--- title: Twelve Dog Boarding Tips | Happy Paws Kennels, Dixon url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-tips/ 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/) - Twelve boarding tips from the kennel side of the counter # Twelve boarding tips from the kennel side of the counter The best boarding tips are small: keep vaccines current through the last day, write food in cups, drop off calmly, and pick up before check-out time. Happy Paws has been caring for pets in Dixon since 1971, and these twelve tips cover what makes the front desk run smoothly. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) None of these is complicated. Together they remove most of the problems that crop up on a drop-off morning. ## The twelve tips - Tour before you book. Tours are every day, 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, and no appointment is needed. - Check every vaccine date against the day you collect your dog, not the day you drop off. Records must be good through the end of the stay. - Book the canine influenza booster early. It is due three to four weeks after the first dose. - Book holidays early and read the deposit rule: a 50% non-refundable deposit applies to stays that begin within seven days before or after a major holiday. - Write food in cups on the paperwork. Your own food is welcome at no charge, and house food is free. - Tell staff about medication, allergies, fears and past bites. Medications are given at no extra charge. - Pack light. A toy that is not the favorite is plenty, because toys get lost or chewed. - Remove metal pinch (prong) collars before check-in, since they can catch on chain link. - Leave your dog in the car at check-in and let staff walk your dog in, especially in warm weather. - Arrive with a flea-free dog. A dog found with fleas or ticks is bathed at the owner's cost. - Share an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. - Plan pick-up by 11:30 AM. An afternoon pick-up is billed at half of the nightly fee. ## Why the vaccine date trips people up A rabies shot that expires on day three of a seven-day trip is the classic problem. Vets can update it in a few minutes, but only if you know in time. The [vaccine readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/) compares your dates against the requirements. ## Why food notes matter A written feeding plan prevents guesses. Cups and times work better than descriptions like "a handful." If your dog is a fast eater, a slow-feeder bowl is a smart item to bring; see the [slow feeder guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/). ## Why timing matters Drop-off windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. The office is closed from 11:30 to 2:00, and the kennel is closed all day on seven holidays. Because nights are charged like a hotel, a Friday-to-Sunday stay in Business Class is 2 nights at $59, or $118 on the 2026 rates. ## A last tip for the first stay Treat the first stay as a trial. Pick a shorter trip, a quiet time of year and a kennel size that gives your dog room. The AKC's guidance for evaluating a stay is simple: a tired dog, no new cuts, and a dog that is happy to see you. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [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/) - [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 - [Dog boarding checklist](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-checklist/) - [How to prepare your dog for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-boarding/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [Holiday boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/holiday-boarding/) - [New clients: first-stay plan](https://happypawskennels.com/new-clients/) - [Hours and holiday closures](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) ## Read next - [Can you board a dog in heat?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-you-board-a-dog-in-heat/) - [How old does a puppy have to be to board?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-old-does-a-puppy-have-to-be-to-board/) - [Boarding a dog on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-on-medication/) - [Boarding a diabetic dog or cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-diabetic-pet/) - [Heat stroke in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-heat-stroke/) - [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) - [Hot pavement and paws](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-pavement-and-paws/) - [Dogs in cold valley nights and tule fog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dogs-in-cold-weather/) 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 is the most common boarding mistake? An expired or soon-to-expire vaccine record. Check every date against your pick-up day. ### Do I need to bring a bed or blanket? No. A Kuranda bed and blankets are in every run. ### How early should I book? As early as you know your dates, and well ahead for holiday weeks.