Pet Central at Stephens welcomes pets and their owners

Imagine a college residence hall where you and your pet can live together. This idea has become a reality at Stephens College.

Searcy Hall, which closed in 2009, is set to reopen this fall as Pet Central.

Pet Central was created to accommodate the increasing number of students who desire to bring their pets to campus when they arrive at school in the fall.

In a news release from the college, president Dianne Lynch said "at Stephens, they can bring along that very special family member, even if he has fur, fins, scales or feathers."

Stephens has previously allowed students to keep pets on campus; Pet Central expands this policy. Students will continue to be allowed to keep their pets with them in their dorm rooms. Pet Central will offer a doggie daycare program and is working to establish new programs for pets and their owners.

"I expect that we'll have all kinds of new initiatives, which will make Stephens an even better college choice for students interested in careers in veterinary science and other animal-centered professions," Lynch said.