In Beaufort, animal shelter officials wanted to increase adoption and reduce euthanizing animals. So in 2012 they opened the Tabby House. Tucked into a corner of the Beaufort Town Center, the Tabby House allows its cats free rein and invites people to stop in even if they aren’t looking to adopt. A sign outside tempts with the words “Free Wifi.”

To save more animals, the center has dropped its adoption fee from $45 to $25, which covers the cost of microchipping the animals. In return for increasing adoption, the center also benefits from increased exposure, which has led to more donations and a wider network of people willing to help socialize the cats.

“I think the separation from the shelter makes a big difference,” volunteer Chris Zilko said.

To read more about the Tabby House, click here.