I have a super-friendly dog (medium size - Border Collie), who I just do not have a heart to leave behind when I leave for college. Therefore, I’m looking for colleges that either allow pets or let freshmen live off-campus.
I’m interested in Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, and Virginia colleges. I would greatly appreciate your guys’ help!
P.S. I was already accepted to Stetson University in DeLand, FL with a very nice scholarship. I know that they are very pet-friendly. But what other options are out there?
Amherst allows service or support dogs only. No pets. Also note that the dog must be neutered, must be crated when you’re not in the room, cannot be left for more that 6 hours at a time and is not allowed in public areas such as classrooms or dining areas. You would have to apply to have an ESA on campus which would involve registering with the Accessibility Services Office.
Eckerd, Lees-McRae, University of Northern Colorado allow pets. I would think there are a fair number of schools that allow freshmen to live off campus, particularly colleges that are primarily commuter schools. However, you would have to then find an apartment that allows pets. I think living on a pet-friendly campus would be preferable.
Parent here – no matter how much my kids loved, and missed their dog, their college lifestyle was not compatible with being the sole adult responsible for the care, feeding and exercise of a dog. Long nights in the library, group projects etc. all keep a student away from home, often for much longer than is fair to ask a dog to tolerate. Rather than look for schools where you could bring your dog, perhaps think about ways you will stay connected when you are away at school – my kids will actually facetime to see their puppy as he grew, they didn’t want to talk to me, just the dog. And the dog paid attention!