--- title: Choosing a Toy for a Boarding Stay | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-toy-for-a-boarding-stay/ 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/) - Choosing a toy for a boarding stay # Choosing a toy for a boarding stay Bring one toy that is safe for your dog's chewing style, sized so it cannot be swallowed, and not the favorite one. Happy Paws Kennels already supplies balls, bowls and leashes, so a toy from home is a bonus, not a requirement. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A familiar object can comfort a dog in a new place. It can also be chewed, lost or left behind, so the goal is a toy that comforts without being irreplaceable. ## One toy, and not the favorite UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine suggests bringing some familiar items, such as toys and blankets, to give a dog a sense of home. The American Animal Hospital Association likewise lists favorite toys or blankets for comfort. At Happy Paws the balance is simple: one toy is welcome, and the favorite should stay home. The reason is practical. Clause 4 of the boarding agreement lets you bring comfort items but says the kennel is not responsible for items that are damaged, destroyed or lost. Every run already has a Kuranda raised bed and blankets, and the rooms are heated and air-conditioned, so a toy is the only extra most dogs need. ## Match the toy to the chewer AAHA groups dogs into three chewing styles. Passive chewers are gentle and may carry a plush toy around. Moderate chewers rip apart a soft toy but not a hard rubber one. Aggressive chewers tend to destroy toys in minutes and gulp treats whole. - Passive chewer: a soft plush or a knotted rope is usually fine. - Moderate chewer: a rubber toy that bends slightly. - Aggressive chewer: a durable rubber toy one size above the labeled range, as AAHA suggests, or no toy at all. ## A quick safety check at home AAHA gives simple tests. A chew should be bigger than your dog's snout and slightly wider than the mouth. Press a thumbnail into it: if it will not leave a dent, the toy is too hard and can damage teeth. A toy should bend slightly, and your dog should not be able to rip it apart easily. AAHA warns that broken parts or internal stuffing can cause an intestinal blockage, so throw out anything that is damaged. Pass on bones, antlers, hooves and similar hard chews, which AAHA lists among the items that can fracture teeth. Remove prong or choke collars before check-in, and bring a slow-feeder bowl if your dog uses one. ## Better than a toy: something to do Some dogs value a treat more than a toy. The kennel offers a Happy Lick Mat at $4.99 on the 2026 rates, a Happy Pup Cup at $4.99 and a Happy Pupsicle at $7.99. See [Happy Lick Mats](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/lick-mats/) and the [what to bring page](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/). Mark any belongings with your dog's name. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAHA: Don't Chew On This!](https://www.aaha.org/resources/dont-chew-on-this/) - [UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: Choosing a Boarding Facility](https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/canine/choosing-boarding-facility-for-your-dog) - [AAHA: 6 Tips to Prepare Your Pet for Summertime Boarding](https://www.aaha.org/resources/6-tips-to-prepare-your-pet-for-summertime-boarding/) - [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 - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [Boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - [Dog boarding checklist](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-checklist/) - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) - [Happy Lick Mat](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/lick-mats/) ## Read next - [How to read your dog's vaccine certificate before you upload it](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-read-a-vaccine-certificate/) - [Kennel cough vs canine flu](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-cough-vs-canine-flu/) - [Indoor cats and boarding vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/indoor-cats-and-boarding-vaccines/) - [Boarding a shy cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-shy-cat/) - [Cat hotel or cattery](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-hotel-vs-cattery/) - [Car rides with a cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/car-rides-with-a-cat/) - [Boarding a kitten](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-kitten/) - [Boarding your cat and your dog on the same trip](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-cats-and-dogs-from-the-same-home/) 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/). ### Should I bring my dog's bed? The runs have Kuranda beds and blankets, and the rooms are heated and air-conditioned, so a bed from home is not needed. ### Does Happy Paws provide balls? Yes. Balls, bowls and leashes are provided. ### What if my dog destroys the toy? Under clause 4 of the boarding agreement the kennel is not responsible for comfort items that are damaged, destroyed or lost. Choose a toy you can replace. ### Can I bring a rawhide or bone? AAHA lists hard chews as a risk for teeth and digestion. A toy that bends slightly is safer.