By: Sarah Boutin
As students pack for their new college dorms, they might be saddened by leaving their most prized possessions behind: their pets, that is why colleges should consider opening their dorms for pets.
It can be hard for some students to transition their home lives into college life. Most students have close connections with their pets. It can be difficult to not be able to see them every day. More colleges have started to open their dormitories for pets of any kind.
Most colleges have policies on what animals can be kept as pets while living in the dorms. These policies can vary between being allowed to have small pets like fish. These policies do not apply to emotional support pets. Colleges though have started to change their policies to welcome bigger pets like dogs and cats.
Pets provide a comfort and a touch of safety for students, especially new students who are nervous to start college. It also brings in a sense of responsibility.Students, who for the first time from families cannot rely on them anymore for things. Students will need to gain independence and responsibility for their new life. What better way to gain responsibility than taking care of an animal?
Having pets is also a great way for students to stay active. College life for some students can include just lounging around or playing video games. With a pet it will require students to take them on walks, change their bedding, go to the store for necessities and take them for checkups. The Pittsburg Post-Gazette reported, “Animals ward off homesickness and breed responsibility in otherwise harried and forgetful young adults, say those developing policies. The pets can boost student productivity and improve the overall campus experience” (2019). By learning how to take care of a pet, students are basically learning how to take care of each other.
Allison Strandberg, a psychology major attending California Baptist University, said she would love to bring her pet, but does worry about other students.
“I have a dog back home in Oregon that I always miss and would love for him to be here, but there would have to be safety precautions for students who could be allergic,” Strandberg said.
Colleges know the limitations in order to provide a safe environment for everyone. That is why if you choose to have dogs or cats in your dorm, students must take care of their pets separately from other students so they are not affected.
Bryce Acosta, computer science major at CBU, said he likes the potential idea of having bigger pets on campus, but does not know if he could handle all that responsibility.
“It is a cool idea to have your pets with you, but personally it is not for me because balancing school and work and a pet can be too much responsibility,” Acosta said.
The option is not for everyone, but it can bring in a lot of potential students. A lot of people love their pets and having a pet friendly campus can give colleges a boost in admissions. Colleges like La Salle University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Northern Colorado and Stephens College are just some colleges that allow big pets in dormitories. Each year the number of colleges is rising and trying out this new pet friendly option. The Washington Post reported, “The decision came in response to rising requests from prospective students — and their parents — for such a perk,” (2018) in a response to Southeast Missouri State University adding the pet option.
Students from colleges across the country are asking to bring
their pets to their dorms and colleges are responding back. Colleges might be
apprehensive about the decision, but it does not hurt to try. Taking care of a
pet can teach students responsibility, empathy, time management and they will
learn how to take care of themselves as well. There are many benefits to having
a pet friendly college living area so why not give it a chance? Looking back at
your college years and say you did it with your best furry friend by your side
can be the experience of a lifetime.
College Lifestyle 