also: ほけんしょ
public health center
A local government facility responsible for public health services, including disease control, food safety, and health consultations.
保健所で無料の健康相談を受けられます。
You can get free health consultations at the public health center.
animal shelter
Refers to the animal control and shelter function often handled by the same public health center; context usually makes the meaning clear.
迷い犬は保健所に保護されました。
The stray dog was taken in by the animal shelter.
There was a case of food poisoning, so it was reported to the public health center.
I adopted a dog from the animal shelter and am raising it.
I consulted the public health center about the bad smell in the neighborhood.
Some people bring cats they can no longer keep to the animal shelter.