To determine the ratio of dogs to cats at the pet shelter, we start with the numbers given: there are 7 dogs for every 5 cats. The ratio of dogs to cats can be expressed as:
Ratio of Dogs to Cats = Number of Dogs : Number of Cats
Substituting the numbers we have, the ratio becomes:
Ratio of Dogs to Cats = 7 : 5
This means for every 7 dogs, there are 5 cats. Ratios can also be simplified or expressed in different forms, but in this case, 7:5 is already in its simplest form. Thus, the ratio of dogs to cats in the shelter is 7:5.