animal shelter

American  

[an-uh-muhl shel-ter] / ˈæn ə məl ˌʃɛl tər /

noun

animal shelters plural

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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• animal shelters
  plural

Etymology

Origin of animal shelter

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

animal shelter

What if she decided that she would like to leave this house to an animal shelter or if she needed to sell it to pay for long-term care?

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 4, 2026

Chu’s office visited an animal shelter in the wake of the Eaton fire and encountered a gray cat with severe burns on its face and all four legs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026

He was adopted from the renowned London animal shelter, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, when he was believed to be about four years old.

From Barron's ● Feb. 15, 2026

The Keaton family statement also asked that any donations or support be directed to causes that were important to the actress, primarily local food banks or an animal shelter.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2025

He leapt up on his hindquarters and launched into the routine Chico had taught him at the animal shelter.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein