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A place like this had to exist.

Kents Hill School, a 230-student college prep school in Maine, is noteworthy for allowing dogs virtually unrestricted access to the campus. They’re everywhere.

At the school, faculty members are encouraged to bring their dogs to work with them. Students aren’t allowed to have dogs, but at the moment, 33 dogs owned by faculty accompany their masters to class every day.

According to the school, the presence of the dogs adds a community feel and a sense of normalcy to the campus.

Said one student, “It gives a homey feeling to life at school.”

Said another, “When you have a bad day, it’s nice to come back to the dorm and relax with a friendly dog who is always there for you, who listens to you, who doesn’t argue with you or judge you.”

Well said.

The pooch policy is the idea of Rist Bonnefond, the headmaster. He has allowed canines on campus for the last 19 years. At present, his yellow Lab Ranger is one of the more popular dogs there.

Among the 33 canines are 11 Labs, two Dachshunds, two Weimaraners, an Akita, a whole bunch of mutts, and one Leonberger, whatever that is.

Although the school’s sports teams are nicknamed “the Huskies,” no member of that breed is currently on campus. Headmaster Bonnefond noted that one could arrive any day.

The head of Sampson Hall, the main dormitory, said the presence of the dogs is especially good for new students, who might be shy at first, but will always stop to play with the dogs. She called them “the ultimate icebreakers.”

And after the students graduate and move on, will they be able to look back and fondly remember their doggy pals as well as their classmates? No worries. Every edition of the yearbook has a section devoted to the pets.