---
title: Pet Care Guides from a Working Kennel | Happy Paws
url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/
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

# Pet care guides from a working kennel

These guides answer the questions owners ask before, during and after a boarding stay, from how much boarding costs to how to bring a tired dog home. Each one gives the answer first and then the detail, with sources where facts come from outside the kennel.

[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600)

## Dog guides

- [How much does dog boarding cost near Sacramento?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-does-dog-boarding-cost/)
- [Dog boarding cost per night](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-cost-per-night/)
- [How to prepare your dog for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-boarding/)
- [Your dog's first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/)
- [Dog boarding checklist](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-checklist/)
- [Why is my dog so tired after boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/why-is-my-dog-tired-after-boarding/)
- [My dog won't eat the first day at boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-not-eating-at-boarding/)
- [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/)
- [How old does a puppy have to be to board?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-old-does-a-puppy-have-to-be-to-board/)
- [Boarding a dog on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-on-medication/)
- [Boarding a diabetic dog or cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-diabetic-pet/)
- [Heat stroke in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-heat-stroke/)
- [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/)
- [Hot pavement and paws](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-pavement-and-paws/)
- [Dogs in cold valley nights and tule fog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dogs-in-cold-weather/)
- [Foxtails and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/foxtails/)
- [Valley fever in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/valley-fever-in-dogs/)
- [Rattlesnakes and dogs in Northern California](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/rattlesnakes-and-dogs/)
- [Bloat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/bloat-in-dogs/)
- [Fireworks and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/fireworks-and-dogs/)
- [Road trips with a dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/road-trips-with-dogs/)
- [Flying with a dog vs boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/flying-with-a-dog/)
- [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/)
- [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/)
- [How often should my dog go to day care?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/)
- [Puppy day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/)
- [Enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/)
- [Lick mats & frozen treats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/)
- [Boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/)
- [Bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/)
- [What to expect from a month-long stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/long-term-boarding-what-to-expect/)
- [Microchips & ID tags before you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/microchips-and-id-tags/)
- [A pet evacuation plan for Solano & Yolo families](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/pet-emergency-plan/)
- [Which kennel class does my dog need?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/)
- [Should two dogs share a kennel?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/two-dogs-one-kennel/)
- [Pet insurance and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/pet-insurance-and-boarding/)
- [Cage-free boarding and indoor/outdoor runs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cage-free-and-indoor-outdoor-runs/)
- [Dog hotel, pet resort or kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-hotel-vs-kennel/)
- [What to look for on a kennel tour](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/what-to-look-for-on-a-kennel-tour/)
- [California dog vaccine law vs what a boarding kennel requires](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/california-dog-vaccine-laws-vs-kennel-requirements/)
- [Can day care help a dog lose weight?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-day-care-help-a-dog-lose-weight/)
- [Wildfire smoke and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/wildfire-smoke-and-dogs/)
- [Boarding a dog with arthritis or stiff joints](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-with-arthritis/)
- [Boarding a dog with food allergies or a prescription diet](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-with-food-allergies/)
- [Puppy socialization before the first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-socialization-before-the-first-stay/)
- [Ticks on dogs in Solano and Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/ticks-on-dogs-in-solano-and-yolo/)
- [Hot cars and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-cars-and-dogs-at-drop-off/)
- [How to weigh your dog at home](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-weigh-your-dog/)
- [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/)
- [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/)
- [How to read your dog's vaccine certificate before you upload it](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-read-a-vaccine-certificate/)
- [Kennel cough vs canine flu](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-cough-vs-canine-flu/)

