This fall at Nicholls State the university will welcome pets to the state’s first pet-friendly residence hall. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad said they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall because the university understands how pets enhance our quality of life.
“A lot of people come to college, and they have to leave their furry friend at home and this gives them the opportunity to bring that animal if they’re a cat or a dog,” said Coad.
Coad said this goes beyond service and emotional support animals that are allowed for students through a separate waiver.
Pets will be limited to cats or dogs, and they must be up to date on all their shots and vaccinations. Coad said at this time there are no breed or weight restrictions for animals. He said so far, they’ve received a positive response.
“I hope it takes off and snowballs into an awesome community that students are almost on a waiting list for eventually that’s the goal to where we have to expand it to another building,” said Coad.
The Pet-Friendly Living Learning Community will be part of the school’s growing residential communities with shared interests like academics or organizational interests.
Coad said right now it’s limited for returning students with 24 credit hours or more, but if all goes well, he believes the ability to bring your pet to college will attract new students.
“Drawing in new interests to the university of someone that may actually choose Nicholls because they have this opportunity,” said Coad.
Coad said are also plans for a dog park to be constructed near the pet dorm so their four-legged residents will have a place to exercise and socialize.
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