What does kennelling mean?
Kennelling means arranging for a dog or other domestic animal to stay in a kennel. It is used both for the service itself—“overnight kennelling” means providing an animal with a secure place to sleep—and for the process of placing the animal there. In British English, it commonly refers to a commercial arrangement in which pets are cared for while their owners are travelling or otherwise unable to look after them. North American speakers also use the term, although “boarding” or “pet boarding” is generally more familiar. The word can imply either a short-term stay or a broader system of accommodation and care. It is more specific than “housing,” since it normally involves a kennel or similar purpose-built enclosure, and it should not be confused with the punishment implied by informal uses of “kennel.” Kennelling is especially useful when describing the care and facilities available to an animal in the temporary absence of its owner.
nounThe provision of accommodation for a dog or other domestic animal in a kennel, or the practice or system of doing this. It may also refer to the act of placing an animal in a kennel.
- The provision of accommodation for a dog or other domestic animal in a kennel.
- The practice or system of housing animals in kennels, especially while their owners are away.
- The act of placing an animal in a kennel.
"The price includes daily care, exercise, and overnight kennelling."
"The kennelling fee includes two walks a day and a private sleeping space."
"Temporary kennelling was arranged while the family was away."
The word is usually uncountable when referring to the service or practice; the plural is uncommon but can refer to separate instances or establishments.
"The kennellings for cats and dogs are located on opposite sides of the building."
Kennelling began with a simple idea: a doghouse became a place where dogs could stay safely while their owners were away.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kennelling come from?
“Kennelling” was formed by adding the suffix “-ing” to “kennel,” creating a noun for the practice of putting an animal in a kennel or providing accommodation there. “Kennel” comes through Old French “chenil,” a word for a doghouse, from Latin “canis,” meaning “dog.” The same Latin root is also reflected in English words such as “canine” and “canicular.”
Related word forms
How kennelling is actually used
The double “l” spelling is standard in British English and is also accepted in American English. In everyday American usage, “boarding” is often preferred for the service, while “kennelling” is more common in British English.
Easily confused with kennelling
Kennelling concerns housing animals in kennels, whereas cancellation means the stopping or reversal of an event, plan, or booking.