animal shelter

[ an-uh-muhl shel-ter ]

noun

1. an establishment, maintained by local government or supported by charitable contributions, that provides a temporary home for dogs, cats, and other animals that are offered for adoption, and puts to sleep homeless animals that have been deemed unsuitable for adoption:

   The animal shelter is requesting donations of old towels, blankets, and other linens.

Word History and Origins

Origin of animal shelter¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

According to ABC News, Mr Aldama Garcia later agreed to surrender ownership after turning up at the animal shelter where the dog was being looked after to try and claim him.

From BBC

She checked in with her sister, who once worked at an animal shelter, and learned that cats that yowled were either in distress, in heat or lost.

From Los Angeles Times

Wilcox was accused of shoving a Department of Animal Services worker and trying to storm an animal shelter to regain custody of his expropriated goats.

From Los Angeles Times

Large animals were being accepted at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter.

From Los Angeles Times

Ten puppies rescued after being tossed out of a vehicle near a Mission Viejo animal shelter last month will soon be put up for adoption, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times