Best Emotional Support Animals for College Students Living On Campus

College life isn’t all parties and feeling care-free to (finally) live on your own. While it can be exciting, it also comes with challenges. Exam stress, hard work-life balance, and missing old friends who just get you can take their toll on your mental health. The anxiety and loneliness that can build can start to feel overwhelming, but that’s where an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can step in. 

Having an ESA by your side can give you companionship, structure, and plenty of cuddles when you just need a hug or some downtime. Find out which animals make the best emotional support animals for college students — along with what goes into their care and how they’ll fit into your busy day.

What to Consider When Choosing an Emotional Support Animal for College

Not every animal is a good fit for college life. Your living situation and amount of free time are going to have a huge impact on the type of ESA that fits best. So before bringing a little soul into your life, consider the following: 

1. Living Space 

If you’re staying in a dorm room, you’re not going to have much personal space. Sharing a room also comes with its challenges, and you don’t always know how your ESA will affect your roomie. For small shared spaces and apartments, think about animals that don’t need much space or attention. 

2. Maintenance and Care

College life is busy. Even if you spend a lot of time at home - do you have free time to devote to your ESA? Animals need attention, including mental and physical stimulation. If you’re low on time, it might be best to choose an ESA like fish, where you only need to feed them clean their tank regularly. Otherwise, if you have at least 30 minutes for playtime (and want plenty of cuddle time while you study with a furry soul on your lap) a cat can work well. 

3. Temperament and Behavior

What’s your vibe and what are you looking for from your ESA? Do you want high-energy or more laid-back moods? Some dogs bounce off the walls for attention and walks, while others, like a French Bulldog, can have a calmer demeanor. Low-key cuddly cats are usually Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, Maine Coons, Persians, Russian Blues — or any rescue kitty with a sweet demeanor — and most especially, senior cats. Senior kitties are sadly overlooked but they usually just want to cuddle and be loved. 

4. Companionship and Affection

You want an ESA that’s happy to offer the companionship and affection you’re looking for, without overwhelming you. For example, if you don't have a few hours a day for a walk or playtime, even the gentlest of Golden Retrievers might be too much to manage. Cats, bunnies, and even guinea pigs can be up for snuggles without needing as much time as some dogs. 

5. Housing Policies

Can you bring an emotional support animal to school? Not every college is going to allow ESAs for students. Some dorms allow them with an ESA certification, but others may strictly forbid them due to room sharing. If you’re in a shared apartment, you’ll also need to ask your roomies and landlord for the go-ahead. 

6. Finances

No pet comes without a cost (although they pay it back in affection). Think about how much you can afford monthly, and keep yearly vet visits in mind. You’ll also want an emergency vet fee for when they get sick and monthly pet insurance. Plus, budget for toys, grooming, and special vet food or treatments. Estimates suggest a cat can be around $50-100 a month, with dogs $60-200 or more. A hamster could be $20-30, a guinea pig $30–$60, and fish anywhere from $15-40 plus, depending on the type and tank. 

Best Emotional Support Animals for College Students

Here’s a list of some of the best pets for college students — including why, their care needs, and how they can fit into student life: 

1. Cats

Cats are great for comforting cuddles when you’re feeling lonely, tired, or even homesick. Quiet playtime can be a nice distraction and a much-needed break from studies. They’re naturally a bit silly, bringing moments of laughter and lightness to the heavy pressure to conform and perform in college. Going to bed with a mind full of to-do lists swarming in your head can be quieted by soothing purrs, making falling asleep easier (just watch out for early wakings for feedings!). Keep in mind that every cat has a unique personality, so you might want to try contacting a shelter to foster for a while to get an idea of how they’d fit into your life. 

Cats are best for: Students with busy schedules who still want a loving, calm companion. 

2. Small Dog Breeds 

Small dogs can give you unconditional love and a wagging tail with a happy face greeting you every time you get home from classes. Their loyalty and affection can ease those imposter syndrome worries, and their cuddles are great for comfort during stressful times, like exam periods. Plus, they don’t let you skip exercising even when you’re at your busiest. You’ll always get walking in daily, which helps boost your mood and mental clarity. 

Calm and small breeds that might fit include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Shih Tzu. They need around 30-60 minutes of walking per day, depending on the breed, age, and personality. 

Small dogs are best for: Students who have a bit more space and time for daily walks.

3. Rabbits

Rabbits can be incredibly affectionate and gentle animals. They offer that sense of calm and bring a grounding presence to your home, while also letting you know you’re not alone. Many of them love to snuggle, and they give a sort of quiet companionship, without needing too much in return. 

Ask your local shelters if you can foster abandoned rabbits needing a home (they seem to be particularly available after Easter when people realize they don’t have the time or energy to devote to them). They need about 4 hours or more of playtime to roam outside their cage daily. They’re also highly sociable animals that should be adopted in pairs. 

Rabbits are best for: Students looking for a low-maintenance and calming furry pet. 

4. Birds (Parakeet, Cockatiel)

With their sweet songs and company, birds can bring a little bit of lightness and joy to your day. Their playful antics can distract you from stress and give you a break from your worries. They’re also very social, so they’ll likely want to stay nearby, helping to manage feelings of loneliness — especially if you’re managing culture shock or missing old friends. They’re also good to just break up the monotony of daily life and classes, giving your mind a refresh before you dive back into your studies. 

