Project Statement

As the first building of its kind, the Pet Resource Center represents a fundamental shift in the animal care industry. While its function parallels that of a traditional shelter, its philosophy is entirely different: kennels and cages have been intentionally eliminated in favor of a more humane, community-centered and sustainable model.
Best Friends Animal Society’s mission is to achieve No-Kill status nationwide. Reaching that goal required rethinking, and ultimately disrupting, a 150-year-old system of animal sheltering.
Driven by data, the organization is building a national infrastructure that transports animals from overcrowded regions to underserved communities. Rather than housing pets in on-site kennels that can negatively impact health and behavior, animals are placed with local foster families.
Instead of hiding at the edge of town, the building is centrally located, visible, and accessible to the public. It houses a medical center serving both transported animals and local rescues, a community hub filled with engagement activities, and a support center for foster families and their pets. Programs such as Knitting with Kittens, Foster Fridays, and Adoption Saturdays strengthen community connections and position the Center as a model for future facilities worldwide.
THE VERNACULAR
A close study of the local barn vernacular informed the architectural language of the project. By analyzing and categorizing these forms, we developed a series of strategies for shaping the roofscape, allowing the peaks, merges, and extensions of the rooflines to move intentionally across the site while sheltering the program efficiently.
A NEW WAY
During Covid, many shelters were forced to close, prompting the rapid growth of foster networks nationwide. Best Friends recognized the potential of this model, and midway through the design process we made a pivotal decision: the kennels had to go. The ambition became clear, to create the shelter of the future as a true community center where the building is inviting to the community and volunteers to care for pets.

A CUSTOMIZED PROGRAM
This shift required an entirely new approach to the building’s design, circulation, and program. The Center needed to feel community-focused, inclusive, and welcoming. It was designed to draw the public into the world of Best Friends, encouraging people to donate, volunteer, adopt, or foster.
The building supports affiliated rescues, foster families, and animals while also providing medical care, spay and neuter services, and educational resources on topics ranging from dog behavior to kitten feeding. A community pantry offers assistance to pet owners in need. Alongside these functions, the Center incorporates a transport component capable of supporting the relocation of animals across the country. Every space is carefully designed to support these goals and expand the organization’s impact.
SUSTAINABILITY
As the project had an ambition to become the new model of animal shelters, sustainability became an important driving factor of the design. Shelters consume significant amounts of water due to the constant washing, heating, and maintenance required for kennels and cages. By eliminating kennels and using durable, easy-to-clean surfaces, this facility saves an estimated 135,000 gallons of water annually. The strategy not only reduces environmental impact but also supports the building’s long-term operational sustainability.