The space created artificially by man or taken by him as a protection space against possible dangers is known as a refuge. A shelter takes its name specifically from the idea of sheltering an individual or animal from threats that may endanger their survival. As such, the refuge becomes a kind of dwelling that can be temporary or that can become permanent according to the specific needs and possibilities of each situation. However, if it is understood as a safe and more or less comfortable space, any home can be considered a refuge for humans.
Shelters were especially important in times of humanity in which man was nomadic and did not build his own houses but adapted to natural forms such as caves where he could protect himself from inclement weather as well as dangerous animals. Shelter is therefore of vital importance in regard to the survival of an animal that does not have permanent or fixed housing.
In general, shelters are taken as such in extreme situations and therefore are, as just said, natural forms to which the endangered animal adapts. However, humans have also built their own shelters in situations of need, for example when they have to take place in inhospitable spaces (mountains, forest, etc.).
The term shelter, following this meaning, is also used to refer to institutions specially planned and organized to protect domestic animals in danger, mainly street dogs and cats. Animal shelters are characterized by being large spaces where the animals in question are protected and kept to avoid contracting diseases as well as preventing urban areas from being filled with loose animals, dangerous for humans.
