--- title: Cat Boarding Checklist: Before You Go | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-boarding-checklist/ 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/) - Cat boarding checklist # Cat boarding checklist For a Happy Paws stay your cat needs current rabies and FVRCP records, its food in the original bag if you bring your own, and one item that smells like home. The kennel provides litter, blankets and a condo, so your list stays short. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Most of this list is paperwork, done ahead of time. The rest takes five minutes on the morning of the drop-off. ## Two weeks before - Check the rabies and FVRCP dates against your pick-up day. AAHA/AAFP guidelines call both core for every cat. - Request the dates through the Book / My Account link, and upload the records. The kennel confirms every reservation. - Complete the boarding agreement once, either by download, email or at the first drop-off, which needs extra time. - Look at the [holiday deposit checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/holiday-deposit-checker/) if your trip is near a major holiday. ## The week before - Leave the carrier out with a blanket inside so it smells familiar. - Check for fleas with a comb. Cats should arrive flea and tick free. - Write down the food amounts and any medication times. Medications are given at no extra charge. - Microchip registration and the ID tag should have your current phone number. ## What goes in the bag Litter, a litter box and a blanket are provided in the condo, and house food is free: pate and a chicken-and-rice kibble. A pet carrier gets you to the door, and the rest is the kennel's job. If you are unsure about anything on this list, call 707-678-6600 or stop by on a tour first; tours run every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM with no appointment, and a staff member walks with you. - Your own food, if you want it, in the original bag, with amounts in cups. - One item that smells like home, such as a worn T-shirt or blanket. - Medications in their labeled containers with the dosing written out. ## Drop-off day Windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM daily, except on closure days. Leave your cat in its carrier in the car while you check in; a staff member carries the belongings and brings your cat in. Check-out is by 11:30 AM, and an afternoon pick-up is half the nightly fee. A cat condo is $35 a night on the 2026 rates. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Cat Fanciers' Association: AAHA/AAFP feline vaccination guide for cats](https://cfa.org/cat-talk/aaha-aafp-feline-vaccination-guide-for-cats/) - [AAHA: Helping your cat cope with veterinary visits](https://www.aaha.org/resources/helping-your-cat-cope-with-veterinary-visits/) - [Happy Paws Kennels things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [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 - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-boarding/) - [Boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [Hours and holiday closures](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) ## Printable packing list You really do not need anything other than your pet. Leashes, bowls, balls, Kuranda beds, blankets and house food are provided. - Vaccination records Current through your pick-up day (upload, email or bring a copy) - Signed boarding agreement Fill it in once, even if you have an online account - Special food, if any Enough for the whole stay plus a little extra, in the original bag; amounts in cups or tablespoons - Medications With written instructions; giving them costs nothing extra - A slow-feeder bowl, if your dog needs one Mark it with your pet's name - One toy (not the favorite) Toys can get lost or chewed - Collar check Remove metal pinch (prong) collars before check-in - Your arrival plan Leave your pet in the car at check-in; staff carry belongings and walk your pet in ## Read next - [When cat day care makes sense](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/when-cat-day-care-makes-sense/) - [Can indoor cats get fleas?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/can-indoor-cats-get-fleas/) - [Cats and loud holidays](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-loud-holidays/) - [Hamsters and gerbils while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/hamster-and-gerbil-care-while-you-travel/) - [Pet rats while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/pet-rat-care-while-you-travel/) - [Rabbits and guinea pigs in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/rabbits-and-guinea-pigs-in-hot-weather/) - [Guinea pig food and vitamin C while you are away](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-food-and-vitamin-c-while-away/) - [Getting a pet bird to boarding safely](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-carrier-and-travel-tips/) 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/). ### Do I bring a litter box? No. Each cat has its own litter box in its condo. ### Can I bring my cat's favorite toy? One toy is fine, but not the favorite, since toys can be lost. A worn shirt is a better comfort item. ### How do I send vaccine records? Upload them to your ProPetware account, email them, or bring a copy to the first check-in. ### Do I pay at drop-off? The balance is due at pick-up for most stays.