--- title: Abandoned-Pet Clause | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/abandoned-pet-clause/ 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/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - Abandoned-pet clause # Abandoned-pet clause The abandoned-pet clause is clause 6 of the Happy Paws boarding agreement. It says to call if a pet will not be picked up on time, and treats a pet that is unclaimed 10 days past the scheduled pick-up date, without contact from the owner, as abandoned. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) It sounds stern, and it almost never matters, because a phone call prevents it. ## What the clause says in plain words If you cannot pick up your pet on the scheduled date, call the kennel. If a pet is still unclaimed 10 days after the pick-up date and the owner has not made contact, the kennel considers it abandoned. The kennel will try to reach the owner first, and it may find a new home for the pet. The clause is one of eight in the agreement. ## Why a kennel needs it A boarding facility has limited space and a duty of care to every animal. Without a rule, a pet could stay indefinitely with no one responsible for its future. California law requires facilities to keep written policies and to notify owners about their pets, and the clause gives the kennel a clear process for the rare case that an owner disappears. ## How to stay clear of it Call 707-678-6600 as soon as plans change. Keep an emergency contact who is not traveling with you, who may pick up your pet and who knows your wishes. Update the kennel when your phone number or email changes. If a medical event, a delayed flight or a closed road interrupts your trip, a short message is enough to show you are in touch. Stays beyond four weeks have a card on file charged every two weeks. ## Related entries Read [emergency contact](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/emergency-contact/), [boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/boarding-agreement/) and [what if I am delayed coming back](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-i-am-delayed-coming-back/). The full text is on the [boarding agreement page](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/). ## Where to read the exact words The kennel's boarding agreement is a four-page PDF, and the clause sits on page one among eight numbered terms. The wording is short. If you have a question about it, ask at the office or call before you sign. The agreement also says it stays in effect until revoked in writing, so a change of mind needs to be put on paper. Keep your own copy. In practice, almost all owners return on time. The clause is there for the rare case and it comes with an effort to reach you first. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels boarding agreement (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf) - [California Health and Safety Code 122380-122388, pet boarding facilities](https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ca-pet-boarding-facilities-chapter-11-pet-boarding-facilities) ### 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 agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - [Emergency contact](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/emergency-contact/) - [What if I am delayed coming back?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-i-am-delayed-coming-back/) - [Boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/boarding-agreement/) - [Medical release](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/medical-release/) ## Read next - [Rabies area](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-area/) - [Doggie door](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/doggie-door/) - [Card on file](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/card-on-file/) - [Indoor/outdoor run](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/indoor-outdoor-run/) - [Kennel class](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/kennel-class/) - [Cattery](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cattery/) - [Cat tower](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cat-tower/) - [Day care](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/day-care/) 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/). ### What if I will be a few days late? Call the kennel. Extra nights are charged at the posted rate. ### Does the clause apply to cats? The agreement applies to every pet boarded. ### Who can pick up my pet? You, your emergency contact, or others you list on the agreement. ### Who do I call if I will be late? Call the kennel at 707-678-6600, or ask your emergency contact to call.