"Unclaimed animals" refers to animals that have been lost or abandoned and have not been found or taken in by anyone. These animals are waiting to be claimed by their owners or to be adopted by new caregivers. Full definition
The last resort is often the local shelter, because so many are forced to euthanize unclaimed animals after just a few days. (realtormag.realtor.org)
Thankfully, states like Minnesota have passed legislation making it illegal for unclaimed animals from shelters and municipal facilities — a practice known as «pound seizure» — to be sold to laboratories for use in testing. (onegreenplanet.org)
As with many such partnerships, the private shelter (NHS) pulls unclaimed animals from the public shelter (WCRAS) once their hold periods are up and finds homes for them. (outthefrontdoor.com)