--- title: Dog Won't Eat at Boarding? What's Normal | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-not-eating-at-boarding/ 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/) - My dog won't eat the first day at boarding # My dog won't eat the first day at boarding Skipping a meal or two on the first day is common for first-time boarders, and it usually passes as the dog settles in. If your dog keeps refusing food, staff offer tempting extras such as hot dogs, and a dog that stops eating for more than a day or two should be seen by a vet. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) New place, new smells, no owner: a quiet bowl on day one says more about nerves than about hunger. Here is what usually helps and what to tell the kennel in advance. ## Why appetite dips at first Dogs read their surroundings by smell and sound, and a kennel gives them a great deal to take in. Some dogs are simply too interested in the neighbors to eat. Others miss their person. The kennel's own guidance says first-time boarders may skip a meal or two before they settle. ## What staff do about it If a dog keeps refusing food, staff offer something more enticing, such as hot dogs. The house menu is grain-free kibble, a wet food, farm-fresh eggs and treats, all included in the nightly price. Your own food is welcome at no charge, and you can bring it for a picky eater. Food in the original bag with the amount written in cups is all that is needed. ## How to help before you go - Do not switch foods in the week before the stay. A steady diet is one less variable (see [switching dog food safely](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/switching-dog-food/)). - Write down how your dog usually eats: fast, slow, only with company, only after a walk. - Mention allergies and any food your dog should never have. - Bring a slow-feeder bowl if your dog uses one at home. ## When it is more than nerves A single skipped meal is rarely a problem for a healthy adult dog. Concern grows when the refusal lasts beyond a day or two, or comes with vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or a cough. The AKC's boarding advice also suggests telling the kennel upfront about any health condition that needs monitoring. The boarding agreement includes a medical release so the kennel can contact you first, and then your additional contact and emergency contact, if your pet needs care. ## What to expect at pick-up Most dogs eat a full meal within a day or so of getting home. Offer a normal portion rather than extra to make up for lost meals, since a sudden big meal can upset a stomach. If your dog is still off food two days after returning, call your own veterinarian. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [American Kennel Club, boarding tips](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-boarding-tips/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.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 - [Food and special diets](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/food-and-special-diets/) - [What food do you feed?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-food-do-you-feed/) - [Do you charge extra if I bring my own food?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-charge-extra-if-i-bring-my-own-food/) - [Slow feeder bowls](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/) - [Is boarding stressful for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-boarding-stressful-for-dogs/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) ## Read next - [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/) - [Twelve boarding tips from the kennel side of the counter](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-tips/) - [Can you board a dog in heat?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-you-board-a-dog-in-heat/) 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/). ### How long can a dog go without eating at boarding? A skipped meal or two is common on arrival. If refusal continues beyond a day or two, or comes with other signs, a vet should see your dog. ### Can I bring my own food? Yes, at no charge. Bring it in the original bag and write the amount in cups. ### What does the kennel feed? Grain-free kibble and a wet food, farm-fresh eggs, hot dogs and treats are all included.