Boarding questions, answered
Check-in and pick-up run every day from 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM, and a night in a dog kennel starts at $52 on the 2026 rates. The topics below cover the rest, from vaccines to holiday deposits.
Questions by topic
Quick answers
- Do I need a reservation?
- Can I book online?
- What are your drop-off hours?
- What time is check-out?
- What happens if I pick up in the afternoon?
- Are you open on holidays?
- When is a holiday deposit due?
- Is the holiday deposit refundable?
- What payment methods do you take?
- Do I pay when I drop off or pick up?
- Do you charge extra to give medication?
- Do you charge extra if I bring my own food?
- What food do you feed?
- Can my dogs share a kennel?
- Can my cats share a condo?
- Do you take intact dogs?
- How old does my puppy need to be?
- Which vaccines do you require?
- Do you require the canine flu vaccine?
- Can I bring my dog's bed?
- Can I bring toys?
- Why do you ask me to leave my dog in the car at check-in?
- Why remove a prong collar?
- Can I tour without an appointment?
- Are the runs heated and air-conditioned?
- How big are the kennels?
- How many runs do you have?
- Will my dog be lonely?
- What if my pet gets sick?
- What is the medical release form?
- Who is my emergency contact for?
- What if I am delayed coming back?
- Do you board rabbits and birds?
- Do I bring the cage for a small pet?
- How much is a bath?
- Do you offer day care by the hour?
- What is the buy-10-get-12 package?
- Is there a military discount?
- Is there a long-term discount?
- Do you bill long stays in advance?
- What is a Happy Pup Cup?
- What is a picture play session?
- Do you send photos?
- Can you board a diabetic pet?
- How far are you from Sacramento airport?
- How do I find you?
- Do I need to fill out the boarding agreement if I have an online account?
- How do I upload vaccine records?
- Will my dog be tired when I pick up?
- Why does my dog need a bath after a country stay?
- Do you take guests from out of state?
- Is parking easy?
- What if my pet arrives with fleas?
- How often do dogs need rabies shots in California?
- Is the rabies vaccine required for cats in California?
- Does the FVRCP vaccine expire?
- Does my pet's vaccine have to last through the whole stay?
- Is the kennel cough vaccine required by California law?
- Is a rabies tag enough proof of vaccination?
- How much does it cost to board a dog for a week?
- How much does it cost to board a cat for two weeks?
- How much does it cost to board a dog for a month?
- How much does it cost to board two dogs?
- How much is dog day care for a week?
- How much does a weekend stay cost?
- Do you charge by the night or by the day?
- What is the least expensive way to board my dog?
- Can the military rate and the long-term rate be combined?
- Is a deposit required for a regular stay?
- What are your hours on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve?
- Are you open on weekends?
- Are you closed at lunchtime?
- Can someone else pick up my pet?
- Do I need to bring a leash or bowls?
- Should I label my pet's belongings?
- How should I pack my dog's food?
- What if my dog has food allergies?
- What do you feed cats?
- Do dogs get walks?
- What information do you need about my pet?
- Do you need my veterinarian's information?
- Do you offer cat day care?
- Do you board guinea pigs and hamsters?
- What is a Happy Pupsicle?
- What is a bubble picture play session?
- What is a Happy Lick Mat?
- Can three dogs share a kennel?
- Do dogs go outside?
- When did the new kennel building open?
- How long has Happy Paws been in business?
- Is Happy Paws licensed?
- Can my dog get a bath before pick-up?
- How long can a dog be boarded?
- How long can a cat be boarded?
- Can I board my dog for just one night?
- Is the cattery separate from the dogs?
- Has Happy Paws been on TV?
- What is ProPetware?
- How do you keep dogs cool in summer?
- What safety features does the kennel building have?
- Can I see where my cat will stay?
- What if a toy gets lost or damaged?
- Do you accept all breeds?
- What is included in the nightly rate?
- How much does it cost to board a dog over Christmas?
- How much does it cost to board a large dog?
- How much does it cost to board a small dog?
These pages grew out of the questions pet owners ask at the counter and on the phone. Each topic page gives the answer first and then the detail, so you can read one question or a whole subject.
Where to start if you are new
Most first-time customers want four things settled: which vaccines their pet needs, what a stay costs, when they can drop off, and what to pack. The answers are short. Dogs need rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella; cats need rabies and FVRCP. Canine influenza is recommended but not required. Nightly rates are on the 2026 rate sheet, and the only thing you need to bring is your pet.
If you would rather see the place first, tours run every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM with no appointment. A staff member walks the grounds with you.
How the FAQ is organized
Each topic page below covers one part of a stay: reservations, drop-off and pick-up, holiday deposits, payment, food, medications, vaccines, cats, small pets, day care, baths, tours, what to bring, safety, military and long-term stays, and extras. Pick the one that matches your question and you will find the related questions grouped together.
Still have a question?
Call 707-678-6600 and ask. Reservations are sent as online requests and the kennel confirms every one, so a phone call is also a good way to talk through special feeding, medications or a long stay before you book.
Sources (checked October 19, 2026)
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 ratesVisit or call
6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620
| 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
Answers
Questions people ask
Still have a question? Call 707-678-6600 (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the boarding FAQ.
What are the drop-off and pick-up hours?
Every day from 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. The office is closed from 11:30 to 2:00, and holiday hours differ.
How much does boarding cost?
On the 2026 rates a dog kennel is $52, $59 or $72 a night by class, and a cat condo is $35 a night. Food, medications and walks are included.
Can I tour before I book?
Yes. Tours run every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM and no appointment is needed.
Is online booking instant?
No. Online booking sends a request and the kennel confirms every reservation.
Happy Paws Kennels
Ask about your dates
Send your dates and pets and the kennel will get back to you. Holiday stays need a 50% deposit 30 days before drop-off, so ask early.
6677 Midway RoadDixon, CA 95620707-678-6600
| 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 |
Check-out is by 11:30 AM. An afternoon pick-up is charged half of the nightly rate.