--- title: Dog Boarding Checklist (Printable) | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-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/) - Dog boarding checklist # Dog boarding checklist A boarding checklist has four parts: records and vaccines before you book, food and medication notes the week before, a calm drop-off with nothing but your dog and one toy, and a plan for pick-up before 11:30 AM. Use the lists below and print the page if you like. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Checklists work because boarding mistakes are almost always small ones: an expired record, a food amount left off, a pick-up time after check-out. Tick these off in order. ## Before you book - Rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella records are current. Canine influenza is recommended but not required. - The recommended canine influenza booster, if needed, is booked three to four weeks after the first dose. - Your puppy is at least 16 weeks old on the first day of the stay. - You know your dates, including any holiday that triggers the 50% deposit. - You have picked a kennel size (Economy, Business Class or First Class). ## The week before - Complete the boarding agreement and upload records to your account. - Write the feeding plan in cups, or decide to use the house food at no charge. - Write medication names, doses and times; medications are given at no extra charge. - Mark every item you bring with your name. - Confirm your emergency contact and the contact who may pick up your dog. - Check the coat and skin for fleas and ticks. ## Drop-off day - Arrive in the 7:30 to 11:30 AM or 2:00 to 5:00 PM window. - Leave your dog in the car; staff will walk your dog in. - Remove any metal pinch (prong) collar. - Bring a slow-feeder bowl if your dog needs one. - Pack one toy that is not the favorite, if you wish; no bed is needed. - Hand over the food, the written feeding note and the medication. ## Pick-up day - Plan to arrive by 11:30 AM; an afternoon pick-up is charged half of the nightly fee. - If you want a bath before you leave, give the staff your best arrival-time estimate. - Expect a tired dog who may sleep a lot for a day. - Pay the balance at pick-up; cash, checks, debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted. ## A last note on what to leave at home Leashes, bowls and balls are supplied, and each run has a Kuranda bed with blankets, so there is little else to pack. The [printable packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/packing-list/) turns this page into a one-sheet version, and the [preparation guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-boarding/) explains the reasons behind each step. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Happy Paws Kennels hours page](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) - [American Kennel Club, boarding tips](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-boarding-tips/) ### 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/) - [Printable packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/packing-list/) - [How to prepare your dog for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-boarding/) - [New clients: first-stay plan](https://happypawskennels.com/new-clients/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [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 - [Why is my dog so tired after boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/why-is-my-dog-tired-after-boarding/) - [My dog won't eat the first day at boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-not-eating-at-boarding/) - [Is boarding stressful for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-boarding-stressful-for-dogs/) - [Boarding a dog with separation anxiety](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-separation-anxiety/) - [Boarding an anxious or shy dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-an-anxious-dog/) - [Questions to ask a boarding kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/questions-to-ask-a-boarding-kennel/) - [How to choose a dog kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-dog-kennel/) - [Kennel or pet sitter? An honest comparison](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-vs-pet-sitter/) 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/). ### What should I bring to a dog boarding facility? Your dog, the records, food in cups if you bring your own, and any medication. One toy is optional. ### Do I need a leash? Leashes are provided, though you will bring your own to walk in at drop-off. ### Can I bring my dog's bed? It is not needed. Runs have Kuranda beds and blankets, and heating or air conditioning keeps them comfortable.