Social birds like Cockatiels and Parakeets should be adopted in pairs, but they’ll still want human attention since they can bond with humans and love attention. You’ll need a safe space where they can explore and fly. Like rabbits, they also need at least 4 hours a day outside of their cage, roaming free to fly as nature intended. Without the attention and care they need, they can easily get anxious and have serious health problems. 

Birds are best for: Students who want a social pet that is relatively easy to care for — providing you have a safe space for them to roam and fly. 

5. Hamsters

Hamsters are tiny little creatures that are independent but still want attention. Knowing that furry little soul depends on you can add a sense of purpose while playing with them can offer a happy break from work and worries. When properly cared for, they have a gentle nature and like to explore. 

Hamsters need a big cage with regular cleaning (fresh bedding along with wheels and mazes for exercise and hiding spots to feel safe and sleep). Time outside of the cage daily is also important so they don’t get bored and anxious — just make sure it’s in a safe space where they can’t chew on wiring. You can also get them an exercise ball that they fit inside to run around the floor safely.  Be prepared that they’re nocturnal animals who run on their wheel at night, so have some WD-40 prepared to avoid squeaking sounds so you can still get the rest you need. 

Hamsters are best for: Students looking for an easy, independent pet that still offers emotional support.

6. Guinea Pigs

These guys have to be adopted in pairs since they’re extremely social and get lonely easily. They like human interaction and are happy to roam around and keep you company when stressed. They have a gentle nature and their cute little squeaks when you enter the room can cheer you right up. Knowing they’re nearby might help with focus and relaxation, giving you a grounding presence to help you study without feeling lonely or overwhelmed. 

They need quite a large cage, with safe spots to hide and sleep. They’ll also need a few hours a day roaming outside the cage to get some exercise — just make sure it’s safe without electrical cords to chew on. They love their fresh veggies so you’ll always have something fresh at home to snack on (particularly carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and lettuce — plus cilantro and parsley). 

Best for: Students who want a small, interactive, and affectionate pet that offers both emotional support and companionship.

7. Fish (Betta, Goldfish)

Just watching fish swim around can be like meditating. The way they glide is almost hypnotic, helping to create a calming vibe perfect for those days of endless studying. Their quiet presence and responsibility can offer structure and grounding, without overwhelming you. 

Fish are mostly low-maintenance, but they need proper tanks for their size and breed, along with regular cleanings. For example, one goldfish needs at least 20 gallons of water and a strong filtration system to maintain water quality and pH levels. Other than taking care of their tanks (and filling them with interactive toys and safe spots), they’ll need feedings once or twice a day and not much else. 

Fish are best for: Students who want a quiet, calming pet without much daily upkeep.

Tips for Keeping an Emotional Support Animal in College

Like anything in life, keeping emotional support animals in college comes with its challenges. Here’s what to seriously consider before committing to an ESA: 

• Check with Housing Policies and Roommates: Before anything else, check with your housing authorities about the types of ESAs you’re allowed to bring. You’ll also want to ask any potential roommates how they’ll feel about your ESA. 
• Match Your Schedule: College life can be incredibly busy — sometimes more so than we can ever imagine. Do you have the time to devote to the animal you want, in both attention and care? 
• Think about the Emotional Connection: Which animal fits your emotional needs most? What kind of physical and mental connection are you looking for? 
• Plan for Holidays: What will you do with your pet when it comes to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Breaks, or weekends away? 
• Stay Committed: The life of a little soul depends on you. If you decide to adopt, keep in mind that it’s forever to them. They’ll need you their whole life, for not just food and shelter but love and attention. Can you commit to that? 

FAQs 

What is the best emotional support animal for a college student living in a dorm?

It all depends on your dorm policies and personal needs. Fish or hamsters might be good for dorm life since they don’t need much space and can be easily cared for by others over the holidays. 

Are small dogs or cats better for college students?

Cats might be better since they don’t need daily walks and can be less expensive. However, small dogs with a calm demeanor who don’t need hours of exercise daily can also work. 

Can I have an emotional support animal in a college dormitory?

Plenty of colleges allow ESAs when you have a legitimate ESA letter signed by a mental health professional, such as Pettable. However, you still have to check with the housing authorities first to be sure. 

What are the easiest emotional support animals to care for?

Fish and hamsters might be the easiest to care for, but every animal is going to need daily feedings and maintenance (cage or tank cleanings, for example). 

How do I register an emotional support animal in college housing?

Submit your valid ESA letter to your school’s housing office and check if they require any other forms or documents.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ESA for college life has the power to make daily stressors feel a little more manageable. They share their affection when you’re feeling lonely, offer a grounding presence when stressed, and create a sense of routine and purpose — along with playful distractions when you need a break. 

Just remember that each animal requires its own type of care and attention, so you want to be sure you can fully commit to them. Otherwise, ask local shelters if you can foster or volunteer in person so you can still have some furry companionships and connection, without long-term commitments. 

If you’re ready to commit, click here to learn how to get an emotional support animal and your legitimate ESA letter.