--- title: Enrichment | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/enrichment/ 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/) - Enrichment # Enrichment Enrichment is the objects and activities that stimulate a pet and promote its well-being, suited to the species. California requires pet boarding facilities to give each pet daily enrichment sufficient to maintain behavioral health. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The word comes up in state law and in kennel brochures. It is worth knowing what it should look like in practice. ## The legal definition California Health and Safety Code section 122380 defines enrichment as providing objects or activities, appropriate to the needs of the species, that stimulate the pet and promote its well-being. Section 122383 tells operators to provide each pet daily with enrichment sufficient to maintain behavioral health. Facilities must also give owners written information on the daily activity schedule. ## What it can look like for a dog Walks, time in a fenced yard, a chew, sniffing a new area or a food puzzle can all count. Happy Paws has large fenced play areas and a grass field on about 10 acres, and walks are included in the nightly rate. A lick mat adds a calm activity: the Happy Lick Mat, with peanut butter or cheese, is $4.99. A Happy Pup Cup is $4.99 and a frozen Happy Pupsicle is $7.99. See [enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/). ## What it can look like for a cat For cats, enrichment means climbing, hiding and watching. The cattery gives each cat a four-level tower, and a cat tree and cat houses add more places to play and hide. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines list play and predictable human contact among the needs of a healthy cat environment. ## Paid extras Picture play sessions are sold as add-ons, at $14.99 per kennel, or $19.99 for a bubble session. They are optional, and the kennel can tell you what is included in your stay. More: [happy extras](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/) and [lick mats and frozen treats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/). ## Questions for any facility Ask what a typical day looks like for a dog or cat: how often pets go outside, what they have to chew or climb, and what extra activities exist. The law requires the daily activity schedule to be given to owners in writing, so a good facility has an answer. At Happy Paws, 100 runs each have an outdoor area, there are large fenced play areas and a grass field, and walks are included. Ask the staff at drop-off what is planned for your pet. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [California Health and Safety Code 122380-122388, pet boarding facilities](https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ca-pet-boarding-facilities-chapter-11-pet-boarding-facilities) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) - [AAFP/ISFM environmental needs guidelines for cats](https://catvets.com/environmental-needs) ### 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 - [Enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/) - [Happy extras](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/) - [Happy Lick Mat](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/lick-mats/) - [Lick mats & frozen treats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/) - [Lick mat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/lick-mat/) ## Read next - [Fixed enclosure](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fixed-enclosure/) - [Temporary enclosure](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/temporary-enclosure/) - [Isolation area](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/isolation-area/) - [Bordetella](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/bordetella/) - [CIRDC](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cirdc/) - [DHPP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/) - [FVRCP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fvrcp/) - [Canine influenza](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/canine-influenza/) 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 enrichment required by law? Yes, daily, for pet boarding facilities in California. ### Do I have to pay extra for enrichment? Walks are included. Extras such as lick mats and picture play are optional. ### What should I ask a kennel? Ask for the daily activity schedule in writing. ### Are treats enrichment? Frozen and lick-style treats can be, since they give a pet something to work on. They are optional extras.