Pet-Friendly Housing

On-Campus Living for You and Your Pet

For many students, feeling at home means having their pet nearby. That’s why Gustavus is piloting a pet-friendly residence hall for students in their second year of residence or beyond, who want to live on campus with an approved cat or dog.

This small, carefully designed program supports student wellbeing, strengthens community, and reflects our commitment to creating residential spaces where Gusties can thrive—while also being thoughtful about shared living.

Good to know: This pilot is separate from policies for service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs), which are coordinated through Residential Life under different guidelines.

We are excited to welcome a few well-behaved paws to campus—and to continue shaping a residential experience that feels like home at Gustavus.

Puppy and student

What to Expect

This is a pilot program that begins Fall of 2026. Because this is a pilot, availability is limited and approval is required. 

  • One designated residence hall - Prairie View Hall for 2026-27
  • Single-occupancy rooms only (with rare exceptions evaluated by Residential Life)
  • One pet per student (one cat or one dog)
  • A limited number of spaces each year

You may apply if you:

  • Are a sophomore, junior, or senior (Year in Residence 2 or higher)
  • Are in good academic and conduct standing
  • Have a positive housing history
  • Are ready to take full responsibility for your pet and community impact

Applications are reviewed by Residential Life, and approval depends on space and complete documentation.

Dogs

  • Up to 40 pounds (adult weight)
  • 12 months or older
  • Spayed or neutered
  • Housebroken and well-behaved
  • No history of aggressive behavior

 

Cats

  • Indoor-only
  • 12 months or older
  • Spayed or neutered
  • Litter trained

All pets must have current vaccinations (including rabies), routine flea/tick prevention, and annual veterinary documentation.

Applying is straightforward. An application will be made available in student housing portals (see Residential Life room selection timeline for application opening date and submission deadline). You will need to submit:

  • A short pet profile (plus a photo!)
  • Veterinary records
  • Confirmation that your pet has lived with you or your family for at least six months
  • An off-campus emergency caretaker within 350 miles of campus
  • A $300 non-refundable annual pet fee (published each year)
  • A $200 refundable pet deposit, assessed after move-out

These fees help cover additional program, custodial, and facilities costs. Facilities does not provide routine pet-related cleaning; owners are responsible for daily cleanup and any additional cleaning costs.

Pet-friendly housing works best when everyone does their part.

As a pet owner, you’re responsible for:

  • Daily care, exercise, and attention
  • Keeping your room clean, comfortable, and odor-controlled
  • Immediate cleanup of accidents and outdoor waste in designated pet-waste receptacle
  • Making sure your pet wears ID at all times
  • Pets should not be left alone for more than 8 hours.
  • Dogs must be crated or otherwise safely confined when the owner is away.
  • Dogs must be on a physical leash and under the owner's control when outside the room.
  • Cats should be carried or in a secure carrier when moving through the hall.

Noise matters. Occasional sounds happen, but repeated disruptions may affect your ability to stay in the program.

Pets are welcome:

  • In your approved single room
  • In hallways and outdoor areas during transport, under your control

Pets aren’t allowed:

  • Academic buildings, libraries, labs
  • Dining locations
  • Athletic and recreation facilities
  • Chapel and worship spaces
  • Residence hall bathrooms (with limited building-specific exceptions)
  • Any non-pet-friendly residence halls or rooms
  • Students with allergies or medical concerns won’t be assigned to the pet-friendly hall
  • Any bite or serious safety concern must be reported immediately
  • Residential Life may offer orientation, signage, and guidance to help build a respectful pet-friendly community

Pet-friendly rooms will have a small decal on the door to help set expectations within the hall.

  • Pets can’t stay in residence halls during academic breaks
  • You’ll take your pet home or arrange approved off-campus care
  • An emergency caretaker is required in case you’re unable to care for your pet
  • In emergencies, human safety comes first. College staff cannot evacuate pets.
  • Pet abandonment is not allowed and may result in removal, charges, and conduct action

Most concerns are easy to resolve with a conversation. Repeated or serious issues may result in:

  • Required corrections or cleaning
  • Charges for damage or professional cleaning
  • Loss of pet privileges or reassignment to non-pet housing

You may appeal major decisions through the standard student conduct process.

This is a pilot program—and we are listening. We will review it each year by tracking participation, facility impact, and community feedback. A full evaluation will happen in the third year to determine next steps.

We’re here to help:

  • Residential Life: Applications, assignments, service animals & ESAs
  • Dean of Students: Conduct and appeals
  • Campus Safety: Emergencies and incident reporting
  • Risk Management & Facilities: Facility concerns (as referred)

Reach far. Dig deep.
Go Beyond.