What does rehome mean?
Rehome means to arrange for a person, animal, or organization to live or operate in a new home. The expression is especially familiar from discussions of animal rescue and adoption: a shelter rehome might find suitable permanent homes for rescued dogs, cats, or other animals. It can also describe moving a person to new accommodation, although such uses may sound more formal or institutional, and it can refer to relocating an organization or service. Unlike the more general relocate, rehome often implies a careful transition and an improvement in the quality of the new home. The prefix re- reinforces the idea of beginning again in another place, while home suggests security, belonging, and an appropriate living environment. Consequently, the word carries a generally hopeful and practical connotation, especially when used in connection with adoption and animal welfare.
To provide an animal, person, or organization with a new home or place of residence.
"The charity rehomed hundreds of rescued animals during the year."
Particularly common in discussions of animal rescue, adoption, and rehoming services.
The act of finding a new home or place of residence for an animal, person, or organization.
"The shelter advertised the rehoming of its remaining dogs."
Behind every successful adoption is a second beginning: the word rehome turns a place of safety into a place called home.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rehome come from?
The word combines the prefix re-, from Latin re meaning “again,” with home, an Old English term for a dwelling or the place where one belongs. Modern rehome was formed by applying this productive prefix to the established concept of home. Both elements also have cognates in other Germanic languages, reflecting a shared Indo-European heritage for the idea of a home or dwelling.
Related word forms
How rehome is actually used
The word is especially common in animal-welfare contexts, where it usually carries a positive implication of securing a safe and suitable new home. It is used in both British and American English but may be more frequent in British usage.
Easily confused with rehome
Rehoming can apply broadly to people, animals, or organizations, whereas rehousing usually means providing someone with a different house or accommodation.