--- title: Flying With a Dog vs Boarding | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/flying-with-a-dog/ 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/) - Flying with a dog vs boarding # Flying with a dog vs boarding Small dogs can fly in the cabin in an approved carrier under the seat, while larger dogs travel as cargo, and every airline sets its own rules. If your dog is large, short-nosed, anxious or the trip is short, boarding is usually simpler and avoids airline limits. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The trip you are planning decides the answer. A move across the country is different from a long weekend in Los Angeles. ## How dog air travel works The AKC describes two routes. In the cabin, a small dog stays in an airline-approved carrier under the seat for the entire flight; dog plus carrier is usually under 20 pounds. Larger dogs travel in an approved crate as cargo, where dog plus crate typically falls between 70 and 150 pounds. Limits vary by airline, aircraft and route, so confirm with the carrier before you book. ## What to check first - Airline pet policy, fees and carrier dimensions - Seasonal restrictions: airlines may suspend cargo pet travel in extreme heat or cold - Breed rules: some carriers limit short-nosed breeds, and the AVMA publishes a FAQ on air travel for them - A vet check for fitness to fly, current vaccinations and a rabies certificate - The FAA, which publishes basic guidance for flying with pets ## When boarding is simpler Boarding makes sense for a large dog, a short trip, a business trip, a dog that panics in crates or travel, or any trip where you will not be able to look after your dog. Happy Paws is a drive from Sacramento, Oakland and San Francisco airports, so you can drop your dog on the way. See [flying out of Sacramento](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/sacramento-airport-smf/), [Oakland](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/oakland-airport-oak/) and [SFO](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/san-francisco-airport-sfo/) for the plan. ## What boarding costs against a flight On the 2026 rates, a week in Business Class for one dog is 7 nights at $59, or $413, with food, walks and medications included. That compares with a pet fee each way, a carrier or crate, and the added stress of a flight. A second dog sharing the kennel is $50 a night. ## If your dog must fly Book early, choose direct flights, practice with the carrier or crate at home, and talk to your vet about any health condition. When you return, collect your dog from the airline or boarding kennel promptly, and plan a quiet first day. ## Questions to ask yourself before you decide How old and how large is your dog? Does your dog settle in a crate for hours, or panic? Is the trip short enough that two airport days eat the whole benefit? Will anyone be at your destination to care for a dog while you work or tour? If most answers lean toward stress or hassle, a boarding stay is the calmer choice. You can tour the kennel first: tours run every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, then book once they have seen the runs and the field for themselves. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club, flying with a dog](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/dog-airline-travel/) - [Federal Aviation Administration, flying with pets](https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_pets) - [AVMA, air travel and short-nosed dogs FAQ](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/air-travel-and-short-nosed-dogs-faq) - [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 - [Flying out of Sacramento (SMF)? Board on the way](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/sacramento-airport-smf/) - [Flying out of Oakland](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/oakland-airport-oak/) - [Flying out of SFO](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/san-francisco-airport-sfo/) - [Board or bring your dog on the trip?](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-taking-your-dog/) - [Road trips with a dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/road-trips-with-dogs/) - [Stay cost estimator](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/stay-cost-estimator/) ## Read next - [Switching dog food safely](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/switching-dog-food/) - [How much to feed a dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-to-feed-a-dog/) - [Slow feeder bowls](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/) - [Why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/prong-collars-and-kennels/) - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) - [How often should you bathe a dog?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog/) - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Is day care good for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) 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/). ### Can my dog fly in the cabin? A small dog can, if the dog and carrier meet the airline's limits. The AKC says dog plus carrier is usually under 20 pounds. ### Is cargo safe for dogs? Rules and seasonal restrictions vary by airline. Check the carrier's policy and ask your vet. ### How much is boarding for a week? One dog in Business Class is 7 nights at $59, or $413, on the 2026 rates.