## Cat guides

- [### How much does cat boarding cost? On the 2026 rates, Happy Paws Kennels charges $35 a night for one cat and $30 a night for each additional cat sharing a condo. Medications,...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/how-much-does-cat-boarding-cost/)
- [### How long can cats be left alone? A healthy adult cat can usually manage one night alone with fresh water, food and a clean litter box, but anything longer needs a daily check by a...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/how-long-can-cats-be-left-alone/)
- [### Leaving your cat for a week For a week away, choose daily care: either a cattery stay or a sitter who visits at least once a day. A week at Happy Paws costs 7 x $35 = $245...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/leaving-a-cat-for-a-week/)
- [### Cat boarding vs a cat sitter A cat sitter keeps a calm cat in a familiar home, while a cattery offers daily care, vaccine rules and a purpose-built space. Pick the one that...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter/)
- [### Boarding a cat for the first time For a first cattery stay, bring a secure carrier, current rabies and FVRCP records, your cat's usual food and a blanket that smells like home....](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/)
- [### Cat not eating after boarding A cat can eat less for a day after boarding, but a cat that eats little or nothing for 24 to 48 hours should be seen by a vet. Cats that stop...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/)
- [### Choosing and using a cat carrier Pick a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier that opens from the top and the front, leave it out at home with treats and a blanket, and let your cat...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-carriers/)
- [### Traveling with a cat Take your cat along only if the trip is long-term, such as a move, and he can tolerate a carrier and a car; for most vacations a cattery stay is...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/traveling-with-a-cat/)
- [### Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding A cat cold, or upper respiratory infection, causes sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and sometimes mouth ulcers; it is common where cats meet, which...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/)
- [### Senior cats and boarding An older cat can board well when his health is stable, his medications and routine are written down, and he has an easy-to-reach bed and litter...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/senior-cats-and-boarding/)
- [### Boarding a cat on medication Happy Paws Kennels gives medications at no extra charge, so a cat on daily pills or liquids can board without added fees. Bring the original...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-on-medication/)
- [### What is a cattery? A cattery is a facility that boards cats, with spaces designed for cats rather than dogs. At Happy Paws Kennels in Dixon, each cat has an...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/what-is-a-cattery/)
- [### Cat condos & towers At Happy Paws a condo and a tower are the same thing: an individual four-level unit for one cat, with its own litter box and blanket. The levels...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-condo-vs-tower/)
- [### Boarding two cats together Two cats that live together and get along can share a condo, and the second cat pays $30 a night instead of $35 on the 2026 rates. Cats that avoid...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/multi-cat-boarding/)
- [### Signs of stress in cats Stressed cats hide, eat less, over- or under-wash their coats, and change their litter habits. Because the same signs can mean illness, a cat that...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/)
- [### Bringing your cat home after boarding Open the carrier in a quiet room, offer fresh water and a small meal, and let your cat come out on his own time. Expect extra sleep and some...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/)
- [### Cats in Central Valley heat Vacaville, about 8 miles from Dixon, averages about 28 days a year with a high of 100 degrees or more, and July highs average 97.3 degrees, so...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/)
- [### Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat Happy Paws supplies each cat a litter box and a blanket, and house food is free, so you can bring only your carrier. A familiar blanket and your...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-boarding/)
- [### Long-term cat boarding A month of cat boarding at Happy Paws is 30 nights x $35 = $1050 on the 2026 rates. Stays longer than four weeks need a card on file, which is...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/long-term-cat-boarding/)
- [### Indoor cats and boarding vaccines Yes. Veterinary guidelines treat rabies and FVRCP as core vaccines for every cat, including cats that never go outside, and Happy Paws Kennels...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/indoor-cats-and-boarding-vaccines/)
- [### Boarding a shy cat A shy cat copes best when it can hide, climb and keep its own litter box, and a Happy Paws condo gives each cat an individual four-level tower...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-shy-cat/)
- [### Cat hotel or cattery In everyday use, a cat hotel and a cattery both mean a place where cats stay overnight, and the better question is what each cat gets inside. At...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-hotel-vs-cattery/)
- [### Car rides with a cat Put your cat in a hard carrier with a familiar blanket, secure it on the floor of the back seat, cover it, and drive smoothly. From Davis or...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/car-rides-with-a-cat/)
- [### Boarding a kitten A kitten can board at Happy Paws Kennels once it is 16 weeks old on the first day of the stay and has the vaccines recommended for its age,...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-kitten/)
- [### Boarding your cat and your dog on the same trip Happy Paws Kennels boards dogs and cats on the same reservation trip: the cat stays in an individual condo in the cattery at $35 a night, and the...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-cats-and-dogs-from-the-same-home/)
- [### Cat boarding checklist For a Happy Paws stay your cat needs current rabies and FVRCP records, its food in the original bag if you bring your own, and one item that...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-boarding-checklist/)
- [### When cat day care makes sense Cat day care makes sense when your cat needs a safe place for one day, such as a move, a remodel or a service visit at home. At Happy Paws Kennels...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/when-cat-day-care-makes-sense/)
- [### Can indoor cats get fleas? Yes, indoor cats can get fleas, because fleas can ride in on a dog, a person, or used furniture, and a single flea can start a household...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/can-indoor-cats-get-fleas/)
- [### Cats and loud holidays For loud holidays, veterinary groups advise keeping a cat indoors in a quiet room with a hiding spot, and at Happy Paws Kennels every cat has an...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-loud-holidays/)

