--- title: Your Dog's First Day of Day Care | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-day-of-dog-day-care/ 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/) - Your dog's first day of day care # Your dog's first day of day care Plan a drop-off in the 7:30 to 11:30 AM or 2:00 to 5:00 PM window, have your dog's vaccine records on file, and expect a tired dog that evening. Day care is $38 a day or $7 an hour on the 2026 rates. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A first day goes best when the paperwork is done and the routine is simple. This is the sequence at Happy Paws in Dixon. ## Before the day Day care follows the same vaccine rules as boarding: current rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella, with the recommended flu booster, if given, due 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. AAHA's canine vaccination guidelines place Bordetella and canine influenza among the vaccines a vet adds based on a dog's lifestyle and exposure, and a day care dog meets other dogs' air. Upload the records to your online account, email them or bring a copy. Your dog needs a boarding agreement on file once. The [vaccine readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/) shows whether your dates work. ## Drop-off day Drop-off windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. The kennel is closed from 11:30 to 2:00, so arrive inside a window. Leave your dog in the car while you check in. A staff member walks your dog in, which prevents scuffles in the parking lot. Bring your pet only: one toy, no prong or choke collar, and a slow-feeder bowl if you use one. If your dog eats a meal at day care, bring it in the original bag with amounts in cups. ## The price Dog day care is $38 a day. If you need less than a full day, the hourly rate is $7 up to the $38 day rate. The package of 10 days plus 2 free is $380 for one dog. Prices are on the 2026 rates page. Hourly is useful for a first visit so you can see how your dog does. The [hourly day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/hourly/) page has more. ## After the day Many dogs are tired and thirsty that evening, and some are hungry. Give water and a normal dinner in a quiet spot. A sleepy dog is normal. Watch for excessive drooling, vomiting or loose stool and call your vet if it lasts more than a day or two. Questions about the day are welcome at 707-678-6600. See [is day care good for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) and [how often should my dog go to day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/) for what comes next. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines](https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/) - [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 day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/) - [Hourly day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/hourly/) - [Day care packages](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/packages/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) ## Read next - [Car sickness in dogs on the drive to the kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/car-sickness-in-dogs/) - [How to read boarding kennel reviews](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-read-boarding-kennel-reviews/) - [How much exercise does a dog need on a trip away?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-exercise-does-a-dog-need/) - [Can dogs get sunburned in Dixon summers?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-dogs-get-sunburned/) - [Boarding or day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-vs-day-care/) - [Use a day of day care as a trial run before a long trip](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/use-day-care-as-a-trial-run/) - [Why quick goodbyes at drop-off help](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/quick-goodbyes-at-drop-off/) - [Choosing a toy for a boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-toy-for-a-boarding-stay/) 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 time can I drop off for day care? 7:30 to 11:30 AM or 2:00 to 5:00 PM. The office is closed from 11:30 to 2:00. ### How much is day care? $38 a day or $7 an hour up to the day rate, on the 2026 rates. ### Which vaccines does day care need? The same as boarding: rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella. Canine influenza is recommended but not required. ### Do I need to bring anything? Just your dog, plus one toy and food in cups if your dog eats a meal there.