Cabot Animal Services Center and the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine announced an exciting partnership last week that will benefit the community and students alike.
The veterinary school will reside on a newly formed multi-acre campus in Cabot, Arkansas will be located adjacent to the planned Cabot Animal Services Center.
“As a veterinarian devoted to this profession and veterinary dean, I find Arkansas’ enthusiasm for the new veterinary school truly heartwarming,” said Dr. Eleanor Green, founding dean of the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine. “We had previously signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Cabot for a mutually beneficial relationship to support its Cabot Animal Support Services where veterinary students would experience immersive learning opportunities.
“The plan is for Lyon College students to have access to hands-on experiences in animal care, health management and community engagement, contributing directly to the welfare of animals and residents in Cabot. The location in Cabot provides the ability to construct a large barn and classroom space that will allow expansion of outreach to students and civic groups across the state.”
The City of Cabot Animal Support Services, under the leadership of Director Mike Wheeler, is thrilled about the partnership.
“Our collaboration with the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine marks a turning point in our ability to provide access to care for the animals in our community, state, and beyond,” Wheeler said. “This new veterinary college is also being built on a shared campus with our new Cabot Animal Support Services Center in which ensures these future veterinarians will have ample opportunities to fully immerse themselves in animal welfare that is strengthened through Lyon College’s commitment to focus on shelter medicine at our new full service clinic and our community outreach programming.”
Construction is scheduled to commence this year, with the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine expected to enroll their inaugural classes in the fall of 2025.