Student Molly Cheer sits with her pet comfort cat, Louie, as she looks at upcoming course work in her dorm room at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)

Photos of pets in dorms: Colleges are welcoming animals to help students feel at home

Sophie Nocera, a senior at Eckerd College, lives on the campus of the liberal arts school in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her Border collie, Zuko. Molly Cheer, a senior nursing major who has a cat named Louie, said she chose Northern Colorado in part because of its pet-friendly policy. Some colleges are allowing pets in dorms to boost students’ mental health and help them feel more at home.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Sophie Nocera, 21, a senior at Eckerd College, plays with her dog Zuco in her college dorm on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Tina Russell)
Student Molly Cheer’s pet comfort cat, Louie, peers out of his shelter in her dorm room at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)
Sophie Nocera, 21, a senior at Eckerd College, plays with her dog Zuco on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Tina Russell)
Student Molly Cheer gives her pet comfort cat, Louie, a treat in her dorm room at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)
Sophie Nocera, 21, a senior at Eckerd College, poses for a photo with her dog Zuco on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Tina Russell)
Sophie Nocera, 21, a senior at Eckerd College, walks into her dorm room with her dog Zuco on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Tina Russell)
Student Molly Cheer gives her pet comfort cat, Louie, a treat in her dorm room at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)
Sophie Nocera, 21, a senior at Eckerd College, plays with her dog Zuco on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Tina Russell)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles