to take a child or animal into one's family or care permanently
verb
Examples:
• The couple decided to adopt a child from the local foster care system.
• We adopted our dog from a rescue shelter last year.
to begin to use or accept a new method, idea, or course of action
verb
Examples:
• Many companies have adopted remote work policies since the pandemic.
• The school adopted a new curriculum to better prepare students for the future.
a structure of bars or wires for confining animals or birds
noun
Examples:
• The parrot sat contentedly in its large cage.
• The zoo workers cleaned each cage every morning.
a transparent tank or glass container filled with water in which fish and other aquatic animals are kept
noun
Examples:
• He spent the afternoon cleaning the aquarium and replacing the filter before adding the new fish.
• The city aquarium has a large tank where visitors can watch sharks and rays swim overhead.
to clean, brush, and maintain an animal's coat and appearance
verb
Examples:
• She grooms her golden retriever every week to prevent matting.
• Some cats groom themselves constantly, while others need regular brushing from their owners.
an implement with bristles, used for cleaning, painting, or styling hair
noun
Examples:
• She ran a brush through her tangled hair before leaving.
• Use a stiff brush to scrub the grime off the tiles.
to clean or tidy something with a brush
verb
Examples:
• He brushed the crumbs off the table after dinner.
• Don't forget to brush your teeth twice a day.
to move on foot at a moderate pace
verb
Examples:
• Let's walk to the store instead of driving.
• She walks her dog every morning.
an act of traveling on foot
noun
Examples:
• We went for a walk along the beach.
• It's a ten-minute walk from here.
an object designed for play and entertainment
noun
Examples:
• The child's favorite toy is a stuffed bear.
• The store sells a wide range of toys and games.
a shelter or small structure where a dog lives or sleeps
noun
Examples:
• The dog slept in his kennel in the backyard during mild weather.
• They built a wooden kennel near the fence to give the dog its own space.
a facility where dogs are boarded and cared for while their owners are away
noun
Examples:
• We dropped our dog off at the kennel before leaving for our two-week vacation.
• The kennel provides daily walks and playtime for all the dogs in its care.
a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger; protection from danger
noun
Examples:
• They found shelter from the rain under a tree.
• The charity operates a shelter for homeless people.
to protect from the elements or danger; to take cover
verb
Examples:
• The trees sheltered them from the wind.
• We sheltered in a cave until the storm passed.
a portable enclosure made of wire, plastic, or wood used to safely transport or house a pet
noun
Examples:
• The puppy was crate-trained so it felt safe and calm during car rides.
• Airlines require pets to travel in an approved crate that fits under the seat.
an injection or treatment that stimulates the immune system to protect against a specific disease
noun
Examples:
• The vet reminded us that our dog's rabies vaccination was due for renewal.
• Annual vaccination against certain diseases is recommended for all indoor cats.
a round, deep dish used for food or liquid
noun
Examples:
• She poured cereal into a bowl.
• There was a bowl of fruit on the table.
a strap or cord attached to a collar and used to restrain or lead an animal
noun
Examples:
• She clipped the leash onto the dog's collar before heading out for a walk.
• The puppy tugged hard on the leash, eager to reach the park.
a domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure
noun
Examples:
• Do you have any pets at home?
• The building doesn't allow pets.
to stroke or touch an animal gently and affectionately
verb
Examples:
• The children love to pet the rabbits at the farm.
• She sat on the couch petting her cat.
the part of a shirt, jacket, or coat that goes around the neck; a band fastened around an animal's neck
noun
Examples:
• He straightened his collar before the interview.
• The dog wore a red collar with its name on the tag.
a doctor who is trained to treat sick or injured animals
noun
Examples:
• We took the cat to the vet for its annual checkup.
• The vet prescribed antibiotics for the dog's ear infection.
to carefully examine or check someone or something before making a decision
verb
Examples:
• The editor thoroughly vetted every source before publishing the article.
• All candidates are vetted by the security team before being hired.
to give food to a person or animal
verb
Examples:
• She feeds the cat twice a day.
• It costs a lot to feed a family of five.
a supply of material or information
noun
Examples:
• Check your social media feed for the latest updates.
• The news feed was full of breaking stories.
to behave toward or deal with in a certain way
verb
Examples:
• You should treat others with respect.
• The doctor treated her for the infection.
something special that gives great pleasure
noun
Examples:
• Ice cream is my favorite treat.
• Going to the cinema was a real treat.
a particular type of animal developed by selective breeding
noun
Examples:
• The Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
• They raise a rare breed of cattle on their farm.
to produce offspring; to raise animals or plants
verb
Examples:
• They breed horses on a large ranch in Montana.
• Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
a container filled with absorbent material used indoors as a toilet for cats
noun
Examples:
• She scoops the litter box every morning to keep it clean.
• The cat refused to use the litter box after it was moved to a new room.