--- title: Boarding a Dog With Arthritis or Stiff Joints | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-with-arthritis/ 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/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Boarding a dog with arthritis or stiff joints # Boarding a dog with arthritis or stiff joints Tell the kennel about the stiffness in writing, bring the medications with exact doses, and expect a raised bed and a space your dog can settle into. At Happy Paws every run has a Kuranda raised bed and blankets, and medications are given at no extra charge. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A stiff dog can board comfortably when the kennel knows what to watch for. These steps cover what to say, what to pack and what to ask. ## What arthritis looks like Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center describes osteoarthritis as chronic and progressive, with no cure but real options for slowing it and easing pain. Signs include stiffness, a changed gait, hesitating to walk or exercise, and trouble with stairs, jumping or getting up from rest. Cornell lists weight control, low-impact activity such as leash walks, and non-slip surfaces among the lifestyle measures, along with pain medications that your vet prescribes and monitors. ## Put it on the paperwork The Happy Paws medical release is built for this. It records health conditions and age-related concerns, and it notes that boarding can make conditions such as anxiety, mobility problems and arthritis flare up. On the pet information form give the age, weight, feeding amounts and any condition. On the release say who to call, and pick the treatment level you want if you cannot be reached. Keep your vet's phone number on the form. ## Medications and routine Medications are given at no extra charge. Bring them in the original containers with the dose and times written out, including pain relievers and joint supplements. Keep the schedule exactly as at home, since a missed dose can make a stiff day worse. The [boarding a dog on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-on-medication/) guide has the details. ## The run itself Each dog has an indoor/outdoor run with a Kuranda raised bed and blankets. The raised bed keeps a dog off the floor, and the inside room is heated in winter, which matters for stiff joints on cold valley nights. Your dog uses a doggie door to move between inside and outside at its own pace. Walks are included, so tell the staff if your dog should walk slowly or for a shorter time. A larger dog with sore hips may be more comfortable with the extra room of Business Class or First Class. Ask on the tour to see the bed and the doggie door. The [senior dog boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/senior-dog-boarding/) page has more. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, osteoarthritis](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/osteoarthritis) - [AAHA, weight management](https://www.aaha.org/resources/weight-management/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) ### 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 - [Boarding a senior dog](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/senior-dog-boarding/) - [Boarding a dog on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-on-medication/) - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) - [Which kennel class does my dog need?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/) - [Boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) ## Read next - [Boarding a dog with food allergies or a prescription diet](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-with-food-allergies/) - [Puppy socialization before the first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-socialization-before-the-first-stay/) - [Ticks on dogs in Solano and Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/ticks-on-dogs-in-solano-and-yolo/) - [Hot cars and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-cars-and-dogs-at-drop-off/) - [How to weigh your dog at home](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-weigh-your-dog/) - [Loose stool after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-diarrhea-after-boarding/) - [Your dog's first day of day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-day-of-dog-day-care/) - [Car sickness in dogs on the drive to the kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/car-sickness-in-dogs/) 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 a dog with arthritis board at Happy Paws? Yes. Describe the condition on the pet information form and medical release, bring the medications with doses, and the staff will follow the routine. ### Does it cost extra to give arthritis medication? No. Medications are given at no extra charge. ### What kind of bed will my dog have? Every run has a Kuranda raised bed and blankets. ### Should I bring my own bed? It is not recommended, because beds can get wet or chewed. The raised bed and blankets are provided.