 pet residence halls.
Some colleges have certain requirements for dogs to be allowed on campus. For example, Reed College in Portland, Oregon, allows dogs in on-campus apartments, but they must be at least six months old and up-to-date on vaccinations. Similarly, Washington & Jefferson College requires dogs to be at least a year and a half old, and they must have lived with the student for at least six months.
It is important to note that colleges may have different policies regarding pets, and students should carefully review these policies before bringing a pet to campus. Some colleges may require students to apply or seek approval before bringing a pet, and there may be restrictions on the number, size, age, breed, and health status of pets.
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Policies vary by college
Policies regarding pets in university dorms vary across colleges. While some colleges only allow fish and small caged animals, others have pet-friendly dorms or floors where students can bring their furry friends. Some colleges even allow larger pets, such as dogs and cats, in their dorms or on campus.
For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) allows cats in four of its dormitories with the approval of the student government body's pet chair and the consent of their roommates. MIT also permits fish and small animals in tanks or cages in all halls. The University of Northern Colorado welcomes dogs in three floors of Lawrenson Hall and in all single rooms of Belford Hall.
Some colleges have unique pet policies. Eckerd College, for instance, has an exceedingly open pet policy, with four pet-friendly dorms dedicated to students with pets. Students can apply to have a small animal during their first semester, but larger pets are not allowed until the second semester. Lees-McRae College allows students to bring a family pet to live with them on campus after two semesters, with restrictions on the pet's age, size, and breed.
Stephens College, a women's college in Columbia, Missouri, allows a wide range of pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, mice, lizards, birds, and fish. They also offer a foster program where students can care for foster pets while living on campus and provide scholarships for participating in this program. Stetson University has a similar program, allowing students to foster and train future service dogs.
It is important to note that some colleges may require students to apply or seek approval before bringing a pet to campus. Additionally, colleges may have age restrictions for pets, arrival windows, quantity limits, and health and vaccination requirements. Students should carefully review the pet policies of their college before bringing a pet to campus.
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Service animals are allowed by law
Generally, whether or not a university student can bring their pets to their dorms depends on the college's or university's policies. While some universities are pet-friendly, allowing pets on their campuses and in their dorms, others are not.
However, service animals are allowed by law. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), colleges and universities are required to allow service animals on campus and in dormitories. Service animals are defined as dogs and miniature horses that have been trained to provide services related to a person's disability. These animals are highly trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers, such as guiding someone who cannot see, alerting someone who is deaf, or picking things up for someone in a wheelchair. They can also be trained to assist individuals who experience seizures, anxiety attacks, or diabetes.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) or Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) also protects the right of individuals to have emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing situations where pets are typically not allowed. While the ADA does not protect ESAs, the FHAA does, allowing them in university dorms. However, emotional support animals are not required to be permitted on campus outside of the dorms. Students seeking to bring emotional support animals to campus should be prepared to provide a letter from a mental health practitioner outlining their diagnosis and how the animal will help alleviate their symptoms.
It is important to note that universities may have different processes for approving service animals and emotional support animals. Students should contact the relevant office, such as the Office of Disability Services or the Disability Resource Center, to understand the specific requirements and procedures for bringing these animals to campus. Additionally, students are generally expected to be in control of their animals at all times and to follow city, county, and state laws or regulations regarding licensing, vaccination, and other requirements for animals.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the university and the type of pet. Most universities that allow pets on campus restrict students to small caged animals, fish, or amphibians. Some universities allow cats and dogs, but they often have weight and age restrictions.
Yes, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), universities are required to allow service animals on campus and in dormitories. Service animals include dogs and miniature horses that are trained to assist with a person's disability.
Some pet-friendly universities include Eckerd College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Washington & Jefferson College, Johnson & Wales University, University of Northern Colorado, and Reed College.
Yes, in addition to restrictions on pet type and size, universities may have policies regarding the number of pets, health and vaccination requirements, and designated pet-friendly housing.
Pets can provide students with companionship and comfort, boosting their mood and sense of acceptance. Additionally, universities often host events with therapy animals to help alleviate student stress and anxiety during exam periods.
