BIG RAPIDS, Mich — For the first time in the university's history, Ferris State University is allowing students to bring a pet to their residence hall.
The university is launching the pilot program for the 2023-24 school year.
Students who live on the second floor of Cramer Hall can bring dogs, cats and other pets, including snakes and lizards, to live with them on campus for the school year.
Ferris State says other schools have allowed aquariums, service and emotional support animals.
“We know many students struggle with depression, anxiety and homesickness when they start college, and sometimes the answer is to bring a little bit of home with them,” said Lisa Ortiz, Director of Housing and Residential Life. “Students may really miss that dog they’ve had since they were a little kid, or that cat they got when they were 12 years old.”
Matthew Schmoyer is a senior at Ferris State University and the proud owner of his five-year-old golden retriever, Pike.
Pike is going to be his roommate this year.
"He's a really big help to help me calm down and manage stress. Just being able to come back and play with him and walk around a little bit is really nice. He's a big motivator too. I want to do better because of him," said Schmoyer.
The students who bring pets will have to pay a $250 fee and must follow a set of rules to keep their animals under control as well as cleaning up after them.
"In each suite there are two bedrooms with only one person in it. Each animal has their own space to go to that is separate from each other if they don't get along. We do require health and safety checks for these floors to ensure these animals are in good health and also the condition of the room is maintained," said Ortiz.
Students must also show proof that they have owned the animal for at least six months, as an additional requirement to bring a pet.
If the program goes well, the university may possibly expand it but keep one pet-friendly building.
Ferris State's fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 28 and students will begin moving in on Thursday, Aug. 24 and Friday, Aug. 25.
Learn more about the pet pilot program here.
Lake Superior State University also allows students to bring pets to select residence halls.
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