Student life is often associated with stress and anxiety. Lots of homework, endless tests, new people and adaptation — transitioning to college is a difficult experience. Fortunately, pets help reduce stress and guarantee a healthier, happier life.
You definitely need a loyal companion with you. But in reality, keeping a pet in a dorm isn’t that easy. Read on to find out whether it is possible to live in a dorm with your dog and how to prepare a space for them.
Can You Have Pets in Dorms as a Student?
Rules and regulations concerning dogs in dorms depend directly on the college and its policies. Some universities don’t mind animals as long as they don’t create discomfort for other students.
Therefore, the best thing you can do is to contact your dorm administration directly and find out all the details. By the way, even the most pet-friendly dorms have pretty strict rules regarding animals. There are separate buildings for those who keep animals, as many may be interested in living in pet-free areas due to allergies. Be sure to study this issue in advance to avoid fines or eviction.
Do College Dorms Allow Pets?
Once your dorm administration says yes, please pay attention to the following pet policies:
- What breeds are allowed to live on campus with students?
- Which documents and certificates regarding vaccination are needed?
- What are the policies regarding service and emotional support animals?
- How many dorm pets can be kept?
Which Animals Are Allowed Most Often?
Dorms are usually small areas that are shared with other students. Therefore, it is important that the pet doesn’t occupy your neighbor’s personal space, distract them, damage property, or cause allergies. Specifically, small animals that fit in a pocket or that can be caged, are most likely to be allowed.
Pets like hedgehogs, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, or rabbits are most common. These animals are relatively easy to keep in shared living zones.
A small aquarium can be a source of joy for its owner, too. The best dorm pets to adopt are:
- Fish
- Frogs
- Snakes
- Crabs
- Lizards
- Turtles
If your roommate isn’t against animals and loves them as much as you do, or you live alone, you can also think about getting a dog. Quiet, low-energy and small dogs feel quite comfortable in a dorm, but this also depends on the breed.
Before You Take a Dog to a Dorm with You
Here are some things to consider before making such an important decision:
- Your work schedule: Will you have time to take care of the animal?
- Amount of free space: Dogs need enough space to lead a happy and healthy life. Keeping an animal in cramped conditions is quite cruel. In addition, you need enough room to place a dog bed, toys and other equipment.
- The transport situation: Do you have a car? What is the situation with public transport? After all, you will definitely need to take the animal to the vet, groomer, etc.
- Potential stress for the dog: If it is currently used to living in a house, it may feel lonely in a small and empty dorm room.
- Your plans: If you want to dive into traveling, parties and various events, then you are unlikely to have time to take care of the animal.
How to Prepare for Moving with a Dog
To make things easier, we have created a small guide to make things easier for both you and your dog during this moving transition.
- Write down the contact information of the vet and ambulance closest to the dorm, and make sure the administration has a contact of the person they can rely on if something happens to your dog and you aren’t around; this could be a roommate, friend, or a relative who lives near the dorm.
- Don’t forget to take all your dog’s things: toys, dishes, bed and favorite items. This will help with adaptation.
- Make a list of what you need to buy in advance (for example, medication) and make a schedule for caring for your pet, such as cleaning and feeding time.
- Ensure your dog has all the necessary vaccinations.
- Think about purchasing soundproofing materials so that new, unfamiliar sounds don’t create stress for your dog.
- Find out about possible meet-up groups for those who own college dorm pets.
- Plan your day so that there is definitely enough time for your pet. For example, if you have the opportunity to do homework at home and not in the library, then spend this time with your dog.
To Wrap It Up
Even if the dorm allows pets, you should consider whether your animal will be comfortable in these particular conditions. Prioritize its well-being and comfort. If you decide to take your dog to college with you, make sure you study all the rules and regulations in advance to make this transition as smooth as possible using our tips.
Author Byline
Nicole Hardy is an inspiring author who covers topics such as student life and annotated bibliography writing services. As a dog lover, she explores how to make life easier for pet owners and shares valuable tips she collects on a daily basis. When she’s not writing, Nicole enjoys doing yoga, watching French movies and cooking for her friends and family.