--- title: Fixed Enclosure | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fixed-enclosure/ 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/) - Fixed enclosure # Fixed enclosure A fixed enclosure, or permanent enclosure, is a structure such as an exercise run, kennel or room that effectively separates a pet from its waste. California's boarding law sets size and comfort rules for it, and the Happy Paws runs are examples. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The term comes from state law, not from marketing. It is the legal name for a boarding run. ## The definition California Health and Safety Code section 122380 defines a permanent or fixed enclosure as a structure, including an exercise run, kennel or room, that provides for effective separation of a pet from its waste products. A crate or cage is a different thing, a temporary enclosure. The separate entry on [temporary enclosure](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/temporary-enclosure/) covers it. ## What the law requires of it The enclosure must be structurally sound, cleanable, and big enough for a pet to turn around, stand, sit and lie down comfortably, with heating, cooling or shade as needed. For a cat, a fixed enclosure must also provide an elevated platform suited to the cat's size. A facility must tell owners in writing the square footage of the enclosure. ## How Happy Paws fits The 100 indoor/outdoor runs are fixed enclosures. Sizes are published: Economy about 16 square feet inside and 48 outside, Business Class about 30 and 60, First Class about 48 and 72. Cats have individual four-level towers. Dogs from one household may share by the owner's choice, since the law allows more than one pet in an enclosure with the owner's consent. ## Why it matters to an owner Knowing the term helps you read a kennel's notice. When a facility gives you the enclosure type and size in writing, it is following the same list. See [indoor/outdoor run](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/indoor-outdoor-run/) and [California's pet boarding law in plain English](https://happypawskennels.com/data/california-pet-boarding-law/). ## Reading a kennel's notice A facility that follows the law will hand you a written notice with the enclosure's square footage, the staffed hours, observation practices and the daily activity schedule. Compare those numbers with what you see on the tour. A dog should be able to stand, turn and lie down with room to spare, and the surface should be easy to clean. If a number is missing, ask for it. The kennel's published sizes are on the [kennel sizes compared](https://happypawskennels.com/data/kennel-sizes-compared/) page. ### 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, 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 - [Temporary enclosure](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/temporary-enclosure/) - [Indoor/outdoor run](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/indoor-outdoor-run/) - [California's pet boarding facility law (HSC 122380-122388) in plain English](https://happypawskennels.com/data/california-pet-boarding-law/) - [Our kennel sizes compared](https://happypawskennels.com/data/kennel-sizes-compared/) - [Isolation area](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/isolation-area/) ## Read next - [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/) - [Leptospirosis](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/leptospirosis/) 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 crate a fixed enclosure? No. A crate is a temporary enclosure in the law. ### Does the law cap time in a fixed enclosure? The time limits apply to temporary enclosures, not fixed ones. ### Where can I read the law? Sections 122380 to 122388 of the Health and Safety Code. ### Does the law set a minimum size? It requires an enclosure large enough for the pet to turn around, stand, sit and lie down comfortably, not a fixed square footage.