kennel

A kennel is a facility that houses and cares for dogs. It can be a standalone building, a designated area on a property, or a commercial establishment. Kennels serve various roles, including boarding, breeding, and housing dogs for rescue or shelter purposes.

Common types include boarding kennels, which provide temporary care while owners are away; breeding kennels, which keep dogs for reproductive purposes and sales; show kennels, which house dogs belonging to breeders preparing for competitions; and rescue or shelter kennels that care for stray or surrendered dogs.

Facilities typically include individual kennels or runs, exercise yards, feeding areas, and grooming spaces. Services may include daycare, training, veterinary care, vaccination administration, and security and climate controls. Staff monitor health, manage vaccinations and parasite control, and maintain sanitary bedding and clean housing.

Regulation and welfare: Kennels are generally subject to licensing, regular inspections, and welfare standards that specify space, ventilation, social contact, sanitation, and safe handling. Standards are set by government agencies and professional bodies to minimize disease transmission and stress.

Choosing a kennel: People evaluate location, reputation, cleanliness, staff qualifications, safety features, group sizes, exercise plans, vaccination requirements, and terms of custody. Prospective clients should visit to observe conditions, ask for references, and review written policies and rates.

History and terminology: The word kennel derives from the notion of a dog's den or shelter. Over time, kennels evolved from basic dog houses into regulated facilities that support boarding, breeding, and welfare of dogs.