Pets in the Dorms: All the Comforts of Home?

on August 27, 2010 at 1:10 PM

dog looking for owner Decorating the dorm room with all the creature comforts of home just got easier.

They're letting the creatures in. Literally.

A host of pet-friendly dorms are inviting college kids back to school this month with Fido in tow.

Having once had to help my roommate sneak her visiting friend's ferret into our dorm, I just wish this idea had been introduced a few decades ago.

Students told the Orlando Sentinel it's nice to have their best friend along for the ride, and colleges are hoping it will help ease the transition for freshman.

Colleges have some basic rules -- no huge dogs (really, keeping a Saint Bernard in an apartment wouldn't work, why would you try a dorm?), no birds or reptiles. They charge extra fees too, but any apartment dweller who brought Fluffy home should be used to that.

I'm sure there are drawbacks -- the barking, the mess.

But if you've been in a college dormitory recently, they're neither quiet nor especially clean.

Even on her craziest, most upset that the wind happens to be blowing outside and a leaf has moved day, my dog can't reach the fever pitch of a kegger.

And if you're going to be living in the mess ... that's your problem, right?

The best part of this seems to be the result for the pets. No more forlorn kitties pooping in their old kid's room, acting out because they miss them so much. No more puppies on Prozac.

Does a pet-friendly dorm sound like it's up your alley?

Image via bobmarley753/Flickr

About the author Jeanne Sager

writes articles for The Stir by day, slays closet monsters and bounds through bedtime stories with her elementary schooler by night. Diet Pepsi courses through her veins. The Phineas and Ferb soundtrack reverberates through her brain.

Filed Under: pets, kid spaces

Comments (16)

tempest26

on Aug 27, 2010 at 1:47 PM

Wow, I think this sounds like a terrible idea. Owning a pet requires a LOT of responsibility, especially without mom or dad there to help out/nag. Most of the college kids I know barely manage to take care of themselves. Sorry but I just don't see those animals getting daily exercise on a consistent schedule, like my own two dogs need. There are plenty of kids in my neighborhood who seem to think letting their dog out for 1 minute to pee is okay before peacing out for the day.

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ToddlerBrain82

on Aug 27, 2010 at 2:25 PM

We had pets in the dorms when I was in college. You were allowed to have small animals in a cage or tank. I had a guinea pig and he was my little buddy. He was clean, fed, and very, very well loved.

hoticedcoffee

on Aug 27, 2010 at 2:41 PM

I think it's a BAD idea to allow dogs in a dorm. Dogs are social creatures that require interaction and exercise to keep from being unhappy, barky, and destructive. I just can't imagine making a dog live in a dorm, regardless of it's size. I think cats and caged critters could be fine, though I would worry that a lot of them aren't going to be properly cared for - as stated, college kids barely take care of their own needs.

MomIWant

on Aug 27, 2010 at 3:14 PM

I'm not sure I agree with a permanent situation, but I can definitely see the benefit to a temporary one. Bringing your pet with you for a week or two or even between Thanksgiving and Christmas might help ease homesickness for some. I know my daughter would love this idea!

Nonmember comment from Francis

on Aug 27, 2010 at 3:23 PM

My children's dorms do NOT allow pets, however they CAN have a PET TickleMe Plant in their room. If you want a growing experience and Pet you will never forget, plant this easy to grow plant that moves like an animal when tickled in your dorm room. Even in winter, my children tell me that at college, classmates will visit their dorm just to say hi and tickle their plants as they watch how the leaves close and the branches droop down. I just found a Buy one kit and get another FREE special, online at TickleMePlant.com To order go to the site and see the cool video as well. The special may just be for today.

Peajewel

on Aug 27, 2010 at 4:10 PM

I don't see an issue with it as long as the teenager that has the pet is used to being the one to take care of it. If it is just something they play with once in awhile and the parent is actually the one that cares for the pet, I think it would be bad for the pet.

KTMOM

on Aug 27, 2010 at 5:30 PM

I could see having cats or ferrets or hamsters or something like that, but dogs could be a problem for a lot of people. Barking while owners are away would be the main thing. And I am a huge animal lover.. but I could see how it could be an issue if people aren't incredibly diligent and responsible.

toriandgrace

on Aug 27, 2010 at 7:58 PM

I'm shocked at how many people think that no college student can even care for themselves.. I was a college freshman when I had my daughter...

Ashlynnsmommy07

on Aug 28, 2010 at 11:38 AM

I think a cat would be ok, but dorms are way too small for dogs.

Carey2006

on Aug 28, 2010 at 12:36 PM

LOL.....I had a roommate who snuck a cat. I'm allergic. I also knew of people who snuck a lil dog in the on-campus apartments. Ya know, it's hard enough to get people/college kids to clean up after themselves let alone an animal....I would have to vote NO!!!!