If you’re an animal lover heading to college, choosing a school that allows pets in dorms can make your transition to college life smoother.
Whether you have a dog, cat, or a small animal like a hamster or fish, certain colleges recognize the emotional support pets provide and offer housing accommodations for them.
These schools ensure you don’t have to leave your furry (or feathered) friend behind.
Here are some of the top colleges that allow pets in dorms:
1. Eckerd College (Florida)
Eckerd College is one of the most well-known pet-friendly colleges in the country, and for good reason.
Located in sunny Florida, Eckerd allows students to bring a variety of pets, including dogs under 40 pounds, cats, birds, and even rabbits.
The school has dedicated pet-friendly housing where students can live with their animals. Thanks to this, pets are well cared for and don’t disrupt non-pet-owning students.
What makes Eckerd stand out is its proactive approach to integrating pets into student life.
Believe it or not, the school even has a pet council that manages pet-related concerns and policies.
That’s how they help students create a community where pets and students coexist peacefully. So, if you’re an animal lover, Eckerd’s supportive environment makes it a great place to bond with your pet while balancing your academic life.
2. Stephens College (Missouri)
Stephens College in Missouri offers a unique pet-friendly program called “Pet Central.”
Here, students can bring not just dogs and cats, but also small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs.
The campus provides a nurturing atmosphere for pets, with plenty of open green spaces where students can walk and play with their animals.
One particularly remarkable thing about Stephens College is that they offer pet care services to help students manage the responsibilities of owning a pet while keeping up with their studies.
This support system ensures that your pet is well cared for, even when your schedule gets busy.
Thus, for students who dream of bringing their pets to college, Stephens is an excellent choice that fosters a true pet-friendly community.
3. Stetson University (Florida)
At Stetson University, located in Florida, students have the option of living in pet-friendly dorms, where a range of animals—including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds—are welcome.
Stetson emphasizes responsible pet ownership. For this, they provide clear guidelines to ensure that pets are well cared for and that non-pet-owning roommates feel comfortable too.
Wondering what’s especially unique about Stetson’s pet policy?
Well, it’s the sense of responsibility it fosters in students.
In particular, the school encourages pet owners to ensure their pets are well-behaved, healthy, and comfortable in the dorm environment. T
his focus on mutual respect between pet owners and other students makes Stetson’s pet-friendly dorms a great option for those looking to balance academic life with the joy of pet ownership.
4. Lees-McRae College (North Carolina)
For students who are passionate about animals, Lees-McRae College in North Carolina is a fantastic option.
Not only does the college allow pets like cats, dogs under 40 pounds, and small caged animals in its pet-friendly dorms, but it also offers a focus on wildlife and animal studies.
As a result, it is perfect for those interested in pursuing animal-related careers.
Lees-McRae has an active animal-loving community, and the campus itself is surrounded by natural beauty, providing plenty of space for students to walk their pets or enjoy the outdoors.
The college’s dedication to integrating animals into campus life makes it an excellent choice for students who want to bring their pets with them and be part of a community that shares their passion for animals.
5. Washington & Jefferson College (Pennsylvania)
Washington & Jefferson College takes a unique approach to pet-friendly living with its “Pet House.”
This is a designated dorm where students are allowed to live with their pets, including cats, dogs under 40 pounds, birds, and small reptiles.
The Pet House fosters a community of pet owners who support each other in caring for their animals while managing their academic responsibilities.
Washington & Jefferson’s commitment to pet-friendly housing shows how much they value the emotional well-being of their students.
The college recognizes that pets can help reduce stress and anxiety, making the adjustment to college life smoother.
With a dedicated space for pet owners, this school is perfect for students looking to bring their pets with them to college.
6. University of Northern Colorado (Colorado)
The University of Northern Colorado offers pet-friendly dorms where students can bring small pets like cats, hamsters, and birds.
The school emphasizes the positive impact pets have on student mental health, helping reduce stress and providing comfort.
UNC’s pet policy is designed to create a harmonious living environment for both pet owners and other students.
In fact, UNC provides detailed guidelines to ensure that pets are cared for responsibly.
This school recognizes the important role that pets play in students’ lives and supports their well-being by allowing them to bring small pets to campus.
It’s a great option for students looking for a more relaxed, pet-friendly living situation.
7. MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
MIT may be known for its world-class academics, but it also offers a pet-friendly housing option. Yes, MIT allows students to have cats in certain dorms, providing a supportive space for pet owners.
The pet policy at MIT ensures that students can enjoy the emotional support that pets provide without compromising the cleanliness and functionality of the dorms.
While MIT’s pet policy is primarily limited to cats, the school’s approach to accommodating pet owners shows its commitment to student well-being.
So, guess what?
If you’re a cat lover heading to one of the top universities in the world, MIT is a great place to bring your feline friend.
8. Johnson & Wales University (Rhode Island)
At the Providence campus of Johnson & Wales University, students can bring small dogs, cats, and other small pets to designated dorms.
The school understands the importance of pets in students’ lives and creates a community atmosphere where pets are welcome.
Johnson & Wales has made it a priority to ensure that pet owners feel supported, providing ample green spaces for walking pets and enforcing clear pet care guidelines.
For students who want to experience city life while still enjoying the companionship of their pets, this university offers the perfect balance.
9. SUNY Canton (New York)
As one of the few state universities with pet-friendly dorms, SUNY Canton allows students to bring pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and small caged animals.
The school’s pet-friendly housing program is a major draw for animal lovers looking for an affordable education with the added benefit of bringing their pets to college.
SUNY Canton goes beyond just allowing pets—it creates a community where pets are celebrated.
Interestingly, the campus even hosts pet-centered events, providing a fun and inclusive environment for students and their animals.
10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois)
The final pet-friendly university on our list is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
This school offers a pet policy that allows non-carnivorous pets, such as fish and small caged animals like hamsters or turtles, in specific dorms.
While the pet policy is more limited than at some other schools, it’s still a great option for students who want to bring small pets with them to college.
For students who don’t have the time or space to care for a dog or cat, the University of Illinois offers a pet-friendly solution with its non-carnivorous pet policy.
This will allow you to enjoy the companionship of a small pet without the additional responsibilities that come with larger animals.
Final thoughts
Choosing a pet-friendly college is a big deal if you can’t imagine life without your furry companion. Leaving your pet behind when heading off to college can feel heartbreaking.
But as you can see, you don’t have to.
Colleges like Eckerd College, Stephens College, and Stetson University lead the way in providing housing options that allow pets, creating a supportive environment for animal lovers.
Whether you have a dog, cat, or a smaller pet, finding a school that supports your love for animals can make college life much more fulfilling and less stressful.