--- title: How to Weigh Your Dog at Home | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-weigh-your-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/) - How to weigh your dog at home # How to weigh your dog at home (and why the kennel asks) Step on a bathroom scale holding your dog, then step on alone and subtract. Happy Paws asks for your dog's weight on the pet information form because it helps match the kennel class and, for baths, the weight band. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A number you measured is better than a guess from last year's vet visit, especially for a puppy or a dog on a diet. Here is a way to get it at home. ## The carry-and-subtract method For dogs you can lift, weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your dog, and subtract. Use the same scale and the same spot on the floor, and weigh at the same time of day. For a small dog, a kitchen scale works. For a large dog, ask your vet, a pet store or a feed store with a floor scale whether you can step in for a quick weigh. Many veterinary clinics will weigh a dog without an appointment, and the answer is the same number the clinic will use. ## Why weight alone is not enough The American Animal Hospital Association says that a body condition score is more useful than weight alone, because a 65-pound dog can be lean or heavy depending on frame and breed. The AAHA chart uses a nine-point scale where 4 or 5 is ideal. Cornell describes the ideal dog as one whose ribs you can feel but not see, with a tucked abdomen from the side and a waist from above. Cornell advises weighing at least every two weeks while a dog is on a weight-loss plan. Ask your vet to confirm a target. ## What Happy Paws does with the number Weight is a field on the pet information form, along with age, breed, activity level, feeding amount in cups, allergies and health conditions. Kennel class is chosen by your dog's size and temperament: Economy suits several small and medium dogs or one large dog, Business Class suits a pair of large dogs or a dog who prefers not to share, and First Class suits extra-large dogs or two or three large dogs. Use the [kennel class finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/kennel-class-finder/) and the [kennel class guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/). Weight also drives the bath. The 2024 bath chart, effective January 1, 2024, sorts dogs into bands: 15 pounds or less, 16 to 25, 26 to 50, 51 to 75, 76 to 100 and over 100, crossed with coat length. Please ask the kennel to confirm a price before you add a bath. See the [baths page](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) or use the [bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/). ## Write it down Record the date with the weight. Update the form if your dog has gained or lost noticeably since the last stay, and tell the staff how many cups a meal is. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAHA, canine body condition score chart (PDF)](https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/2021-nutrition-and-weight-management/resourcepdfs/nutritiongl_bcs.pdf) - [Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, obesity and weight loss in dogs](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/obesity-and-weight-loss-dogs) - [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 - [Which kennel class does my dog need?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/) - [Which kennel class?](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/kennel-class-finder/) - [Boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) - [Bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/) - [How much to feed a dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-to-feed-a-dog/) ## Read next - [Loose stool after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-diarrhea-after-boarding/) - [Your dog's first day of day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-day-of-dog-day-care/) - [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/) 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/). ### Why does Happy Paws ask for my dog's weight? It is a field on the pet information form and helps match the kennel class. For baths, weight sets the band on the 2024 bath chart. ### How do I weigh a large dog? Ask a vet clinic, pet store or feed store with a floor scale. For smaller dogs, subtract your weight from your weight holding the dog. ### Is weight the best measure of a healthy dog? AAHA says body condition score is more useful than weight alone. ### Where can I see bath prices? Baths are priced by weight and coat length. Please ask to confirm the 2024 chart price.