--- title: Bird Care While You Travel | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-care-while-you-travel/ 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/) - Bird 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 feeding card. Happy Paws Kennels boards birds and may ask you to provide the cage. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Birds notice change. A bird that is out of its usual surroundings can stop eating or become withdrawn, so the goal of a boarding stay is to move as little as possible. ## Keep the diet exactly the same The Merck Veterinary Manual describes formulated pellets as the base of a pet bird's diet, with small amounts of fresh vegetables and fruit each day. An unbalanced diet is described as a leading cause of illness in pet birds, and seed-heavy diets are linked to obesity and liver problems. Do not change the diet right before a trip. Pack the usual food in sealed bags, label portions and note foods your bird refuses. ## Cage, perches and toys Keeping a bird in its own cage keeps its perches and smells familiar. Happy Paws may ask owners to supply the cage for small pets, so plan to bring it, cleaned and sturdy, with a spare water dish and a favorite toy. Mark the cage with your name and phone. Remove dangling hazards and loose parts, and secure the door. ## Safe travel to the kennel Cover the cage with a breathable cloth for the drive. The cover cuts down on visual stimulation and holds a steady temperature. In California summer, never leave a bird in a parked car; temperature spikes can be fatal within minutes, and Penal Code 597.7 bars confining an animal in an unattended vehicle under heat-endangering conditions. Run the air conditioning on arrival. Avoid sedatives or home remedies for travel stress unless your avian vet recommends them. ## The handoff Write down the feeding schedule, the amount, any medication, the sleep routine and what words your bird knows. Mention biting or flight habits, so the handler knows how to approach. See the [bird boarding page](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/birds/) and the [packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/). The price is given when you ask, so call 707-678-6600 with your bird's species and cage size. After the trip, expect a quieter day. Appetite and droppings should look normal in a day or so; call an avian vet if your bird stays fluffed, stops eating or has a change in droppings. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Merck Veterinary Manual, feeding a pet bird](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/bird-owners/choosing-and-taking-care-of-a-pet-bird/feeding-a-pet-bird) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [California Penal Code 597.7 (animals in vehicles)](https://california.public.law/codes/penal_code_section_597.7) ### 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 - [Birds](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/birds/) - [Small pet boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/) - [What to pack for a small pet's stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/) - [Do you board rabbits and birds?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-board-rabbits-and-birds/) - [Small pets](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/small-pets/) ## Read next - [Guinea pigs while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-care-while-you-travel/) - [What to pack for a small pet's stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-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/) 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 board birds? Yes, birds are on the list of small pets the kennel accepts. Ask for the price and cage details. ### Should I cover the cage? A breathable cover helps on the drive. Ask the kennel what it prefers during the stay. ### Can I bring my own food? Yes. Bring the usual food in sealed bags with portions written on a card.