--- title: Boarding an Australian Shepherd | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/australian-shepherd/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Breed guides](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/) - Australian Shepherd # Boarding an Australian Shepherd An Australian Shepherd is a medium to large dog, 40 to 65 pounds by the AKC, with a weatherproof double coat, so one fits Business Class (5x6 ft, $59 a night on the 2026 rates), or Economy for a smaller female. On the 2024 bath chart the Medium column is $45 at 26 to 50 pounds and $50 at 51 to 75, with the Double Coated column at $55 and $65. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) An Aussie is a ranch dog, born in California by way of Australia, as the AKC puts it. Expect an alert, busy dog who likes to know where everyone is. ## Sizing the run Males run 20 to 23 inches and 50 to 65 pounds, females 18 to 21 inches and 40 to 55. Business Class is the usual pick. A compact female can do well in Economy at $52, but most Aussies appreciate the extra floor. ## Coat Aussies carry a medium-length double coat with feathering. AKC rates shedding at 3 of 5. Whether yours is priced in Medium or Double Coated depends on thickness, so please ask: $45 to $65 depending on weight and column. ## Always on AKC gives the breed 5 of 5 on energy. A herding dog without work finds work, such as circling other dogs or watching the gate. Walks, the large fenced play areas and the grass field keep that in hand. The doggie door means your dog can sit outside and watch the farm-country view. ## Sun and shade Sunshine is a consideration in July. About 100 days a year reach 90 degrees at nearby Vacaville, so we use shade and the air-conditioned inside half. ## Busy mind, busy day An Aussie bored at home invents work. During a stay, walks are included, and extras on the menu can fill the day: a Happy Lick Mat at $4.99 and a Happy Pup Cup at $4.99, and an additional picture play session is $14.99 per kennel. ## Cost examples A week in Business Class is 7 x $59 = $413 on the 2026 rates. Two Aussies from one home share Business for $59 plus $50. Stays of 14 nights or more are $53 a night. ## Eyes, ears and tags Tell the staff anything they should know about your dog's hearing, eyes or habits, and make sure the tag is current. ## Visiting before you book Aussies read a new place carefully, so a look around first helps owners as much as dogs. Walk-in tours run every day, 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, with a staff member beside you, and you can ask which run suits a dog who watches everything. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club - Australian Shepherd breed page](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) - [Happy Paws Kennels bathing rates effective January 1, 2024](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) - [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Boarding medium dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/medium-dogs/) - [Boarding double-coated dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/double-coated-dogs/) - [Boarding high-energy dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/high-energy-dogs/) - [Business Class kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/business-class-kennel/) - [Border Collie](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/border-collie/) ## Which kennel class fits? How many dogs? Biggest dog They will share one kennel Pick how many dogs and the biggest one's size. A guide from the sizes on our facility page. The staff confirm the right kennel when you book. ## Bath price finder Your dog's weight Coat Pick a weight and coat. From the bath chart effective January 1, 2024. The 2026 sheet prices baths on request, so please ask to confirm. Baths are for overnight boarders. ## Read next - [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) - [Doberman Pinscher](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/doberman-pinscher/) - [Cane Corso](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/cane-corso/) - [Miniature Schnauzer](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/miniature-schnauzer/) - [Great Dane](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/great-dane/) - [Boxer](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/boxer/) - [Siberian Husky](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/siberian-husky/) - [Shih Tzu](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/shih-tzu/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Will my Aussie try to herd other dogs? Dogs stay in their own runs. In play areas staff watch closely. ### Does an Aussie need First Class? Not for one dog. ### Do you board tailless Aussies? All breeds, neutered or intact.