Institutions see increase of students wanting to live with pets in residence: Editorial

Postsecondary institutions in the US have seen an increase in students who want to bring their pets with them to live in residence, says Maria Carrasco. Carrasco says that allowing pets to come with students as they transition to postsecondary life can decrease stress and anxiety. In response, institutions have put a variety of policies in place to ensure that residences that allow pets have a positive experience. Rules include restrictions on the number, type, and size of pets allowed in select accommodations or residences. Several institutions report that their pet-friendly accommodations have been popular with students, and some institutions have also seen an increase in students registering emotional support animals to help them manage their stress levels. Inside Higher Ed (Editorial)