SUNY Plattsburgh approves furry student club as trend spreads across US campuses

State University of New York at Plattsburgh approved a new furry student club, Plattsfur, last month to meet growing interest among students and to provide a space for social activity and content creation within the campus community. In an 11-1 vote on Nov. 16, the Plattsburgh Student Association green-lit the club, which now counts 17 members. Members say the group has already held its first meeting and hosted a campfire gathering as part of its initial activities.

Supporters described Plattsfur as a safe space for students who participate in furry culture to socialize and collaborate. Junior anthropology major Styx Williams told the student government that the club started with a handful of friends who discovered they were all furries and decided to organize around a common interest. The new club’s leaders say the early events have focused on community-building and creative content sharing, rather than any single activity or theme.

Beyond Plattsburgh, the furry subculture includes fans, artists, writers, gamers and role-players who design and adopt a fursona, an anthropomorphic animal character used for self-expression. Demographic data from the International Anthropomorphic Research Project suggest that a large majority of furries are under 25, and that about six in ten are college students. The community often gathers at conventions and online venues, with participants creating their own costumes and accessories for events and meetups.

Furry clubs have become increasingly visible on college campuses in recent years. Nationwide, more than 75% of furries are under the age of 25 and nearly 60% say they are enrolled in college, according to the research project. Furry sub-genres vary widely, encompassing everything from fans who dress as foxes or dragons to bronies who identify with My Little Pony characters, along with a broad array of other animal-themed personas. The subculture is described as a broad umbrella that includes fans, artists, writers, gamers and role-players who engage in shared storytelling and community-building experiences.

The trend is not limited to a single region. In the past two years, several U.S. colleges have approved furry clubs, including Minnesota State University, California Polytechnic State University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, according to coverage by FOX News. In total, there are more than 100 university chapters of furry clubs worldwide, according to the Anthromorphic Animal Appreciation Association.

Furry clubs on campuses are typically described as spaces for socialization, collaboration and creative expression. They often host informal gatherings, craft sessions, and digital or in-person content creation that aligns with members’ fursona identities. While the public perception of the subculture varies, supporters emphasize community, inclusion and consent within events and activities. As Plattsburgh’s new club moves into its next semester, campus officials say the approval reflects a broader conversation about student-led groups representing diverse interests and identities across higher education.

The campus community will continue to monitor Plattsfur’s development as part of ongoing assessments of student clubs and activities. For Plattsburgh and other campuses, the growing number of furry organizations signals not only a niche interest but a social landscape where students can explore identity, collaboration and creative expression in a structured, supervised setting. Future events and partnerships with campus groups could shape how this subculture is viewed and engaged on other campuses across the country.