Definition

Noun: A dog pound is a public facility or enclosed area where stray, lost, or unlicensed dogs are kept by animal control authorities. It serves as a temporary holding place until the dogs are claimed by their owners, adopted by new owners, or, in some cases, face other outcomes.

Usage

The term "dog pound" is used to refer specifically to the municipal or public shelter for impounded dogs. It is often associated with animal control and enforcement of local pet licensing laws.

Examples

• The city's dog pound is located on the south side of town.
• If you find a stray dog with no tags, you should take it to the dog pound.
• The dog pound was overcrowded after the holiday weekend.

Advanced Usage

• "to end up in the dog pound": This phrase is used to describe a dog being taken to the pound, often implying it was found roaming without supervision or identification.
  • If your dog gets out without a license, it could end up in the dog pound.

Variants and Related Words

• Pound (noun): A common short form for "dog pound."
  • The dog was held at the pound for three days.
• Animal shelter (noun): A broader term that may include pounds but often implies a facility focused more on adoption and care, sometimes run by private charities rather than the government.

Synonyms

• Animal shelter (in some contexts, though "shelter" can have a broader or more charitable connotation)
• Kennel (though this more commonly refers to a boarding facility for pets)

Related Phrases

• "Pound puppy": A colloquial term for a dog available for adoption from a pound.
  • We adopted a lovable pound puppy last year.

Noun

1. a public enclosure for stray or unlicensed dogs
   • unlicensed dogs will be taken to the pound