Happy National Puppy Day, otherwise known as one of the cutest days of the year! Not only is March 23 designed to celebrate our furry friends. It’s also a chance to raise awareness about puppy mills and pet adoptions.
Of course we couldn’t let this adorable holiday pass without honoring the pups in our own way. So today we’re taking a look at some of the most pet-tastic opportunities on college campuses!
Shannon’s dog Bug was a rescue from CareRVA. He is blind and three-legged, but loves to cuddle!
PET-FRIENDLY COLLEGES WITH UNIQUE ANIMAL POLICIES
For students who dread the idea of leaving their pets behind when they move away to college, we’ve got great news! Some schools do allow pets on campus. But there is always a BUT! Take a look at these unique pet policies:
Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL)
This small liberal arts college isn’t just known for its gorgeous waterfront campus. It also happens to be the #1 pet-friendly college in America. That’s because Eckerd has a generous pet policy, allowing students to bring cats, dogs, chinchillas, rabbits, even snakes with them to college. If you cringe at the thought of living next door to a big, scaly creature, though, don’t worry. Eckerd has clearly delineated small and large pet housing buildings, extensive safety requirements, and a dedicated Pet Life Staff to ensure everyone’s comfort.
In addition to its unique pet policies, Eckerd also has some special campus traditions dedicated to its pet population. Every fall, the college offers a pet blessing, and when it comes time for spring graduation, President Annarelli presents outgoing animals with their very own diplomas. And if you check out the school’s website and social media accounts, you’ll see that the “student” body of pets are honored with their own Instagram accounts and are often featured by Eckerd’s Pet Life Team.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cat lovers at MIT are in luck! The university allows feline companions in four of its dorms. But before you start moving in the litter box, there are a few other boxes to check. Students must get written consent from all roommates, as well as the approval of others living on the floor. Additionally, cats must be up-to-date on shots and wear an identification tag that includes its owner’s MIT email address.
Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA)
While Lehigh has a strict no-pet policy in its residence halls (except for small, noise-free fish tanks), the university does allow cats and dogs in campus sorority and fraternity houses. But before recruiting new furry members for their chapter, students in sorority and fraternity houses better have a meeting because there’s a lot to coordinate. Only ONE cat or dog is permitted per house, and one student must assume primary ownership and responsibility. The pets are also not allowed to roam around the house without proper supervision. And for sororities and fraternities considering a dog, they need to carefully study the list of accepted breeds and register the pet long before it ever arrives on campus!
Reed College (Portland, OR)
“Get with the times!” That’s precisely what Reed College did in 2014 when the school revamped its longstanding Dog Policy. The newly rebranded Animal Policy is more inclusive of all support and service animals on campus. Plus, there are new freedoms for canine friends at Reed. Gone are the days of required Reed dog tags, polaroid pictures, and even leashes (in a few designated areas, at least). We imagine this is great news for those with service animals, as well as undergrads living in on-campus apartments, where one dog, cat, or caged pet is permitted.
ANIMAL COMMUNITIES ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Although the majority of colleges and universities don’t allow on-campus pets, there are some schools that have created special communities for animal lovers. Take a look!
Animals and Society Living-Learning Community at SUNY Binghamton
There’s an entire community dedicated to animal-lovers at SUNY Binghamton! Students interested in animal-related careers or those simply looking for ways to get closer to nature can apply to the Animals and Society Living-Learning Community. Participants learn about animal history, as well as how to work with different kinds of animals. And do you want to hear the coolest part, at least in our opinions? The Animals and Society Living-Learning Community just happens to be located right next to a nature preserve. What a perfect spot!
FETCH Program at the University of Minnesota
Fostering Education and Training Canines in Housing- otherwise known as FETCH- is a unique living-learning community at University of Minnesota. This small program is designed for students interested in becoming part of the service animal industry. Participants learn how to train service animals while volunteering at local organizations. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, FETCH members also have the chance to foster and train service animals right in their own dorm rooms.
Lafayette College Dog House
Usually if you’re “in the dog house,” you’re in big trouble. However, that’s not the case at Lafayette College. Students living in the Dog House- the name affectionately given to this living-learning community- dedicate themselves to training and raising service dogs as part of Canine Partners for Life. Participants live with their service dogs and take them wherever they go on campus.
Bug’s first flight - he is a great traveler!
If you’re a dog lover, hopefully you’ve figured out by now that you don’t have to give up time with puppies in college! Whether you’re interested in making a career out of your love for animals or just want to have your pet nearby in your dorm room, we hope this list gives you some ideas and options for your college choice!