Sep 15 2008
Pet-Friendly Dorms Make For Better College Life
Moving away from home can be traumatic. Add to that living with strangers and having to leave behind beloved pets, and it’s a wonder anyone wants to go to college at all.
Luckily, some colleges are starting to recognize the fact that when students are allowed to bring their pets with them to live in the dorms, it’s better for everyone (except those with allergies, I guess, but even then, the animal-friendly rooms are on designated floors).
Although currently only a handful of colleges are open to the idea, those that are require pets to be up to date on all vaccinations, and students must also pay a deposit for the privilege of having Fido or Fluffy live with them.
Most colleges that do allow pets have their own set of rules as well, however.
The housing contract at California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, takes things a step further by requiring students to specify who will care for their pet if they cannot.
Eckerd College requires students to have the pet at home for at least a year prior to enrollment.
At Stephens College, they have teamed up with Columbia Second Chance (a rescue group) to allow students to foster pets in the dorms.
Indiana University allows small rodents, reptiles, rabbits and amphibians.
UCLA, Caltech and MIT allow cats (the Caltech Animal Team, or CAT, even helps with the feral cat population on campus).
Looks like the next dorm party might resemble Animal House in the literal sense!
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