Dhaka, Aug. 28 -- At Eckerd College in Florida, dogs, cats and other animals are as much a part of campus life as the students themselves. The liberal arts school allows pets to live in dormitories, giving students daily companionship that eases stress, anxiety and homesickness.

"It's like I'm not even there," said senior Sophie Nocera, who often hears greetings for her Border collie, Zuko, while walking across campus. "People know pets' names better than their owners."

Across the U.S., more colleges are opening dorms to pets, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to Stephens College in Missouri. School officials say the policy not only supports student well-being but also helps them build community.

Federal law already requir...