More Colleges Welcome Animals in On-Campus Dorms

Students at Southeast Missouri State University are in for a treat this upcoming semester. Last week, the college announced the pet-friendly floors of one residence hall, in which students can bring their pets of the feline, petite canine or “small caged animal” variety, to live with them.

The goal of the new initiative is to smooth some newcomer’s transition from home to college, as college officials say students of this generation will have a harder time moving away because of their increased ties to home.

“The school, located near the banks of the Mississippi River, will make space for about 70 pets in one of its 21 residence halls,” said Debbie Below, Southeast’s vice president for enrollment management and student success.

However, Southeast Missouri State University is not the only place you can go to be able to live with your pet on campus. Pfeiffer University, the University of Northern Colorado, Eckerd College, and Stephens College all also offer housing to students along with their furry friends.

Eckerd College has had notable success with this initiative, with currently 229 registered pets on campus, with about half of these being a wide array of species, including spiders, ferrets, hedgehogs, and reptiles.