Will Your Teen Miss Their Pet in College? 14 Cute Ideas to Help

As college move-in day is approaching quickly, many college students feel nervous or sad about leaving family and friends behind. And, of course, they will miss their beloved pets. Pets are a source of comfort for many teens and young adults, and provide emotional support and overall happiness too.

How teens can “bring” their pet to college

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1. Pet Pillows

A pet pillow is a perfect gift to give your college student because they can use it as a throw pillow on their bed. You can get a pet pillow that is shaped like the animal. These pillows are almost as good as your pet being there. Almost!

Three woofs(!) for custom pillows from All About Vibe.

For an even more incredible (and expensive) custom stuffed animal, check out CuddleClones. Their amazing stuffed animals are handcrafted from faux fur and capture every detail of your pet.

dog stuffed animal and real pet

2. Custom Throw Blanket With Dog Photo

A personalized pet throw blanket is great for movie nights in college! This customized pet blanket is super soft and ultra-comfortable.

(Image via Amazon)

3. Custom Pet Portrait Mug

Get a custom pet portrait for your college student so they can start their morning with a fresh cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea while seeing their adorable pet. Comes in two sizes — 11 oz or 15 oz. 

Image via West and Willow

4. Custom Pet Pajamas 

Check out these custom pet pajamas, made with a silky-soft fabric blend (96% polyester/4% spandex) and are available in various styles: short sleeves and shorts, long sleeves and pants, or any combination of the two! Plus, buying these pajamas feeds 10 shelter pets. 

Pet pjs

5. Pet Socks

If you want a funnier going-away gift, get custom pet socks! Not only are these super soft, but they are also extra special because they are made from recycled plastic bottles, making them sustainable.

socks
(Image via Chewy)

6. Custom Pet Portraits

Get a custom pet portrait that your student can hang up in their dorm room or apartment, reminding them of their pet anytime they’re in their room. You can choose up to three pets per portrait, and the portraits are printed on gallery-quality paper, and ready-to-hang components come pre-attached to the hardwood frame.

dog portrait
(Image via West and Willow)

7. Pet Photo Gallery Towel

An extra towel is necessary for college for trips to the beach, pool days, or simply tanning outdoors. This pet towel is made with a personalized front and plush cotton back and is machine washable. 

pet towel
(Image via Shutterfly)

8. Dog Parent Dual Portrait Mug

We love these 10-ounce porcelain mugs, which can be personalized with a likeness of your teen and their BFF pup or cat. Choose from among dozens of breeds. Made in England.

(Image via Uncommon Goods)

9. Pet Portrait Name Necklace

A pet portrait necklace is a cute way your student can accessorize and is also very unique. These are available in silver, gold, or rose gold. The pet photo will be engraved on the disc charm. Your student can show off their pet in style!

(Image via BOLTIESD)

10. Custom Pet T-Shirt

This custom pet T-shirt is so adorable! Available in 17 different colors, you are sure to find your teen’s favorite color! 

(Image via Etsy)

11. Custom Pet Portrait Keychain

With this custom pet keychain, your student will always have their pet with them! It comes in silver, gold, or rose gold, and you can choose the font of the pet’s name too! 

petkeychain
(Image via Etsy)

12. Customizable Dog Portrait Sweatshirt

These sweatshirts are so trendy! They come in four colors and feature your dog or cat’s face and name. 

petsweatshirt
(Via Urban Wolfe)

13. Custom Pet Photo Bracelet

This cute bracelet is simple and features an engraved image of your pet. It comes in silver, gold, or rose gold. Having pet jewelry is also a great conversation starter at college! 

(Image via Etsy)

14. Custom Painted Pet Portrait

For a truly amazing gift, choose to have your pet painted by artist MG Stout who uses your photo as a guide to creating a remarkable and unique work of art. Each is painted on canvas using acrylic paint.

(Image via Uncommon Goods)

More Great Reading:

College Care Packages From Home: 50 Great Ideas

About Madeleine Korn

Madeleine Korn is a recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In the 2019 to 2020 school year, she was the advertising director for The Bottom Line newspaper at UC Santa Barbara. Prior to that, she was an intern for United Airlines in both 2018 and 2019, where she was involved in projects to improve the customer experience. She loves writing and creating videos and really enjoys working for Grown and Flown!

Read more posts by Madeleine

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