It’s hard to resist the allure of animals. If you’ve had pets all your life, it’s not the easiest thing to leave them behind while you’re away at school. True, many schools have therapy dog programs nowadays (although usually only around finals week). But if you’re looking for a slightly more permanent animal situation, here are some schools to consider.
Drexel University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Flickr user UMKC Marketing and Communications
In 2014, Drexel University joined the small number of schools who have a therapy dog on staff year-round. Drexel’s therapy dog Jersey can be found in the recreation center, not the library, which allows him greater access to students. Jersey’s owner and sponsor, Kathryn Formica, wanted a different take on the “traditional” location. College libraries are often associated as high-stress environments, whereas recreation centers are already a place to de-stress. At Drexel, you can de-stress with exercise or playing with Jersey!
Eckerd College – St. Petersburg, Florida
Flickr user Amarpreet Kaur
If going to see someone else’s pet isn’t enough fun, consider looking into Eckerd College! Eckerd has pet-friendly dorms where you can bring your furry, scaly, or feathery piece of home with you to school. There are regulations: Your animal must be up to date on vaccinations and must be spayed/neutered, as well as follow certain other policies. But still, you can bring pets!
Union University – Jackson, Tennessee
Flickr user David Ellis
Through the university’s Biology Department, students are taught the fundamentals of zoology research, as well as given several opportunities for research and internships at the Memphis Zoo, Tennessee Safari Park, and Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. Students are encouraged not only to get hands-on researching experience, but also publish their research.
North Idaho College – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Flickr user US Fish and Wildlife
In addition to Zoology and Pre-Veterinary Medicine, North Idaho College also offers a Forestry/Wildlife/Range Management degree for you outdoors-y types! This particular degree is an associate degree, which can easily be paired with a bachelor degree in a related field. The required coursework is in the Biology Department and includes fun courses such as Microbial Diseases, Forest Ecology, and Forestry Orientation.
California Institute of Technology – Pasadena, California
Flickr user Helen Haden
At the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, cats are welcomed with open arms. Residents in certain undergraduate housing units can have up to two cats. Animals that live in a 20 gallon or smaller aquarium/terrarium are also welcome, although no dogs, rodents, or birds are allowed. .
Not only are certain pets allowed, but Caltech also has the Caltech Animal Team (CAT). This club works with homeless and abandoned animals in the area (particularly cats). They believe that active involvement is better than neglecting or euthanizing homeless animal populations.
Interested in any of these schools? Check out College Raptor’s free match tool to see if they are a good fit for you!
