--- title: Questions to Ask a Boarding Kennel | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/questions-to-ask-a-boarding-kennel/ 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/) - Questions to ask a boarding kennel # Questions to ask a boarding kennel Ask about drop-off and pick-up times, the size of the enclosure, how often pets are checked, the daily activity routine, vaccines and what happens in an emergency. California's pet boarding law (Health and Safety Code 122384) requires boarding facilities to give owners several of these in writing. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A good kennel is happy to be questioned. Use this list on a tour or on the phone, and compare answers rather than prices alone. ## What California law says a facility must tell you Chapter 11 of the California Health and Safety Code covers pet boarding facilities, defined as a place where four or more pets are boarded for pay. Section 122384 says the operator must give each owner written information on: - the days and times pets may be dropped off and picked up - the days and times staff are onsite - the square footage of the enclosure for the species - routine observation of pets during each 24-hour period - the customary daily activity schedule ## Other duties worth asking about The same chapter requires one pet per enclosure unless the owner consents, observation of each pet at least every 24 hours, water, nutritious food and daily enrichment, a written care policy and disaster policy, and immediate notice to the owner if a pet is ill or injured unless the owner has waived notice in writing. It also requires either a fire alarm connected to a central station or a fire sprinkler system. ## Questions about the stay - Can I tour the whole facility, including the runs and the area where meals are prepared? - What vaccines do you require, and do you check records? - How do you handle medication, and is there a fee? - What happens if my pet gets sick or I cannot be reached? - How do you handle a late pick-up or a delayed return? - What is the price per night, and what does it include? ## How Happy Paws answers some of these Drop-off and pick-up windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM every day, with holiday exceptions on the [hours page](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/). Tours run daily at 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM. Run sizes are about 16 square feet inside plus 48 outside in Economy, 30 plus 60 in Business Class and 48 plus 72 in First Class. The kennel building has fire sprinklers. Vaccine rules are on the [vaccination page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/), medications are given at no extra charge, and the boarding agreement includes a medical release that sets the order in which you are contacted. For the day's activity routine and staff coverage, ask on a tour or by phone at 707-678-6600. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [California Health and Safety Code, pet boarding facilities, chapter 11](https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ca-pet-boarding-facilities-chapter-11-pet-boarding-facilities) - [American Kennel Club, boarding tips](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-boarding-tips/) - [Happy Paws Kennels hours page](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) ### 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 - [How to choose a dog kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-dog-kennel/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - [Hours and holiday closures](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Twelve boarding tips from the kennel side of the counter](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-tips/) ## Read next - [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/) 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 California regulate dog boarding kennels? Yes. Health and Safety Code chapter 11 sets standards for facilities that board four or more pets for pay, including written disclosures to owners. ### Should I tour before booking? Yes. Tours are free, every day, and no appointment is needed at Happy Paws. ### What should the written information include? Pick-up and drop-off times, staff hours, enclosure size, routine observation and the daily activity schedule.