BIG RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Ferris State University (FSU) students who live in one particular dormitory can bring their pets with them to school this year.

FSU officials said the pilot program, which currently only applies to the second floor of Cramer Hall, is designed to help students deal with homesickness and acclimate to campus life.

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“We know many students struggle with depression, anxiety and homesickness when they start college, and sometimes the answer is to bring a little bit of home with them,” said Lisa Ortiz, FSU Director of Housing and Residential Life. “Students may really miss that dog they’ve had since they were a little kid, or that cat they got when they were 12 years old.”

While many colleges and universities allow emotional support animals or aquariums, FSU says it wants to create an “open invitation” for students to bring their dogs, pets and other beloved animals to campus.

Participating students must pay a $250 fee and comply with a set of rules, which includes making sure Fido is up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered. In addition, students must have formed a relationship with the pet for at least six months.

Ortiz said there has been much interest in the pilot program. The floor is full, and 30 pets are expected to live with student Bulldogs. Cramer Hall rooms are configured in suites where two bedrooms share a bathroom and common room.

FSU says if the pilot program is successful, it may be expanded at a later time. Students start classes on Monday.