--- title: Leptospirosis | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/leptospirosis/ 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/) - Leptospirosis # Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of animals and people, spread through the urine of infected animals and contaminated water or soil. Happy Paws Kennels recommends the dog vaccine for dogs, along with heartworm and flea prevention. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) It is less well known than kennel cough, but it can be serious, and it is a risk in the outdoors. ## What it is The CDC explains that leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria. Infected animals pass the bacteria in urine, and people and animals pick it up from contaminated water or soil. Without treatment it can damage the kidneys and liver. Dogs can carry the bacteria without signs and shed it for months. Antibiotics help when started early. ## Risk for Northern California dogs Wet ground, standing water and wildlife all raise exposure. Dogs that swim, walk creeks or drink from puddles are more exposed. Heavy rain and flooding increase risk in the CDC's description. The Central Valley has a mix of farms, ditches and wildlife, so ask your vet whether the vaccine suits your dog's life. ## The Happy Paws position The kennel lists leptospirosis as a recommended vaccine, not a required one. Required vaccines for dogs are rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella. The recommended group also includes canine influenza, heartworm prevention and flea prevention. Records for the required vaccines must be current through the stay. See [the leptospirosis vaccine page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/leptospirosis/). ## Related reading Read [heartworm prevention in the Delta](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/heartworm-prevention/) and [flea and tick prevention](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/flea-and-tick-prevention/). The CDC page also covers prevention for people, such as avoiding contact with contaminated water. ## Talking it over with your vet Whether to vaccinate depends on your dog's life: swimming, hiking, farm exposure, standing water, wildlife in the yard. Your vet knows the local picture. Ask how many doses the first year needs, and how often a booster is due. If your dog is vaccinated, bring the record so the staff have it, even though it is not required. People can catch the disease too, so wash hands after cleaning up after animals, avoid swimming in standing water, and tell your doctor if you have symptoms after exposure. ## Why the kennel only recommends it The kennel lists the vaccine as recommended because the decision depends on each dog's exposure. Dogs that spend a lot of time near water or wildlife gain the most, while a dog that stays in a clean yard may gain less. Your vet makes that call, and the kennel respects it. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [CDC, leptospirosis](https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/about/index.html) - [AVMA, leptospirosis](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 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 - [Leptospirosis vaccine](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/leptospirosis/) - [Heartworm prevention in the Delta](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/heartworm-prevention/) - [Flea & tick prevention before boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/flea-and-tick-prevention/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [DHPP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/) ## Read next - [Titer test](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/titer-test/) - [Rabies certificate](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-certificate/) - [Intact](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/intact/) - [Spay and neuter](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/spay-and-neuter/) - [Brachycephalic](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/brachycephalic/) - [Double coat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/double-coat/) - [Undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/) - [Kuranda bed](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/kuranda-bed/) 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/). ### Can people get leptospirosis from dogs? Yes, it can spread from infected animals to people. Ask your doctor or vet about precautions. ### Is the vaccine required to board? It is recommended, not required. ### How is it treated? With antibiotics, started as early as possible. ### Does Happy Paws require heartworm prevention? It is recommended, along with flea prevention and canine influenza, but the required list is rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella.