Pet Friendly Dorms Alleviate Anxiety

While it is often exciting for those students, especially Freshman, attending college away from home for the first time, having to leave a beloved furry companion behind can be quite traumatic for both pet and campus-bound student. Cats and dogs may become depressed when a trusted family member "disappears" from their lives and daily routines are dramatically altered. I can only imagine the upset pets may experience when separated from their best friend. So, I was thrilled when I read the article on orlandosentinel.com, that Stetson University in DeLand, Florida is permitting dogs, cats and other small pets as "roommates" for their students in a new residence which should definitely facilitate the transition from home to dormitory life. Justin Williams, Stetson University's Director of Housing and Residential life said, "What better way to do that than to have a family friend there to greet you when you get out of class?" But taking into account the power of the pet-human bond, Stetson University is not the first school that has provided pet-friendly housing for their students. For years Stephens College, a Missouri private school and previous home of Wendy Libby (current Stetson University President), has provided pet-friendly dorms, as well as Eckert College, a private school located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Caltech and Massachusetts Institute of Technology also permit some small pets in campus dorms. Since liability issues exist over possible animal attacks, along with problems related to building maintenance, many schools are reluctant to open pet-friendly dorms. Therefore, Stetson students must sign an agreement of terms the University has set. Since noisy or aggressive animals may be sent home, dogs are required to be obedience- trained. The cost for a student to obtain a pet-friendly dorm room is an annual $400 surcharge, $200 which is refundable depending on the condition of the room. Pet-related costs such as a fenced dog walk on the campus are covered with a portion of the fee. Additionally, instead of standard double occupancy rooms, to prevent dogs and cats from ending up as roommates, rooms designated to house pets are singles. Pets welcomed are cats, caged rodents, turtles in small water tanks and fish. There is a 30 pound limit for dogs. Pets not allowed are most reptiles, rabbits and birds due to potential odor issues. Depending on the success of the program, it is possible that the canine weight limit may be relaxed and the list of approved furry scholars may be expanded. I think the pet-friendly digs is a great idea and will definitely relieve both student and pet anxiety as well as lessening the degree of home-sickness that many students experience. What is your opinion? Leave a comment and share. Image Source: Flickr User TheGiantVermin