Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An animal shelter is a facility that provides temporary care and housing for abandoned, lost, or surrendered animals. It aims to find suitable homes for these animals through adoption or reuniting them with their owners.
Related terms
Adoption: Adoption refers to the process of legally taking an animal from an animal shelter or rescue organization into one's home as a pet.
Animal Cruelty: Animal cruelty refers to any act of violence or neglect towards animals, which can cause physical pain, suffering, or even death.
Volunteerism: Volunteerism involves offering one's time and skills without expecting monetary compensation. In the context of an animal shelter, it refers to individuals willingly helping out with caring for the animals by providing assistance with feeding, cleaning, walking, etc.