--- title: Kennel Boarding vs an In-Home Pet Sitter | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-in-home-sitter/ 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/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Kennel boarding vs an in-home sitter # Kennel boarding vs an in-home sitter A sitter keeps your pet in familiar surroundings, while a kennel offers a purpose-built space, set hours and a regulated setting. At Happy Paws the nightly rate is $52, $59 or $72 for a dog depending on the run, and food, medications and walks are included on the 2026 rate sheet. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Both choices can be right. The best one depends on your pet's temperament, how long you will be away, and what you want to know before you leave. Here is the comparison, using our own facts and neutral facts about each approach. ## Side by side | Question | In-home sitter | Kennel boarding at Happy Paws | | --- | --- | --- | | Where your pet stays | At your home, or the sitter's | In an indoor/outdoor run on about 10 acres | | Routine | As close to home as it gets | Walks included in the rate | | Temperature | Your home's | Heated in winter, air-conditioned in summer | | Cost | Set by each sitter | $52, $59 or $72 a night for one dog, 2026 rates; $35 for a cat | | Medications | Ask the sitter | Given at no extra charge | | Meeting them first | Ask for a meet-and-greet | Tour any day 9 to 11 AM or 2 to 4 PM, no appointment | ## When a sitter fits - A pet who is calm at home but anxious anywhere else - A short trip with a trusted person already in your circle - A home that needs lights, mail or plants looked after too ## When a kennel fits - Longer trips, when you want a facility with set hours and dedicated space - Pets who do well with other animals around, or who enjoy walks and play areas - Holidays when a sitter may be away themselves - Travel with several pets, since dogs from one home can share a run at a lower second-dog price ## What California requires of a boarding facility State law sets minimum standards for kennels that board four or more pets for pay. Among other things, every pet must be observed at least once every 24 hours, have water available and receive daily enrichment. Happy Paws is licensed as a business and commercial kennel by Solano County. The rules for a sitter at your home differ, so ask any sitter about their routine. ## Questions to ask either way - Who is with my pet, and when? - What happens if my pet gets sick or I am delayed? - How do you handle medication and special food? - Can I see where my pet will stay before I commit? ## Further reading For the longer version, read [kennel or pet sitter, an honest comparison](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-vs-pet-sitter/) and the [questions to ask a boarding kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/questions-to-ask-a-boarding-kennel/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [California Health and Safety Code section 122383 (pet boarding facilities, animal care)](https://california.public.law/codes/ca_health_and_safety_code_section_122383) - [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: touring the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) ### 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 - [Kennel or pet sitter? An honest comparison](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-vs-pet-sitter/) - [Dog boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) - [Questions to ask a boarding kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/questions-to-ask-a-boarding-kennel/) - [Cattery vs cat sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter-compare/) ## Read next - [Board or bring your dog on the trip?](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-taking-your-dog/) - [Day care vs a dog walker](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/day-care-vs-dog-walker/) - [Cattery vs cat sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter-compare/) - [Country kennel vs a city pet hotel](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/country-kennel-vs-city-pet-hotel/) 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 kennel or a sitter better for a nervous dog? It depends on the dog. One reviewer wrote that it is "one of the only places we trust to leave our slightly reactive dog." Call 707-678-6600 to talk through your dog's needs before booking, and a tour or day care visit is a gentle way to find out. ### How much does kennel boarding cost? $52, $59 or $72 a night for one dog depending on the run, on the 2026 rate sheet, with food, medications and walks included. ### Can I tour before I decide? Yes. Tours run 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM every day, with no appointment. ### Do I need to be home for a sitter? That depends on the sitter. Ask each one.