--- title: Temporary Enclosure | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/temporary-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/) - Temporary enclosure # Temporary enclosure A temporary enclosure is a structure such as a crate or cage that restricts a pet but does not separate it from its waste. California allows a pet in one for no more than 4 hours during the day and 12 hours at night, or less if that is the humane limit. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The term matters because a few kennels use crates as beds. State law treats them very differently from a run. ## The definition and the limit Health and Safety Code section 122380 defines a temporary enclosure as a structure used to restrict a pet, including a crate or cage, that does not provide effective separation from the pet's waste. Section 122382 limits a pet's time in one to 4 hours during the day and 12 hours at night, or the humane limit for that pet if shorter, and requires the pet be let out for at least long enough to relieve itself. ## Why a run is not a crate A fixed enclosure such as an exercise run or kennel has a floor and layout that keep waste away from the pet. That is the type of space a boarding guest lives in. The crate belongs to travel, short rests and recovery. Your own dog's crate at home is covered by none of this; the rules are for facilities. ## What it means at Happy Paws Dogs stay in indoor/outdoor runs, and the doggie door gives them the choice of inside or outside. If your dog is crate-trained and likes a den, tell the staff; a Kuranda bed and blankets are in every run. For travel to the kennel, a crate in the car is fine and keeps a dog secure. Staff walk your pet in from the car. ## What to look for on a tour Ask where dogs sleep and how long they spend in any crate or cage. A written schedule is part of what the law asks a facility to share. Read [fixed enclosure](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fixed-enclosure/), [how to choose a dog kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-dog-kennel/) and [California's pet boarding law](https://happypawskennels.com/data/california-pet-boarding-law/). ## Crates and car rides A crate is still a good tool for the drive to a kennel, for a vet visit or for a nervous dog at home. Pick one that is large enough to stand and turn in, secure it in the car and keep it out of the sun. Dogs that sleep in a crate at home may need a few extra days of settling in a run, so a tour first is helpful. ### 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, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 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 - [Fixed enclosure](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fixed-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/) - [How to choose a dog kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-dog-kennel/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) ## Read next - [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/) - [Titer test](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/titer-test/) 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 my dog sleep in a crate at the kennel? Tell the staff about your dog's habits. Dogs stay in indoor/outdoor runs with a bed. ### Is there a time limit for crates? Yes: 4 hours by day and 12 at night in California facilities. ### Should I bring a crate? Not needed. Bring a crate only for the car ride. ### Why does the law limit crate time? A crate does not separate a pet from its waste, so the law caps the time a pet may be kept in one.