Many of us know the feeling… coming to college ready and excited but having to leave your childhood pet at home. It can be pretty heartbreaking! I don’t intend to convince you otherwise, as I’ve gone through the same thing with my crazy dog back in Connecticut. Instead, I feel it’s important to find opportunities to reconnect with the animal-loving part of yourself! The Burlington area is full of opportunities to meet, interact with, and discover animals and I believe that the list below is a great place to get started.
Volunteering
Looking to give back to help animals looking for their forever home? Volunteering at your local humane society is a great place to start. The Humane Society of Chittenden County is only a 9-minute drive from UVM’s campus and has countless volunteering opportunities. Whether you’re interested in morning cat care, dog walking, or event and community outreach they are always looking for more help! Other nearby animal-related volunteer opportunities are available at Green Mountain Defenders, the Vermont English Bulldog Rescue, and Queen City Cats.
UPRAWR @ UVM
Have you seen a UVM UPRAWR pup around campus? UPRAWR at UVM provides students with the opportunity to raise and train dogs to become service animals! While they’re being trained, the pups will occasionally pop into Rest Stop to help students destress. Through UPRAWR, students can become puppy trainers, puppy sitters, and general members. Whether you’re looking for a puppy pop by at Rest Stop or to get into dog training, this is a great organization to check out!
Queen City Cat Lounge
After opening its doors in 2024, Queen City Cat Lounge had served as the perfect place near UVM to hang out with adoptable cats! The lounge offers cat yoga, study sessions, paint and sips, and more. Reservations can be made online, and walk-ins are accepted when space is available. This lounge also boasts a variety of cat themed gifts from local makers and self-service snacks and drinks. It is truly the most purr-fect place!
The CREAM Cows
If barnyard animals are more your style, UVM’s CREAM Program is a great group to look into! CREAM (Cooperative for Real Education in Agriculture Management) is a student-run dairy herd where UVM students manage farm operations and perform barn chores. All majors across the University can apply to the program and are not required to have a dairy background! Not interested in joining, but still want to meet cows? You can schedule a guided farm tour with a current CREAMer by emailing [email protected] or by messaging @uvm.cream on Instagram. Self-guided tours are available 10am-4pm 7 days a week.
Adopt an animal *IF* you’re ready
Trust me when I say that I wanted a cat from the second I got to college up until my partner and I adopted our sweet girl, Nutmeg, on July 11th this past summer. But there are so many reasons why I waited. Pets like cats and dogs simply aren’t low maintenance and can cost a lot of time and money in the long run. A typical vet visit alone costs at least $100-$200 dollars and adoption fees and first-time items are a huge upfront cost. And you really should be taking your animal to the vet! This is not to say I regret my decision in the slightest, I just think it’s very important as college students to remember that these kinds of animals can be a 20+ year commitment. We adopted our cat from North Country Animal League when we were both in a place where we felt financially and emotionally ready for one, and I suggest you do the same! If you’re still wanting a friend but recognize you’re not ready for the commitment of a dog or cat, perhaps consider a fish! I have had the company of two different bettas over my last 3 years at UVM, and they are absolutely lovely and encouraging desk companions. Not to mention they are allowed in the residence halls!
Animals are truly a wonderful addition to college life and can help to de-stress, unwind, and slow down. I wish you the absolute best in your journey of creature connection across campus and the greater Burlington area! If you ever happen to spot me walking my cat (I know, so Burlington), feel free to stop me and ask for some cuddle time. She’s friendly!
