CLARION – Clarion University is going to the dogs and cats. And ferrets and chinchillas too.
The university has joined a growing number of colleges across the country that are allowing students to bring their pets to school with them.
“Until recently, heading off to college has meant leaving Fido or Fluffy at home, but this fall, Clarion University students will be permitted to bring their pets with them,” according to a press release from the university.
The university has established an animal friendly living learning community where upperclassmen can bring cats, dogs (weighing less than 40 pounds when fully grown), birds, fish, chinchillas or small reptiles, to name a few.
Living learning communities (LLC) provide an opportunity for students with common interests to live in specially designated buildings or sections of buildings, the press release said.
“We hope offering this LLC will provide the opportunity for our residents to bring their pets to school and assist with their college transitions,” said Jenn Dutkiewicz, director of residence life services at Clarion. “Many of our students have pets they miss dearly when they are in school, and this will allow them to continue their care.”
For the 2019-20 academic year, Brooke Trout in Reinhard Villages will host the new LLC. The housing is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Restrictions
Students must complete paperwork before bringing the pet, and a $200 fee is required per academic year.
Animals must have current vaccines and veterinary records. And a student may not obtain a large pet (purchased, fostered, adopted or stray) while a current residential student at the university.
Large animals are permitted such as cats, dogs, large birds, ferrets, and chinchillas. Small animals are also permitted such as fish, small birds, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, amphibians and small reptiles.
Every year, the paperwork must be resubmitted to the university’s Residence Life office for approval. Vaccines and veterinarian checks will have to be current, and the paperwork must be updated.
Aggressive behavior would be defined as any behavior connected with an attack or impending attack. Residence Life would need to be made aware of the concern and the resident would be referred to the office of Judicial and Mediation Services.
More information about rules, including specific information about cages, tanks and the number of animals per apartment, is available at http://www.clarion.edu/petpolicy.