## Small pet guides

- [### Rabbit care while you travel A rabbit needs unlimited hay, fresh water, a steady cool temperature and calm handling wherever he stays. Happy Paws Kennels boards rabbits and...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/rabbit-care-while-you-travel/)
- [### Bird care while you travel Keep your bird's cage, perches, diet and sleep routine as close to home as possible, cover the cage in the car, and give the kennel a written...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-care-while-you-travel/)
- [### Guinea pigs while you travel Guinea pigs need unlimited grass hay, fresh vegetables and a steady source of vitamin C every day, because they cannot make their own. Happy Paws...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-care-while-you-travel/)
- [### What to pack for a small pet's stay Pack the cage, enough of your pet's usual food and bedding for the whole stay plus extra, a water bottle or bowl, a hide or toy, and a written...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/)
- [### Hamsters and gerbils while you travel Keep your hamster or gerbil cool, on its usual food, in its own cage, and bring a written feeding card. Happy Paws Kennels welcomes small pets,...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/hamster-and-gerbil-care-while-you-travel/)
- [### Pet rats while you travel Bring your rat in a secure, covered carrier or its own cage with the usual food, tell the kennel if it lives with a cage mate, and leave a written...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/pet-rat-care-while-you-travel/)
- [### Rabbits and guinea pigs in Central Valley heat Rabbits are very heat sensitive, and guinea pigs do best between 65 and 79 degrees, so both need a cool spot out of direct sun and a cooled car on...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/rabbits-and-guinea-pigs-in-hot-weather/)
- [### Guinea pig food and vitamin C while you are away A guinea pig needs a source of vitamin C every day, so pack fresh timothy-based pellets, hay, vitamin C-rich vegetables and any supplement for the...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-food-and-vitamin-c-while-away/)
- [### Getting a pet bird to boarding safely Use a small, secure, covered carrier or the bird's own cage, cool the car first, and keep the trip quiet. Happy Paws Kennels welcomes pet birds,...](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-carrier-and-travel-tips/)

## Comparisons

- [### Kennel boarding vs an in-home sitter A sitter keeps your pet in familiar surroundings, while a kennel offers a purpose-built space, set hours and a regulated setting. At Happy Paws...](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-in-home-sitter/)
- [### Board or bring your dog on the trip? Bring your dog when the trip is dog-friendly from start to finish; board when it involves heat, long days without shade, flights, or places dogs...](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-taking-your-dog/)
- [### Day care vs a dog walker A dog walker gives your dog a set visit at home, while day care gives a full day in one place with space to run. At Happy Paws day care is $38 a...](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/day-care-vs-dog-walker/)
- [### Cattery vs cat sitter A cat sitter lets your cat stay in its own territory, and a cattery offers a dedicated space, set hours and shared costs for several cats. At...](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter-compare/)
- [### Country kennel vs a city pet hotel A country kennel offers acres and outdoor space but a longer drive; a city pet hotel is closer to home. Happy Paws sits on about 10 acres near...](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/country-kennel-vs-city-pet-hotel/)

A kennel sees the same worries again and again. The guides group them by topic so you can find the one that matches yours without reading everything.

## Before a stay

Start here if you have never boarded. Guides cover how to prepare your dog, a checklist, questions to ask any kennel, and how to choose between a kennel and a pet sitter. There are also pages on cost, with the 2026 prices of $52, $59 and $72 a night for dogs and $35 for cats.

## Health and weather

The Central Valley brings hot summers, cold nights and tule fog, and the guides deal with heat stroke, hot pavement, foxtails, valley fever, rattlesnakes and fireworks. Each is written for dog owners in Solano and Yolo counties.

## Cats and small pets

Cat guides cover what a cattery is, how long cats can be left alone, cat stress signs, carriers and bringing a cat home after boarding. Small-pet guides cover rabbits, birds and guinea pigs while you travel.

## Day care, food and enrichment

Guides on dog day care explain how often a dog should attend and what it costs. Others cover switching food, slow-feeder bowls, Kuranda beds, lick mats and frozen treats.

### Sources (checked October 19, 2026)

- [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf)
- [Happy Paws Kennels: things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/)

### 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

- [Your dog's first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/)
- [How much does dog boarding cost near Sacramento?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-does-dog-boarding-cost/)
- [Dog boarding checklist](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-checklist/)
- [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/)
- [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/)
- [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/)

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/).

### Are the guides medical advice?

No. They are general information; talk to your veterinarian about your own pet.

### Who writes them?

They are written for Happy Paws Kennels from the kennel's own rules, rates and published sources.

### Where do the facts come from?

Kennel facts come from the rate sheet and policies. Outside facts name their source on the page.

### Can I ask a question that is not covered?

Call 707-678-6600.