animal shelter

American  

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

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.

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Etymology

Origin of animal shelter

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Multiple buildings stand on the property, including three separate guesthouses, a 5,500-square-foot movie theater with a stage, several barns, animal shelter facilities, corrals, and a maintenance shop.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 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

Lewandowski calls himself “a volunteer,” like he’s washing towels at an animal shelter.

From Slate • Aug. 12, 2025

I arrived at the animal shelter close to noon, sweaty and windblown.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence