Animal shelters are facilities that provide temporary homes for abandoned, stray, or surrendered animals, primarily dogs and cats. They aim to care for these animals until they can be adopted into permanent homes. Shelters often work with local communities to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of homeless animals. Many animal shelters also offer services such as spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping to help control the pet population and ensure the health of the animals. Volunteers and staff at these shelters play a crucial role in socializing and training the animals, making them more adoptable and ready for a loving family.