Leaving your beloved pet behind when heading off to college can be ruff – literally! For many students, pets provide comfort, stress relief, and a touch of home in an unfamiliar place. What if we told you there are colleges that welcome your furry (or scaly, or feathery) friends right into campus housing?

Dogs, cats, ducks, lizards…a growing number of schools are embracing pet-friendly policies to help students feel more at home.

In this blog post, we’ll unleash a list of 14 pet-friendly colleges that allow pets in dorms 🐾. Get ready for some heartwarming campus pet tales and helpful policy highlights – you might just find the perfect place where you and your Fluffy or Fido can earn a degree together!

14 Colleges That Allow Pets in Dorms

1. Eckerd College

📍 St. Petersburg, Florida

Eckerd College is a leader in pet-friendly campuses, offering dedicated dorms for students with pets—from small animals like hamsters and rabbits to cats and dogs after your first semester. Housing comes with simple rules (like vaccinations and spaying/neutering), and the school’s long-standing Pet Life program welcomes pets as part of campus life.

One of the cutest traditions? Each year Eckerd hosts a pet graduation ceremony for students’ pets – complete with tiny grad caps and gowns – to celebrate your four-legged (or winged) friend’s “completion” of college life alongside you! Besides, if you’re celebrating a big milestone soon (or just want inspiration for your pet’s big day), don’t miss these fun graduation picture ideas.

2. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State)

📍 Alfred, New York

Alfred State makes campus feel like home with its pet-friendly housing options that allow dogs (under 40 lbs), cats, and even rabbits—so long as they’re at least a year old and have lived with you for 10 months.

The school is serious about compatibility, with one of the strictest breed restriction lists out there (yes, even some small breeds like Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Beagles are banned). Wild cat hybrids like Bengals are also off-limits. Another unique rule? Pets aren’t allowed in dorms during the summer term. Still, Alfred’s pet policy has earned praise for making college life less stressful and more rewarding for animal-loving students.

3. Delaware Valley University

📍 Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Delaware Valley University is a dream come true for animal lovers. With its agricultural roots and pet-friendly dorms, DelVal welcomes not just cats and dogs, but also less traditional companions like ferrets, rats, and rabbits. Students must provide proof of vaccinations and commit to responsible pet care to be approved. While some breeds and aggressive animals are restricted, most well-behaved pets are welcome.

Thanks to its broad pet policy and animal science focus, DelVal offers a uniquely warm experience for students who want to share college life with their furry or fluffy best friend. Pets can even help break the ice—check out our tips on how to make friends in college and how to find the right roommate to build the perfect support system.

4. Washington & Jefferson College

📍 Washington, Pennsylvania

Washington & Jefferson College was a trailblazer in pet-friendly housing, and its standout feature is the “Pet House” in Monroe Hall—a dedicated dorm for up to 32 students and their pets. From dogs and cats to small caged animals, one registered pet per room is allowed (to keep things from turning into a zoo).

Even outside the Pet House, fish are permitted in other dorms. Perks include a dog-washing station and a social lounge just for pet owners, creating a strong sense of community. With clear guidelines in place, W&J makes it easy to bring a bit of home—and a furry friend—to college life.

5. Lyon College

📍 Batesville, Arkansas

Lyon College might be small, but its pet policy is big on heart. Students can live with cats, dogs (under 50 lbs), or fish in designated pet-friendly dorms—as long as pets arrive within the first two weeks of the semester. This helps everyone settle in together without mid-year surprises. Pets must be older (6+ months for cats, 1+ year for dogs), spayed or neutered, and come from the student’s household—not newly adopted.

With clear rules and cozy pet-friendly housing, Lyon creates a homey atmosphere—and for many students, having a pet around provides much-needed emotional support. If you’re looking for more ways to cope with stress or emotional challenges, explore these tips for managing depression in college.

6. Johnson & Wales University

📍 Providence, Rhode Island

Johnson & Wales University in Providence offers pet-friendly housing in two dorms, where students can live with one approved cat or dog. Pets must be at least a year old and under 40 pounds, and endangered or poisonous species are off-limits (sorry, no tarantulas or exotic creatures).

There’s a vetting process: a non-refundable cleaning fee, proof of vaccinations, and adherence to an approved breed list are all required. While spots are limited, students who take part love it – after all, nothing beats coming back from class to a wagging tail or a purring kitty in your dorm room!

7. SUNY Canton

📍 Canton, New York

SUNY Canton has been ahead of the curve in pet-friendly living since 1997, when it launched its dedicated “Pet Wing”—one of the first of its kind. Here, students can live with small pets like cats, dogs (under 40 lbs), rabbits, or ferrets. There’s even a dog-only floor, making it a dream setup for dog lovers.

With space for up to 48 students and high demand every year, applying early is a must. The hall is alcohol-free and comes with clear pet guidelines (think leashes, vaccinations, and cleanliness).

8. Lees-McRae College

📍 Banner Elk, North Carolina

Lees-McRae College lets students bring their cat or dog to campus—after completing two semesters in on-campus housing. Once eligible, you can apply to live in approved pet-friendly dorms or apartments.

There are some rules: pets must be at least a year old, and certain breeds and sizes aren’t allowed for safety. Even faculty and staff can bring pets, creating a cozy, welcoming vibe. Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the perfect spot for long walks and pet-friendly living—just wait until sophomore year. No freshmen with puppies here – patience, young pet parent!

And if you’re just starting your college journey, here’s a guide on how to adjust to college life to help ease the transition.

9. Stetson University

📍 DeLand, Florida

Stetson University offers two designated residence halls that welcome cats, dogs, and more—if you meet all guidelines and secure approval. Space is limited and rules are strict (unauthorized pets could mean a $500 fine), but the effort pays off.

What truly sets Stetson apart is its partnership with service animal organizations, allowing students to foster and help train future service dogs. (If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, check out these fun and meaningful college activities you can try, including volunteering and community service.) Even faculty and staff can bring their pets to campus offices, and yes—goldfish are always welcome, no special forms needed.

10. Pfeiffer University

📍 Misenheimer, North Carolina

Pfeiffer University introduced its pet-friendly dorm in 2017, and it’s quickly become a highlight of campus life. Students can apply to live with a cat, dog, or aquarium fish in a designated residence hall—though spots are limited, so applying early is highly recommended.

The university’s goal? Creating a more comforting, connected student community. While some restrictions apply (certain dog breeds like German Shepherds or Huskies and wild cat hybrids like Bengals or Savannah aren’t allowed), most common pets are welcome as long as they’re at least one year old and well-behaved.

11. University of Northern Colorado

📍 Greeley, Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers pet-friendly housing in two dorms: Belford Hall, with fully pet-friendly single rooms, and Lawrenson Hall, which has designated “pet wings.” Students can bring one dog or cat (minimum 6 months old), and spaces fill quickly—so early sign-up is key.

While most breeds are welcome, a few are restricted for safety reasons (for instance, Rottweilers and Boxers didn’t make the cut). UNC encourages nail caps or declawing for cats to minimize room damage, and all pets must be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. The added effort is worth it for students who find college life much more comforting with their pet by their side.

12. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

📍 Champaign, Illinois

Students of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can keep up to two “companion animals” (like cats or dogs) in Ashton Woods, an apartment-style residence a bit removed from the main dorms.

It’s ideal for independent living with pets by your side. Not a cat or dog person? Any student can have a fish tank up to 50 gallons, no matter where they live. Just be sure to register your pets and stick to the rules. UIUC proves that even big campuses can offer small comforts—like a wagging tail waiting at home.

13. University of Wyoming

📍 Laramie, Wyoming

The University of Wyoming offers pet-friendly campus apartments for upperclassmen and married students who want to bring a cat or dog to college life—just one per resident. You’ll need to pay a non-refundable deposit and follow rules about cleanliness, noise, and pet behavior (no aggressive breeds or bad habits allowed).

Curious what else is a no-go in student housing? Check out our list of things you shouldn’t bring to a dorm room—some might surprise you! While freshmen may need to wait, those who qualify get the reward of studying and relaxing with their pet in Wyoming’s scenic setting.

14. Stephens College

📍 Columbia, Missouri

Stephens College has been a pioneer in pet-friendly campus living since 2004, allowing not just cats and dogs, but also small mammals, birds, and more—with approval. This women’s college goes a step further by offering a fostering program through “Pet Central,” where students can foster animals from local shelters.

If you couldn’t bring your own pet, you can still care for one while studying. Pets must be vaccinated, dogs and cats spayed or neutered, and dogs crated when unattended. With a clear set of rules and even flexibility for special cases, Stephens fosters an inclusive pet-loving community.

Final Thoughts & Extra Tips

Bringing a pet to college isn’t common, but at these 14 colleges, it’s definitely possible—and it can be a major source of comfort when you’re far from home. Each of these colleges has developed thoughtful pet policies that strike a balance between the joy of pet companionship with the realities of communal living. From special dorms for pet owners to rules on breed, weight, and behavior, they’ve covered the details to keep both students and animals safe and happy.

If being greeted by your dog after class or having your cat curl up next to you during a study session sounds like the perfect college experience, one of these campuses might just be your future home. Just be sure to apply early—pet-friendly housing tends to fill up fast!

While exploring your college options, you might also want to consider the most beautiful college campuses for an inspiring environment, the colleges with the happiest students for a great social atmosphere, or even the most dangerous campuses to help you make informed and safe decisions.

Before you pack up (with your furry friend in tow), check out these helpful college move-in resources:

📦 Where to Get Cheap Moving Boxes — Don’t spend more than you need to. Find free or low-cost boxes and packing materials.

🧳 College Packing Essentials Checklist — Make sure you’ve got everything you need (including supplies for your pet).

🖼️ 16 College Dorm Room Decor Ideas — Turn your dorm into a cozy home (for you and your furry roommate).

For more student life tips, money-saving tricks, and survival guides, visit the BookScouter Blog. College is an adventure—and it’s even better with the right info (and maybe a four-legged friend) by your side.