--- title: Rabies Certificate | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-certificate/ 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/) - Rabies certificate # Rabies certificate A rabies certificate is the signed document a veterinarian gives you after a rabies vaccination, showing the vaccine, the date and when it expires. Happy Paws Kennels will not accept a dog or cat without proof of a current one. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) It is the one record every pet needs, and the one most often out of date. ## What it must show The certificate lists your pet's name, species, breed and age, the vaccine product, the date given, the duration and the signing veterinarian. The expiry date matters most. For boarding, the certificate must remain valid through the last day of the stay. If it expires during a trip, get the booster before you go. ## California law Health and Safety Code section 121690 requires dog owners to have dogs three months or older vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with an approved vaccine, unless a vet documents a medical exemption. Counties also use the certificate to license a dog; Solano and Yolo require a valid certificate for a license, and a license expires early on the rabies expiry date. ## The three-year point The kennel's vaccination page says rabies is given every three years in healthy adult dogs and cats. Your vet sets the actual schedule. A first rabies vaccine is usually followed by a booster a year later, and then the longer interval. Ask your vet to print the certificate with the expiry date in full. ## Sending it in Upload the certificate to your online account, email it or bring a copy to the first check-in. See [rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/), [rabies vaccine for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-cats/) and [rabies exemptions in California](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/). ## If your pet is overdue A pet whose rabies vaccine has lapsed needs a booster before boarding. Call your vet; many clinics can see you the same week. A pet that has never had rabies vaccine needs the first dose and, for a certificate, a vet visit. Do this at least a few days before the stay. If your vet has granted a medical exemption for a dog, ask the kennel about its policy before booking, because the vaccination page says no pet is accepted without proof of a current rabies vaccine. Keep a photo of the certificate on your phone. It is also useful for dog licensing, travel and any lost-pet situation. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [California Health and Safety Code 121690 (rabies vaccination and dog licensing)](https://california.public.law/codes/health_and_safety_code_section_121690) - [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 - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Rabies vaccine for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-cats/) - [Rabies exemptions in California](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/) - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [Dog licenses in Solano & Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-licensing-solano-yolo/) ## Read next - [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/) - [Slow feeder](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/slow-feeder/) - [Prong collar](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/prong-collar/) 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 I use a tag instead of the certificate? A tag shows a vaccine number but does not replace the signed record. ### What if I lost the certificate? Your vet can reprint it. ### Does my cat need one? Yes, the kennel requires rabies proof for every cat. ### How long is a rabies certificate good? It is good until the expiry date printed on it, often one or three years depending on the vaccine and your pet's history.