Do Colleges Allow Pets In The Dorms And On Campus?

So, do colleges allow pets? Increasingly, yes. More and more colleges and universities now allow pets in dorms and across campus, adjusting longstanding policies to meet the changing needs of students.

Having a pet in college was once a rarity, but pet-friendly campuses are far more common today as schools work to create a more supportive environment for their students.

That said, having a pet as a college student is a big commitment in terms of financial responsibility and time commitment. From explaining common pet policies to reviewing current trends on campuses, we break down the ins and outs of owning a pet as a college student to help you make the most informed decision for you and your pet!

General Pet Policies In College

Historically, colleges and universities maintained strict no-pet policies, due to concerns over allergies, maintenance, and potential disruptions to campus life. Outside of service animals, protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, pets were generally not allowed on or around campuses.

The landscape started to change, though, as the conversation around mental health and well-being for students became more prominent. Studies have shown that pets can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and offer emotional support, which is particularly beneficial when faced with a demanding academic environment. 

As awareness of the benefits grew, colleges began to reconsider their pet policies. The vast majority of changes to pet policies were focused on campus housing rules. Many schools went from banning pets in dorms to opening pet-specific dorms, wings, or rooms for students. While some colleges have breed and weight restrictions, most animals are now welcome on many campuses. 

Finding Pet-Friendly Colleges

Understanding pet policies and identifying pet-friendly campuses can be an important decision point for prospective students during the college application and decision process. Some universities that have led the way on inclusive pet policies on campus are: 

• Stephens College (Columbia, MO): Pet-friendly since 2004. Pets live in designated halls (Searcy, Pillsbury floors 1–3, and Tower), and the college runs a foster program through Columbia Second Chance. Plan on an annual pet fee (roughly $220 for a dog or cat).
• Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL): Routinely ranked the most pet-friendly college in the country. Small caged pets are allowed in any residence hall; larger pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets) are allowed in designated large-pet housing after one semester on campus. Fees run $200/year for a large pet and $50 for small pets.
• SUNY Canton (Canton, NY): Its "Pet Wing" in Mohawk Hall has welcomed cats, rabbits, fish, and other small caged animals since 1997, and a separate "Dog Floor" in Rushton Hall now accommodates dogs. Dogs, birds, snakes, and spiders are not allowed in the Pet Wing.
• Stetson University (DeLand, FL): Allows animals by application in three housing areas — University Hall, University Village Apartments (Building 300), and Stetson Cove. Approved animals include dogs, cats, fish, hedgehogs, and small caged pets, and there's a dog park on campus.
• Lees-McRae College (Banner Elk, NC): Second-year students can apply for pet-friendly rooms, and many professors allow pets in class. Dogs must be under 40 pounds (with some breed restrictions), and the campus has its own dog park.
• Lyon College (Batesville, AR): Bryan Hall is the designated pet-friendly residence hall, open to cats and dogs under 50 pounds (freshmen and transfers included). A $200 refundable cleaning deposit applies, and pets must arrive within the first two weeks of the semester.
• Pfeiffer University (Misenheimer, NC): Pet-friendly since 2017, with one designated residence hall. Dogs, cats, and aquarium fish are allowed by application; breed restrictions apply (German Shepherds and Huskies are excluded, and wild-cat hybrids aren't permitted).

These are just a few of many schools that recognize the positive impact pets can have on student well-being and community-building on campus. As such, they have made changes to their pet policies to support these values. 

When conducting your search, make sure to review campus housing policies to see if they allow pets, and which species or breeds may be restricted.

Pets In A Dorm Vs. Apartment

While updated campus policies are a huge benefit for current and incoming students, they only apply to students who live in on-campus housing. If you instead live in off-campus housing, there may be additional policies and fees to take into consideration.

Since off-campus housing isn’t governed by a single entity, policies can vary greatly. Here are a few examples of what you’ll likely encounter off-campus:

• No Pet Policies: Some apartment buildings have strict no pet policies, prohibiting any type of pets due to concerns about noise, damage, and allergies.
• ESA Allowances: These are buildings that allow animals legally designated as Emotional Support Animals for a monthly fee.
• Pet Friendly Policies: Other buildings are pet-friendly and welcome various types of pets. However, they often come with specific rules and regulations to ensure the building remains clean and peaceful.

Pet friendly buildings are becoming more and more common, but they still may have restrictions on breed, weight, and even the number of pets in a single unit. Additionally, many buildings require an initial refundable pet deposit – and sometimes monthly pet rent – to protect against any possible damages. 

There are also interpersonal considerations if you have roommates. Even if the building allows pets, it’s important to consult with any roommates you may have in case they have any concerns about living with an animal. 

Other Considerations

While housing type is an important factor in deciding whether or not to own a pet in college, there are some other items that play a role as well.

Time Commitment

College life often includes unpredictable schedules and spontaneous plans. Pets require significant time and attention, which can be challenging to balance with academic and social commitments.

Financial Cost

The cost of food, supplies, vet visits, and potential pet deposits for housing can add up, straining a student budget. For example, the average cost of owning a dog is around $1,400 per year while the average cost of owning a cat is around $1,200 per year.

Travel and Mobility

Pets can make travel difficult, whether it’s going home for the holidays or studying abroad. Since pets need consistent care, even a long day of classes and work can make it difficult to manage having a pet.

Distractions

Pets can sometimes be a distraction from studying and completing assignments. Pets are a responsibility, and they have to be balanced with the many other responsibilities that you’ll carry during the school year.

Allergies and Phobias

Roommates or visitors may have allergies to or fears of pets, causing potential conflicts or health issues. If you choose to own your own pet in college, just remember to be cognizant of who they spend time around.

Alternatives To Having Your Own Pet

If owning your own pet seems difficult for your situation, there are other ways to integrate animals into your day-to-day life as a college student.

With the growing recognition of the value of animals on student mental health, many universities have implemented programs that bring therapy animals to campus during high-stress times. Some universities have also begun partnering with humane societies to develop fostering programs for students. This allows students to foster pets temporarily on campus until the animals are adopted.

In addition to campus programs, services for pet-sitting and walking are also great opportunities to engage with animals, all while getting paid to do so! Services that connect students with pet-owners include Rover, Wag!, PetBacker, and Fetch! Pet Care. All are great options for spending time with animals in college.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do colleges allow pets in dorms?
A growing number do, but almost always only in specific pet-friendly residence halls and with prior approval. Most campuses still ban pets in general housing, so you can't assume a school is pet-friendly without checking its housing policy.

What pets are allowed in college dorms?
It varies by school. Small caged animals and fish are the most widely accepted; cats and dogs are usually limited to designated halls, often with size limits (commonly 40–50 pounds) and breed restrictions.

What's the difference between a pet, an ESA, and a service animal?
A service animal (under the ADA) is a dog trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability and is allowed almost anywhere on campus. An emotional support animal is allowed in campus housing under the Fair Housing Act with documentation, but not in public campus spaces. A pet has no legal protections and is only allowed where a school's pet policy permits.

Can freshmen have pets in college?
Sometimes. Schools like Lyon and Eckerd allow first-year students to bring at least some pets, while others (such as Lees-McRae) require students to wait until their second year.

How much does it cost to keep a pet in college?
Beyond the $760–$5,295 annual range for food and care, expect school-specific pet fees or deposits — often $50 to $220 a year — plus possible pet rent if you live off-campus.

The Takeaway

As college campuses evolve to better support the diverse needs of their students, many have begun to embrace more inclusive pet policies, recognizing the significant benefits of pet ownership. From alleviating stress and anxiety to providing companionship, pets can play a crucial role in enhancing student well-being. 

While navigating the decision to own a pet in college involves considering housing policies, financial costs, time commitments, and potential roommate issues, many universities are making it more doable through pet-friendly dorms and programs. For those who find owning a pet challenging, alternatives like therapy animal programs, fostering, and pet-sitting services offer meaningful ways to engage with animals.

Overall, having a pet as a college student can be an enriching commitment. If this is something you’re considering, getting clear on why you want a pet and understanding the ins and outs of pet ownership will help you make an informed decision that could enhance your college experience for years to come!

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