Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash
Those of us who moved away for college likely remember what a transformative time it was – leaving home, living on our own for the first time, and getting that first real taste of freedom away from our parents. But leaving home has its downsides, including having to leave our beloved pets behind.
While Pennsylvania law requires university housing to allow service animals and emotional support animals, pets are a different story. There are some pet-friendly colleges and universities in Pennsylvania that allow pets in their dorms, making them worth a look if you, or your child, doesn’t want to leave a beloved pet behind.
Are there pet-friendly colleges and universities in Pennsylvania?
If you’re looking for pet-friendly colleges in Pennsylvania, you’ve got a few choices. While the list of pet-friendly universities in Pennsylvania is sparse, the good news is you can also look off-campus for pet-friendly student housing.
1. Washington & Jefferson College – Washington
Washington & Jefferson College offers several themed housing options for students, including the Wellness House for students who want to focus on a healthy lifestyle and the STEM House for those interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. Perhaps the most unique is the Pet House in Monroe Hall, which allows you to bring your pet – dog, cat, turtle, fish, small birds, or other small animals – with you. Two students are assigned to each dorm room of the Pet House, but only one pet is allowed in each room.
2. Keystone College – La Plume
Tewksbury Hall at Keystone College welcomes pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, gerbils, guinea pigs, and hamsters – with a few conditions. Dogs must weigh less than 40 pounds and cats and dogs must be at least six months old. Breeds not permitted include German shepherds, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf hybrids. Each room allows one dog or cat or two caged small animals.
Regardless of the type of pet you have, you must have had them for a minimum of three months prior to moving on campus and agree to follow all pet policies, such as putting your pet in a cage or a crate when you’re not in your room.
3. Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) – Indiana
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) makes it easy to live on-campus with ground floor, pet-friendly accommodation in Putt Hall, the Suites on Pratt, and the Suites on East Maple. The university, which permits one pet per resident, accepts dogs, cats, and birds. However, when you apply for pet-friendly student housing, you must provide documentation you’ve had your pet for at least two months. Even if you don’t live in one of the pet-friendly buildings on campus, you can still have a maximum 10-gallon fish tank.
Applying for a pet-friendly room at IUP requires filling out an application and reading and signing a Statement of Understanding, which details the university’s pet policies and what is expected of you as a pet parent.
4. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania – Lock Haven
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania in Lock Haven allows pets in Smith Hall and Campus Village. One dog or cat or a maximum of two caged animals – hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and rabbits – are permitted. However, before you move in, you must register your pet, receive approval to have your pet on campus, and pay the required fee.
Even if you don’t live in a pet-friendly dorm, you can have a fish tank provided it is 10 gallons or less.
6 Tips for Successfully Keeping Your Pets in Pet-Friendly Dorms
To ensure colleges and universities continue to allow pets, follow the rules. Having pets in the dorms should be a stress-free, enjoyable experience for everyone. If you plan to bring your pet to college with you, keep the following in mind to help ensure a successful experience for everyone.
1. Understand and follow your university’s pet policy.
Thoroughly read and understand your university’s pet policy. If you have questions, ask. By adhering to all rules, you will help ensure the university continues to maintain pet-friendly housing.
2. Stick to a routine.
Pets thrive on routine, so stick to a routine as best you can. Feed them at the same time every day and, if you have a dog, try to take them out to the bathroom at the same time each day. If you don’t think you’ll be around at meal time, consider purchasing an automatic feeder. Most are relatively inexpensive and some allow you to program feeding at specific times, or you can open the app and press feed and the serving amount any time you want.
3. Create a space for your pet.
Some universities require that all pets, even dogs and cats, be crated when you’re not in your room. Make sure the crate is comfortable and offers plenty of room, water, and toys for your pet. You want your pet to feel as much at home as you do.
4. Provide your pet with stimulation.
A bored pet is a destructive pet. All pets need mental and physical stimulation – whether toys for a rabbit or hamster to shred or a kong for a dog – and that’s especially important when you’re not home. Some pet parents also like to leave the TV on, which can provide comfort, especially for those pets with separation anxiety. However, leaving the TV on really depends on your pet’s personality and whether you have a roommate.
5. Make time for exercise and socialization.
This goes along with providing stimulation for your pet. Take your pup for a walk or two each day, or look for local dog parks, where they can run around, exert excess energy, and socialize with other dogs. All of us pet parents know there’s sometimes no better way to socialize than with a cuddle and by just hanging out with our pet.
6. Prepare for an emergency.
Emergencies always seem to happen at the worst times, like on the weekends or a holiday when your regular vet’s office is closed. Before you move into your dorm or while you’re settling in, find a regular vet, if you don’t already have one, and an emergency vet. Finding a vet is typically much easier with dogs and cats, so you might have a bit of a challenge when it comes to an exotic vet for your rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster.
Leaving for college doesn’t necessarily mean temporarily saying goodbye to your beloved pet. Some colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are pet-friendly, allowing pets in student housing as long as the provided rules are followed. Make sure you know your college or university is pet-friendly before planning to bring your pet to campus.
