definition
strict definition
animal shelter
A place where animals are housed for their protection, sometimes also for sale, operated with or without a profit motive.
An animal shelter is a place where animals are kept for their protection, and often for sale. It can be for-profit or non-profit.
Protective housing is the purpose of keeping the animals at the site. A place that only displays animals or sells goods for them has a different function.
Sale of the sheltered animals can accompany their protection, and either commercial or nonprofit operation is possible. A stable provides horse accommodation without necessarily having this protective-shelter purpose.
Related definitions
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food bank
A collection and storage facility for food intended for people in need, usually supplied onward to food pantries. -
food pantry
A place where people in need regularly receive food free of charge or at a very low below-market cost. -
mission house
A place providing food, clothing, or other basic necessities to people of limited means, excluding primarily residential facilities.