Can You Have a Pet in College? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Adopt

As of 2024, 66 percent of US households have pets, so it’s no wonder you’re considering adopting a new pet while you’re in college. Here are a few things to know before you decide if having a pet in college is right for you. 

Do colleges allow pets in dorms?

Most US colleges do not allow pets in dorms, but there are notable exceptions at smaller schools such as Eckerd or the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). The rules for dorm living or on-campus living are often quite strict. However, if you live off campus, you’ll be much more likely to find a place that allows pets. 

Jed Cummins, the director of housing at UNC, says allowing pets in some dorms is an example of how the school puts students first. “Being a college student is difficult,” Cummins says. “People are concerned about classwork, finances, and whether they fit in. Having a pet helps them connect with one another, and it’s a way our students can make life a little easier at UNC.” 

What pets are usually allowed in dorms?

When pets are allowed in dorms, this generally includes only dogs, cats, and fish. At UNC, for example, students can have dogs and cats up to 40 pounds. At Eckerd, caged animals such as snakes, frogs, bearded dragons, and guinea pigs are also allowed, but this is uncommon. 

At most schools, your pet must be spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, under a certain weight limit, and licensed with the city. Some schools that allow dogs have large-dog breed restrictions, so be specific with your questions. 

Which colleges allow pets in dorms?

Many colleges allow pets in dorms, including the following. In each case, policies are subject to change, so be sure to check directly with your housing office before making plans to bring a pet to college. 

• Eckerd College, Florida: Apply for small animals in pet-friendly housing. 

• University of Northern Colorado, Colorado: They allow dogs and cats in two residence halls. 

• Washington & Jefferson College, Pennsylvania: A pet-friendly dorm, Monroe Hall, allows dogs, cats, and even small animals. 

• Stephens College, Missouri: Cats, dogs, birds, and other pets are allowed. 

• Lees-McRae College, North Carolina: You can bring a family pet after two semesters. 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts: You can bring a fish or cat with you to MIT. 

• Case Western Reserve University, Ohio: They only allow small caged animals. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are not allowed. 

What’s it actually like to have a pet in college?

Having a pet in college can be a great way to make it feel more like home. At UNC, Cummins says, one dorm is well-known for its black-and-white cat, Louie, who sits in a window and flicks his tail at people as they come in. 

Even if you don’t have a pet yourself, if you live in a pet-friendly dorm or apartment building, you can benefit from being around animals. Studies have shown that interacting with dogs can help reduce stress. 

“College students these days are reporting more concerns with mental health, and they have shared that having animals to take care of can help ground them and make them [feel] more well on campus,” Cummins says. “And I think in general, living on pet-friendly floors can help you feel more part of a vibrant community. We’re interested in our community being a smaller reflection of what living anywhere might be like.” 

Usually there is a small, additional fee to have a pet in a dorm or on-campus apartment, similar to how “real-life” apartments function. At some schools, only certain buildings are pet-friendly, so you’ll have to apply for a spot.

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“If you think you are ready for the next step and responsibility, having a pet in college is a great opportunity to feel more adult,” Cummins says. “And pets absolutely add value to many of our lives.” 

Even if you don’t get a pet in college, there are still ways to interact with animals, such as volunteering for a program like Duke University’s Puppy Kindergarten, which trains puppies ahead of service dog school to help more of them graduate. 

Program director Vanessa Woods says students who volunteer with them report better mental health and less anxiety. Working with the puppies, she says, requires students to be completely mindful and in the moment, disconnecting from tech and stress.

“Puppies are just like rainbows at the end of a leash,” she says. “Part of that is they just accept you for who you are without any of the things we’re trying to use to fit in. I see it in college kids now in a way I didn’t see 15 years ago…you’re competing with millions of people always, and it’s exhausting. And with these puppies, it’s like none of that matters at all. In my unscientific reasoning, they’ve been an incredible light in the Duke community.” 

The logistics no one warns you about

Caring for a pet in college comes with just as many responsibilities (if not more) as it would if you were living at home. It’s important to consider if you’re able to shoulder additional costs and responsibilities. 

