Why College Feels Better with a Pet

In the midst of the excitement of coming back to Penn State, there is the dread of having to leave your childhood pet back at home. What if you were able to bring your pet to school with you? Science says it might be beneficial to have your pet with you during the school year, and here’s why.

What Is An Emotional Support Animal?

Your pet might be more therapeutic for you than you think. An emotional support animal is any pet that provides therapeutic benefits to individuals struggling with mental health issues, according to UMass Chan Medical School. Whether it’s depression, anxiety or just the stress of being a college student, you can have your pet registered as an emotional support animal by a mental health professional.

There is a reason why schools invite therapy dogs to campus during stressful times, like finals week: They have been proven to be emotionally beneficial. Plus, under the Fair Housing Act, registered emotional support animals are legally allowed in housing that doesn’t allow pets.

The Emotional Benefits

Emotional support animals have been proven to be more than just companions — they can reduce stress and anxiety levels, and can even bring owners out of depression. When everything gets a little overwhelming with exams and homework, a pet is the perfect way to unwind from the stress of college.

Having a pet nearby can also combat loneliness, one of the most common struggles among college students. When the pressures of assignments and exams pile up, the simple act of sitting with your pet or taking a dog for a walk can provide a powerful emotional reset.

More Than Comfort

On top of providing emotional support, having a pet can help set a routine for your everyday life. The consistent care pets depend on from owners can help students struggling with depression or a lack of motivation. Caring for a pet, including feeding, walking, grooming and more, gives your day more structure and purpose.

Of course, bringing a pet to school comes with responsibility. Caring for an animal requires time, commitment and financial stability, but for students who feel disconnected or overwhelmed, the trade-off is often worth it. It is important to remember that it can be hard to fit the needs of a pet into a busy college student’s life, so plan accordingly when considering adopting a pet.

What do you think about bringing pets to school? Let us know on Instagram or X, @VALLEYmag!

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