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College Dorm Rooms Go to the Dogs

More campuses allow pets in hopes of de-stressing students

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 24, 2008 5:00 PM CDT
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(Newser) – College students have long been expert at sneaking everything from gerbils to puppies into their dorm rooms, but a number of schools have made furry residents official, reports USA Today. The pet-friendly movement's spread to more than a dozen campuses, where officials hope reducing the stress of college life and stemming the tide of students to off-campus housing where they're allowed to have dogs and cats.

Some animal advocates aren't on board with the idea, arguing students are often too impulsive to take care of animals, not to speak of frequent moves and vacations between terms. Shelters near schools often report a spike in abandoned pets every spring. But others argue that pets will get better care if they're legal. "We know kids will have pets anyhow," one said, and a program with regular monitoring should works to the animals' advantage.

Many dorms won't let students to adopt new animals, but some do allow residents to provide temporary foster care for stray animals when there's no room at a local shelter.
Many dorms won't let students to adopt new animals, but some do allow residents to provide temporary foster care for stray animals when there's no room at a local shelter.   ((c) Close to Spectacular)
A puppy and a kitten playing together isn't a common sight in dorm hallways, but with more colleges deciding to allow animals in student housing, it may become more common.
A puppy and a kitten playing together isn't a common sight in dorm hallways, but with more colleges deciding to allow animals in student housing, it may become more common.   (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A)
Administrators in favor of pet-friendly dorms say that playing with animals is a great way for students to de-stress, as long as the owners are responsible for their furry companions.
Administrators in favor of pet-friendly dorms say that playing with animals is a great way for students to de-stress, as long as the owners are responsible for their furry companions.   ((c) 5lab)
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