Bringing your dog to college can make the transition to campus life smoother and more enjoyable. While many universities restrict pets in dorms, several institutions across the U.S. have embraced pet-friendly policies, allowing students to live with their canine companions. Below is a curated list of colleges that welcome dogs in dormitories, complete with essential details to help you find the perfect fit for both you and your furry friend.
Eckerd College
Located in St. Petersburg, Eckerd College has been a pioneer in pet-friendly campus living since 1973. With 16 pet-friendly residence halls, students can bring dogs under 40 pounds who have lived with them for at least 10 months. The campus features a pet park, annual pet graduation ceremonies, and a blessing of the pets event each October.
Stephens College
As a women's college in Columbia, Stephens College is renowned for its pet-friendly policies. Students can live with various pets, including dogs, and even participate in a foster program in partnership with a local no-kill shelter. The college offers doggy daycare services and hosts events like pet Halloween costume parties.
Stetson University
Stetson University in DeLand allows dogs up to 50 pounds in select on-campus residences. The university features a dedicated dog park and hosts events like "Paws for a Study Break" during finals week, where therapy dogs help students de-stress.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a prestigious private research university renowned for its programs in science and engineering. The institute allows cats in designated cat-friendly housing areas, provided all roommates consent. Dogs are not permitted in any on-campus housing.
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a public research university known for its diverse academic programs. While traditional residence halls do not permit dogs, students residing in the university-owned Ashton Woods apartments may keep up to two companion pets, including dogs under 50 pounds. Certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers, are prohibited.
Washington and Jefferson College
Located in Washington, W&J College offers pet-friendly housing in Monroe Hall, also known as the "Pet House." Students can live with dogs up to 40 pounds who have lived with them for at least six months. The college organizes events like "Paws for a Study Break" to support student well-being.
Lees-McRae College
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lees-McRae College offers designated pet-friendly housing where students can live with dogs up to 40 pounds. The college fosters a pet-inclusive environment, even allowing pets in some classes and hosting pet-friendly events throughout the year.
Johnson & Wales University Providence Campus
At its Providence campus, Johnson & Wales University permits dogs up to 40 pounds in select residence halls. The university organizes "Paws to Destress" events during finals week, allowing students to interact with therapy dogs.
Principia College
Located in Elsah, Illinois, Principia College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Christian Science Church. The college permits students to keep small caged animals and aquatic pets in on-campus housing. However, dogs and cats are not allowed in student residences.
University of Northern Colorado
In Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado permits dogs up to 40 pounds in specific residence halls, including Lawrenson and Belford Halls. The campus provides waste stations and ample green spaces, making it ideal for students who enjoy outdoor activities with their pets.
California Institute of Technology
Caltech, situated in Pasadena, California, is a private research university specializing in science and engineering. The institution allows cats and dogs in certain on-campus housing units, subject to roommate approval.
SUNY Canton
The State University of New York at Canton (SUNY Canton) is a public college in Canton, New York, United States. It is part of the State University of New York. The college offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs.
Lyon College
Situated in Batesville, Lyon College offers a pet-friendly residence hall accommodating up to 20 students with their dogs. The campus includes a centrally located bark park and hosts an annual Blessing of the Pets event each October.
University of Washington
Washington is the flagship institution of the six public universities in Washington state. It is known for its medical, engineering, and scientific research. UW is an elected member of the American Association of Universities, and has been listed as a "Public Ivy" in Greene's Guides since 2001. The university boasts one of the most diverse student bodies within the US, with more than 50% of its undergraduate students self-identifying with minority groups.
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It was established in 1967 by a merger between Western Reserve University and the Case Institute of Technology. The institution accepts dogs in their dorms.
Clarion University
Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion, is a campus of Pennsylvania Western University in Clarion, Pennsylvania, United States. Clarion University allows dogs up to 40 pounds in designated pet-friendly housing. The university hosts events like “Pets and Popcorn with the President”, fostering a community that embraces pet ownership.
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present-day city of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco and electric power industrialist James Buchanan Duke established the Duke Endowment and the institution changed its name to honor his deceased father, Washington Duke. The campus spans over 8,600 acres (3,500 hectares) on three contiguous sub-campuses in Durham, and a marine lab in Beaufort.
Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College (HMC) is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California, focused on science and engineering. It is part of the Claremont Colleges, which share adjoining campus grounds and resources. The college enrolled 902 undergraduate students as of 2021 and awards the Bachelor of Science degree. Admission to Harvey Mudd is highly competitive, and the college maintains an intense academic culture.
Arizona State University
At Arizona State University, you'll join a community that will help you explore your interests and learn new skills. Through quality academics, and a great culture, the institution keeps inspiring the generation. They allow students to bring in dogs and pets to their dorms.
Middlebury College
In 2013, Princeton Review ranked Middlebury as one of the top 20 schools in the US for "best quality of life." Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college in Middlebury, Vermont, United States. Founded in 1800 by Congregationalists, Middlebury was the first operating college or university in Vermont. The college lets students bring in dogs to their dorms.
Pfeiffer University
Pfeiffer University is a private university in Misenheimer, North Carolina, United States. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Pfeiffer University recognizes the positive impact pets can have on student life, from reducing stress to fostering a sense of community. They accept dogs in their dorms.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University offers a pet-friendly floor in Cramer Hall, where students can live with one dog, cat, or other approved pet. The program aims to support students' mental wellness by allowing them to bring their pets to campus.
William Jewell College
William Jewell College designates specific floors in Browning and Eaton Halls for pet-friendly housing. Students can live with one dog or cat, provided the pet meets the college's requirements and breed restrictions.
North Carolina Wesleyan University
NC Wesleyan University offers pet-friendly housing for dogs under 40 pounds, cats, and fish. The university emphasizes the benefits of pet ownership for student wellness and encourages responsible pet care on campus.
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