Crayfish, guinea pigs, turtles and more receive degrees at annual pet graduation – News

Nearly 60 pets were recognized in this year’s ceremony, including 22 dogs, 16 cats, six lizards, four snakes, two turtles, two guinea pigs, and a single hermit crab, ferret, crayfish, parrot, bunny and axolotl.

The tradition highlights the role animals play in student life at Eckerd. Through the Pet Life program, students can register approved pets to live on campus while staff members work to ensure the safety of both the animals and the campus community through vaccinations, registration requirements and other guidelines.

Pet Life events throughout the year help students navigate questions about caring for pets while living on campus.

Shayla Lapp, assistant director of residence life, oversaw her first pet graduation this year during her first year supervising Pet Life.