September 18, 2018. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Friday Center – Red Cross Shelter. Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Shelter resident Meredith Kelson welcomes her cat, Randy, with “Happy Birthday!!” as he celebrates his 5th birthday at a pet friendly Red Cross shelter. Accommodations for pets in shelters varies by location. At this shelter, in partnership with a local Veterinarian and veterinarian program at a local university, the animals are receiving assisted care from volunteers alongside their owners. The animals stay in an air-conditioned animal trailer which is able to keep them safe and healthy while at the shelter. Residents have a total of six hours per day of open visitation where they are responsible for the walking and feeding of their animals but are also able to play and be comforted by them.

Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross