News Summary
Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, will hold its 13th annual Pet Graduation ceremony on May 6, 2025, honoring pets that provide emotional support to graduating seniors. The event, a cherished tradition since 2013, highlights the increasing acceptance of pets in college settings for mental well-being. Approximately 60 pets will receive caps and certificates, celebrating their contribution to student life, while also recognizing an individual for their commitment to animal welfare on campus.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Eckerd College will celebrate the bond between students and their pet companions with its 13th annual Pet Graduation ceremony, scheduled for May 6, 2025. The event will honor approximately 60 pets that provide emotional support to graduating seniors, highlighting the growing trend of accommodating pets in college settings to enhance mental well-being.
The Pet Graduation at Eckerd College, the first higher education institution in the U.S. to allow pets on campus, has become a cherished tradition. Since its inception in 2013, over 456 pets have participated in the ceremony. This year, even five snakes will be among the diverse array of animals being recognized, which also includes dogs, cats, rabbits, a guinea pig, a tortoise, a fish, a hedgehog, and bearded dragons.
During the ceremony, each pet will receive a cap, followed by a name call and a ceremonial walk across the stage. Eckerd College President Jim Annarelli will present each pet with a certificate and pose for photos with them and their owners. In addition to recognizing the furry companions, an honorary “dog-torate” will be awarded to a human who has significantly contributed to animal welfare on campus, further underscoring the community’s dedication to pet-friendly initiatives.
Approximately 15.6 percent of Eckerd’s 2,000 students live on campus with pets. During the 2024–25 school year, 226 pets were registered with the student-run Pet Life Council, reflecting a growing acceptance of pets in college housing. This marks a focus on mental health and the emotional support that pets provide, with students expressing that their animals are essential to their well-being while pursuing higher education.
For many students, pets serve as emotional anchors. For instance, a senior student described her dog as an “emotional support rock” during stressful times. Additionally, the presence of pets can provide a comforting sense of home, particularly for those living away from their families. The University of Northern Colorado has adopted a similar approach, allowing pets in dorms to foster a supportive environment for its students.
The trend of including pets in college living arrangements is gaining traction nationwide. By offering a pet-friendly campus, colleges and universities recognize that students are more inclined to thrive academically when they have their animals by their side. The increasing registration of pets, which saw 304 registrations during the 2018-2019 academic year at Eckerd, showcases this changing landscape in higher education.
As awareness of the mental health benefits associated with animal companionship rises, institutions are adapting their policies to meet student needs more effectively. The Pet Graduation at Eckerd College is not only a celebration of the pets but also serves to underline the importance of community and support networks during challenging academic journeys.
The upcoming ceremony is expected to be a heartwarming occasion, bringing together students, faculty, and families to honor the role that pets play in the lives of graduating seniors. As the college community gathers to celebrate, the event reinforces the essential connection between students and their beloved companions, affirming the integral role pets play in maintaining student mental health and well-being during their collegiate experiences.
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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
