--- title: Getting a Pet Bird to Boarding Safely | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-carrier-and-travel-tips/ 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/) - Getting a pet bird to boarding safely # 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, you may bring the cage, and the buildings are air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The drive is the most stressful part of a boarding trip for a bird. A few small choices about the carrier, the car and the cover change how it goes. ## The carrier The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends small, secure, covered carriers for pet birds, to avoid injury. A carrier that is too large lets a bird be thrown around when the car brakes, and one with weak catches can pop open. Check the door, the perches and the floor before you go, and take off any loose toys that could swing. ## Temperature in the car The AVMA advises warming the vehicle before moving birds in cold weather and cooling it in summer, and suggests packing a plant mister for cooling birds in hot weather. In Dixon, where July afternoons average about 97 degrees at the nearest NOAA station, run the air conditioning before you load and never leave the bird in a parked car, even for a minute. Choose the cooler drop-off window in summer. Drop-off is 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. ## Cover, quiet and calm According to the AVMA, covering the cage may reduce stress, and birds should be kept in quiet areas and not allowed out of the cage in unfamiliar surroundings. Use a breathable cloth that lets air through and still cuts down on movement outside the window. Keep music and conversation low. If your bird ever seems ill, the AVMA suggests lowering the perch, food dish and water bowl and calling a veterinarian as soon as possible. ## Food, routine and the handoff Keep the diet the same. The AVMA says all birds need a balanced diet, and that a diet made up only of seeds and nuts is not balanced. Pack the usual food and any supplements, label the amounts, and write down the bird's sleep schedule, medications and any habits staff should know about, such as biting or flying out of the cage. Happy Paws welcomes birds, may ask you to provide the cage, and gives the price when you ask, so please call 707-678-6600. Read more on the [bird boarding page](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/birds/), the [bird care guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-care-while-you-travel/) and the [packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AVMA Disaster Preparedness Series: Saving the Whole Family](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/STWF_English.pdf) - [AVMA: Selecting a pet bird](https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/selecting-pet-bird) - [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/) - [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 - [Birds](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/birds/) - [Small pet boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/) - [Bird care while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-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/) - [Hours and holiday closures](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) ## Read next - [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/) 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/). ### What kind of carrier is best for a bird? The AVMA recommends a small, secure, covered carrier to avoid injury. ### Should I cover the cage during the drive? Covering may reduce stress, according to the AVMA. Use a breathable cloth. ### Can I bring my bird's own cage? Yes. The kennel may ask you to provide the cage. ### How much does bird boarding cost? Small pet boarding is not on the 2026 rate sheet. Please ask at 707-678-6600.