Most of the worry before a first stay comes from not knowing the steps. Here is the whole sequence at Happy Paws Kennels in Dixon, from the tour to the ride home, so nothing is a surprise.
Before the stay: paperwork and vaccines
Every dog needs a boarding agreement on file once, even if you already have an online account. You can download the PDF, ask for it by email, pick it up at the office or fill it in at the first drop-off, though that last choice takes extra time. Vaccine records must show rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella that will not expire before pick-up day. The canine flu vaccine is recommended rather than required; if given, it is accepted after the first dose, with the booster due 3 to 4 weeks later.
The AVMA explains that vaccines work best when given on schedule, which is why boarding places check dates instead of taking an owner's word for it. Upload records to your account, email them or bring a copy. See the vaccination requirements for the full list.
Tour first if you can
Tours run every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM with no appointment, and a staff member walks with you. Seeing a run in person answers most first-timer questions: the Kuranda bed, the doggie door between the inside room and the outside area, the sound of the place. Watch your step on wet concrete during cleaning. The plan a visit page has directions, and the big white wind turbine near the property is the landmark to head toward.
Check-in day
Leave your dog in the car. A staff member carries in food and belongings and walks your dog to the run, which prevents parking-lot scuffles and escapes. On a warm day leave the air conditioning on, and know that on hot pavement staff may scoop up a small dog and hurry. Drop-off windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM, every day except the closure days on the hours page.
You do not need to bring much. Bowls, leashes and balls are provided, and each run has a Kuranda bed and blankets. One toy is fine, just not the favorite one, because toys can get lost or chewed. Bring your own food in the original bag if your dog has a special diet, with amounts written in cups; house food is free otherwise.
The first night and day
The 100 runs are heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer, and each dog chooses inside or out through a doggie door. Dogs can see their neighbors through the fence but have their own space. First-time boarders may eat less for a meal or two; if a dog keeps refusing food, the staff offer tempting extras such as hot dogs. Walks and medications are included in the nightly rate.
A calm goodbye helps. Long, emotional farewells tell a dog that something big is happening; a quick, cheerful handoff does not.
Pick-up day
Check-out is by 11:30 AM. Pick up in the 2:00 to 5:00 PM window and the stay adds half of the nightly fee. Expect a tired dog with some grass or dirt on the coat: this is a country kennel on about 10 acres, and dogs run the field. If you want a bath before going home, tell the staff your arrival time so bathing and drying are done when you get there. Read bringing your dog home after boarding for the first 48 hours.