Eckerd College's Pet Graduation: Four-Legged & Finned

0:00Eckert College, down in St. Petersburg, Florida, is kicking off its 13th annual pet graduation ceremony. Senior students and their animal sidekicks are strutting across the stage with 16 dogs, 16 cats, 6 snakes, 3 fish, 2 rabbits, 1. Bird, 1 fair, 1 turtle, and even a crawfish named Tito, all earning certificates. This tradition started back in 2013, and Eckert holds the title as the first college in the nation to welcome pets right on campus. They show love by letting these companions wear tiny caps, hear their names called, and parade to cheers from other pet grads and owners. Students run the show through their pet life council, which had 193 registered pets during the 2025-26 school year. It's a big deal that builds community and eases the stress of college life for everyone involved. Leaders will also hand out an honorary doctorate to one dedicated human boosting animal welfare or campus creature comfort. As the countdown hits zero, these loyal companions step up, proving graduations got four legs, or fins, and Florida this year.

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