--- title: Pet Insurance and Boarding: Why the Form Asks url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/pet-insurance-and-boarding/ 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/) - Pet insurance and boarding # Pet insurance and boarding: why the medical release asks The Happy Paws medical release asks whether your pet has insurance because the owner pays for any veterinary care needed during a stay, and the insurance details help you and the vet move quickly. Keep your policy information, your vet's name and your wishes in writing before you leave. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) No one expects a vet visit during a boarding stay, but a short, clear form prepares you for one. Insurance is only one line on it, and it matters more than people think. ## What the agreement says The boarding agreement gives the kennel permission to obtain veterinary care at the owner's expense if it is deemed necessary, and the owner agrees to pay all vet and other necessary costs. Page four, the medical release, explains that boarding is stressful and can make conditions like anxiety, mobility problems and arthritis flare, and that exposure to respiratory illness is higher than at home. A fully vaccinated pet can still catch a contagious illness. ## What goes on the form You record your pet's health conditions and age-related concerns, your pet insurance, and a treatment level you want if the kennel cannot reach you. You also list your vet and an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. The kennel tries you first, then your additional contact, then your emergency contact. Read the [medical release question page](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-medical-release-form/) and the [emergency contact page](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/who-is-my-emergency-contact-for/). Choose the treatment level thoughtfully and talk it over with whoever might decide for you. Options range from treating at any cost to a dollar limit to limits on heroic measures. ## How insurance really works The AVMA explains that most pet insurance is a reimbursement model: you pay the vet bill, then claim the benefit from the insurer. Policies differ on deductibles, limits and exclusions, and conditions that existed before the policy began are often excluded. So an insurance card in your wallet does not mean the vet bill is covered in advance. Know your policy's rules before you leave, and keep the policy number and the claims phone number with your records. ## A pre-trip checklist Before you board, do five things: confirm the policy is active, put its number on the medical release, tell your emergency contact where the details are, bring any medication with a dosing note, and make sure your vet's number is current. Add a travel number you will actually answer. It takes ten minutes and removes uncertainty on a hard day. None of this is a prediction. Most stays end with nothing more than a tired, happy pet, as described in [bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels boarding agreement (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf) - [AVMA, pet insurance](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-insurance) ### 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 - [What is the medical release form?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-medical-release-form/) - [Who is my emergency contact for?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/who-is-my-emergency-contact-for/) - [What if my pet gets sick?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-my-pet-gets-sick/) - [Boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - [Medical release](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/medical-release/) ## Read next - [How much does cat boarding cost?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/how-much-does-cat-boarding-cost/) - [How long can cats be left alone?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/how-long-can-cats-be-left-alone/) - [Leaving your cat for a week](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/leaving-a-cat-for-a-week/) - [Cat boarding vs a cat sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter/) - [Boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) - [Cat not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/) - [Choosing and using a cat carrier](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-carriers/) - [Traveling with a cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/traveling-with-a-cat/) 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/). ### Does Happy Paws bill my insurer? The agreement makes the owner responsible for vet and other necessary costs. Insurance is a matter between you and the insurer, so keep a claim route ready. ### Is insurance required to board? The medical release asks for insurance details if you have it. Call 707-678-6600 with questions about the form. ### Who decides if I can't be reached? The kennel tries you, then your additional contact, then your emergency contact, and follows the treatment level you chose on the form.