An Arkansas college has announced it will designate a residence hall for students who want to bring their cats or dogs to live with them.
According to a news release, Lyon College in Batesville will be the first in the state — and one of only a "small handful" of colleges across the country — with pet-friendly housing.
The initiative will begin in the 2018-19 school year with one hall that will allow up to 20 students to live with their four-legged companions. The school will also reportedly offer courses on pet obedience.
“We will be the only pet-friendly college from Texas to Virginia,” Lyon College President W. Joseph King said in a statement. "This change seemed like a progressive step for student life at the college."
In the release, the college said it will consider opening up space at other residence halls if demand increases. The school will also reportedly add a fenced-in dog park, and The Salty Dog, Lyon College’s new coffee shop, will serve treats for students and their pets.
Eric Bork, the college's associate vice president of marketing and communications, said: “For many students, their pet is their closest companion. If they want to share their college experience with their best friend, of course we want to help make that possible.”