• Vet costs: You will be responsible for your pet’s annual vaccines and spaying/neutering, if applicable.  

• Pet deposits: Most college dorms and apartments charge small pet rent fees or deposits. 

• Pet sitting: Who will take care of your pet if and when you go home on breaks?  

• Sublet restrictions: Be aware, if you’re planning to sublease an apartment, that there may be clauses against having pets. 

• Roommates: You should always discuss pets and expectations with roommates before bringing an animal home. 

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So should you adopt a pet in college?

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you should adopt a pet in college. Remember, especially if you’re thinking of adopting a cat or dog, they’re a commitment that will last far beyond your four years in college. Make a pros and cons list, and consider everything you’ll be shouldering in your college journey.

• Housing: What kind of space will you be living in, and will you be able to provide for a pet? If you already have a pet in mind, does your ideal college allow them on campus? 

• Schedule: Look at your upcoming class schedule, and consider how much time you’ll have to dedicate to a pet’s needs. 

• Finances: Does your desired pet fit into your budget? Remember, you’ll be paying for their housing fees, food, vet bills, toys, and other necessities alongside your college bills. 

• Travel: If you live far away or are planning to study abroad, can you find someone to take care of your pet? 

• Post-grad plans: What are you planning to do after graduation? Does your future have a place for your pet? 

• Mental health: Are you able to keep up with daily and weekly care required to keep a pet happy and healthy? You know yourself better than anyone. Will you be able to care for your pet even during stressful times, such as exam weeks? 

• Transportation: In the event of an emergency, do you have a way to transport your pet to the vet? 

If you don’t decide to adopt, here are some alternatives

If the cards are stacked against you and you don’t think adopting is the right move, you can still have animals in your life at college. 

• Volunteer at a shelter. Most shelters and rescues are constantly looking for volunteers to help walk dogs, play with them, and clean kennels. 

• Foster a dog. If you don’t think permanent adoption is the right call, you can sign up to be a temporary foster parent instead. Shelters and rescues often provide everything a dog needs to the foster parent. 

• Get involved in campus organizations. Duke’s puppy kindergarten is an on-campus organization that allows student volunteers to work with dogs. 

• Offer to walk a friend’s dog. You can still get the benefits of hanging out with a pet by offering walks or play time with neighbors’ dogs if your schedule allows.

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If you do decide to adopt, here’s how to do it right

Once you decide adopting is the right path for you, there are some steps to take to make it easier on both you and your future pet.

• Ask yourself questions before adopting. If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, there are some things to consider to make sure you’re ready. 

• Look for a reputable shelter or rescue. Different facilities have different requirements and costs. Here’s a guide. 

• Consider fostering first. Fostering can be a great way to find the right pet. 

• Consider an adult cat or dog. They’re easier to care for than younger animals. A senior pet might even be the best move. 

• Make a plan for vet care. Vet costs are rising, but there are lots of resources available to make things a bit easier. 

• Prepare your home. Before bringing home your pet, give your place a once-over — pet-proof it, and stock up on supplies. Your new pet will need a quiet place to adjust for the first few days.

Commonly asked questions

Can you have a dog in a college dorm?

You can have dogs in some college dorms. Be sure to check your college’s housing policies to see if they allow them. 

What happens if you get caught with a pet in a dorm?

If you get caught with a pet who isn’t allowed, a college can revoke your housing contract, and you will not be permitted to stay on campus the following semester or year. 

Is it a good idea to get a cat in college?

This depends on your individual circumstances. In many cases, having pets in college can be positive, as long as rules are followed and they’re cared for. 

Can I adopt a pet if I’m renting off campus?

If you’re renting off-campus, chances are your apartment will have fewer pet restrictions. Ask your leasing office or housing department if they allow pets. 

What about emotional support animals?

All colleges and apartments must accommodate legally qualifying emotional support animals (ESAs). A pet parent must have a qualifying mental health or psychiatric disability outlined in a letter from a licensed mental-health professional. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor about getting an ESA.