--- title: Is Boarding Stressful for Dogs? | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-boarding-stressful-for-dogs/ 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/) - Is boarding stressful for dogs? # Is boarding stressful for dogs? It can be, especially on the first night, and healthy dogs usually settle within a day. The kennel's own agreement says boarding is stressful and can make conditions such as anxiety, arthritis or limited mobility flare up, so tell staff about them before the stay. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) An honest answer is better than a reassuring one. Some dogs treat a kennel as an adventure, and others find it hard. What you can control is how well the stay fits your dog. ## Why a kennel stay can be stressful Boarding changes everything at once: the place, the sounds, the schedule and the people. Dogs that rely on routine or on one person tend to feel it most. Older dogs with sore joints may stiffen up, and nervous dogs may pace or lose appetite for a meal or two. ## Signs of stress to know The AKC lists a stiff body, apprehension and heavy panting among the signs to watch for. Good signs at pick-up are a tired, relaxed dog with no new cuts, who is happy to see you. - Pacing, whining or trembling - Panting or drooling when the weather is not hot - A stiff body or a worried look - Skipping meals for more than a meal or two - Digging, chewing or trying to escape ## What helps a dog cope at Happy Paws Each run is an indoor/outdoor space, and a doggie door lets the dog decide whether to be inside or out. The runs are heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer, with a Kuranda bed and blankets in each. Dogs can see their neighbors through the fence but have a space of their own, which suits dogs that like company and dogs that need distance. Walks are part of the stay, and there is a grass field and fenced play areas on about 10 country acres. ## How to make the first stay easier - Tour first, any day at 9 to 11 AM or 2 to 4 PM, so you can picture where your dog will be. - Try a day of day care before an overnight stay, if your dog has never been away from home. - Share what you know: bite history, fears, health conditions, favorite foods. - Keep goodbyes short and cheerful. - Choose a roomier kennel for a dog who needs space, such as Business Class (see the [kennel class finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/kennel-class-finder/)). ## When boarding may not be the right choice If your dog has severe separation anxiety, serious health needs or has a history of panic away from home, talk it over with your veterinarian before deciding. The [separation anxiety guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-separation-anxiety/) explains what to ask. An honest conversation at the front desk is better than a stay that goes poorly. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf) - [American Kennel Club, boarding tips](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-boarding-tips/) - [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 - [Boarding an anxious or shy dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-an-anxious-dog/) - [Your dog's first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/) - [Boarding a senior dog](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/senior-dog-boarding/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Will my dog be lonely?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/will-my-dog-be-lonely/) - [Dog day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/) ## Read next - [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/) 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/). ### Do dogs think they are being abandoned at boarding? Dogs live in the present, and most settle into the new routine within a day. They are usually delighted when you return. ### Will my older dog be okay? Many seniors do well, but tell staff about arthritis or mobility. The agreement asks about it for that reason. ### Can I visit the kennel before booking? Yes. Tours run every day with no appointment.