--- title: How Old Must a Puppy Be to Board? | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-old-does-my-puppy-need-to-be/ 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/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) - How old does my puppy need to be? # How old does my puppy need to be? Puppies must be 16 weeks old before the first day of the stay, with all the vaccinations recommended for their age. Kittens follow the same rule. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) For a young puppy, the vaccine series matters as much as the birthday. Check both before you book. ## The two requirements - 16 weeks old before the first day of the stay. - All recommended vaccinations for their age, with a copy of the records on file. ## What a puppy needs on the record Dogs need rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella. Canine influenza is recommended rather than required; a dog that has it is accepted after the first dose, with a booster three to four weeks later. Because a puppy's series runs over several visits, ask your vet to date each shot and keep the records current through your last day. ## Planning a first stay A puppy's first night away is a bigger step than an adult dog's. A tour first and a short first stay make a gentler start. The [first-time boarding guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/) and the [puppy boarding page](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/puppy-boarding/) help you plan. ## Costs A puppy pays the posted rate for the kennel class: $52 for Economy, $59 for Business Class and $72 for First Class per night on the 2026 rates. ## If your puppy is almost 16 weeks Count 16 weeks from the birth date on your vet's record, not from the adoption date. Book the stay for after that date, and confirm that the latest vaccines are on file. Call 707-678-6600 if your puppy's birthday and the trip dates are close, and the kennel will tell you where you stand. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 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 - [Puppy boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/puppy-boarding/) - [How old does a puppy have to be to board?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-old-does-a-puppy-have-to-be-to-board/) - [Puppy vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/puppy-vaccine-schedule/) - [Your dog's first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) ## Read next - [Which vaccines do you require?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/which-vaccines-do-you-require/) - [Do you require the canine flu vaccine?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-require-the-canine-flu-vaccine/) - [Can I bring my dog's bed?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/can-i-bring-my-dogs-bed/) - [Can I bring toys?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/can-i-bring-toys/) - [Why do you ask me to leave my dog in the car at check-in?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-do-you-ask-me-to-leave-my-dog-in-the-car-at-check-in/) - [Why remove a prong collar?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-remove-a-prong-collar/) - [Can I tour without an appointment?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/can-i-tour-without-an-appointment/) - [Are the runs heated and air-conditioned?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/are-the-runs-heated-and-air-conditioned/) 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/). ### Can an 8-week-old puppy stay? No. The minimum is 16 weeks old before the first day. ### Does my kitten follow the same rule? Yes, at 16 weeks with rabies and FVRCP. ### Does a puppy need all three required vaccines? The records must show the vaccines recommended for the puppy's age. ### Can a puppy do day care? Please call 707-678-6600 about day care age. See the puppy day care guide for general advice.