--- title: Boarding a Flat-Coated Retriever | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/flat-coated-retriever/ 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/) - Flat-Coated Retriever # Boarding a Flat-Coated Retriever A Flat-Coated Retriever weighs about 60 to 70 pounds, so one dog fits Business Class at $59 a night on the 2026 rates. With a medium, feathered coat, a 51 to 75 pound dog is about $50 on the 2024 bath chart. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The AKC calls the Flat-Coat the Peter Pan of the Sporting Group, a forever-young gundog that is happy, self-assured and willing to please. Expect a long-legged dog with a tail that never stops. ## Size and kennel The AKC lists the breed at 23 to 24.5 inches for males and 22 to 23.5 inches for females, at 60 to 70 pounds. That is the same weight band as a Labrador, but the Flat-Coat is leaner and the tail is a hazard in a small space. Business Class (5x6 feet inside, 60 square feet outside) gives room, at $59 a night. Two Flat-Coats from one home fit First Class at $72 and $61. ## The flat, feathered coat The coat is dense and flat with feathering on the legs, chest and tail, and the AKC places it in the middle of the chart's length scale. We would start from the medium column. On the bath chart effective January 1, 2024, a 51 to 75 pound dog is $50 in the medium column; a longer-feathered dog may fall into the last column at $65. Please ask to confirm. Burrs and mud collect in the feathering, so brush the legs before drop-off. ## A retriever who loves to carry Flat-Coats retrieve with enthusiasm and are rarely mean about it. They like to pick up toys, sticks and shoes. Bring one toy rather than three, and leave the favorite at home. The grass field and fenced play areas are a good match for this breed. The AKC lists a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, and an older Flat-Coat may want a quieter stay with its own bed in the run. ## Heat and water nearby Vacaville, the closest weather station, averages about 100 days a year at 90 degrees or higher. A dog with this coat feels warm quickly, so the air-conditioned run matters in the afternoon. The dog chooses inside or out through the doggie door. ## Ready for the first night Upload the vaccine records, arrive free of fleas and ticks, and remove any metal pinch (prong) collar. If your Flat-Coat is on a diet, bring the food in its original bag with the amount written in cups. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club - Flat-Coated Retriever breed page](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/flat-coated-retriever/) - [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 - [Labrador Retriever](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/labrador-retriever/) - [Golden Retriever](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/golden-retriever/) - [Boarding large dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/large-dogs/) - [Boarding working & sporting dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/working-and-sporting-dogs/) - [Business Class kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/business-class-kennel/) - [Boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) ## 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 - [Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/nova-scotia-duck-tolling-retriever/) - [Boykin Spaniel](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/boykin-spaniel/) - [Treeing Walker Coonhound](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound/) - [Black and Tan Coonhound](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/black-and-tan-coonhound/) - [Basenji](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/basenji/) - [Keeshond](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/keeshond/) - [Chow Chow](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/chow-chow/) - [Cardigan Welsh Corgi](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/cardigan-welsh-corgi/) 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/). ### Is a Flat-Coated Retriever calm in a kennel? Usually cheerful and social. They can be a bit boisterous at drop-off, so staff walk them in from the car. ### Does a Flat-Coat need a bath? Only if you want one. Mud in the feathering is the usual reason. Please ask for the price. ### Which vaccines does my Flat-Coat need? Rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella, all good through the last day of the stay. Canine influenza, leptospirosis, heartworm and flea prevention are recommended.