SUNY Canton Named Among Most Pet-Friendly Colleges in U.S.
SUNY Canton has earned a ranking as one of the most pet-friendly schools in the nation from the website HelloBark.com.
The college earned the spot primarily due to its status as a pioneer in pet-friendly residential accommodations, which began in 1997. The Pet Wing, located in Mohawk Hall, allows students to bring a variety of companions with them to live on campus, including cats, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and fish.
“We are proud of our standing as an animal-friendly campus, so it’s gratifying to be recognized for our work to enhance the community-like atmosphere that we are known for,” said SUNY Canton Director of Residence Life John M. Kennedy.
The Pet Wing can accommodate more than 100 students who want to live with their companions, and the residence hall staff often organizes activities for students and their pets.
“Everyone needs a little extra support sometimes, and having my cat on campus with me has made an immeasurable positive impact on not only my grades, but my mental health as well,” said Charliann R. Friedman, a Pet Wing resident assistant and Veterinary Science Technology student from Glenville, who lives with her cat, Lady.
The unique housing option is a favorite choice among those who are pursuing one of the three veterinary-related degrees the college offers.
“Living with my pet has greatly increased my motivation and time management skills,” said Aurora N. Santiago, a Veterinary Science Technology student from Westchester, who lives with her cat companion, Peaches.
SUNY Canton’s animal-friendly campus culture extends beyond the Pet Wing. Students raise funds to outfit police dogs with lifesaving Kevlar vests and donate supplies and food to local animal shelters. The college also sponsors pet-therapy sessions for students to relax and de-stress during finals week. The college has previously earned top pet-friendly awards from LendEDU.com and NBC Universal’s Petside.com.
HelloBark.com launched in 2019 and is dedicated to providing tips for animal owners, as well as reviews for the latest pet products on the market. They also publish recommendations from animal behavioral experts and experienced veterinarians.
As Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs, SUNY Canton delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, management, and healthcare fields. It is home to the Center for Criminal Justice, Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 23 online degree programs. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also features varsity esports and cheerleading.