--- title: Is a Rabies Tag Proof of Vaccination? | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/is-a-rabies-tag-enough-proof-of-vaccination/ 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/) - Is a rabies tag enough proof of vaccination? # Is a rabies tag enough proof of vaccination? No. Happy Paws Kennels needs a copy of the vaccination records on file, and a tag by itself does not show the dates of the shot or any of the other required vaccines. Send the certificate or the veterinary record, and the tag can stay on the collar. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A tag proves a dog had a rabies shot at some point. The record proves when, and until when. ## What a tag tells you, and what it leaves out A rabies tag usually carries a number and a year. A county license tag does the same job for licensing. Neither lists the product given, the date it expires for your pet, or whether distemper/parvo, Bordetella and canine influenza are current. The kennel's rule is that the records show the vaccines are up to date and will not expire during the stay, and a metal tag cannot show that. ## What counts as a record The rabies certificate your veterinarian gave you, or the full vaccination history printed from the clinic. The kennel asks for the certificate because it carries the date the shot was given and the expiration date, which a tag does not show. Cats work the same way, with rabies and FVRCP on the record. ## Three ways to get it to the kennel - Upload the record to your ProPetware account when you request the booking. - Email a photo or PDF of the record to the kennel. - Bring a paper copy to the first check-in. ## Ask the clinic for the full history Most veterinary offices can email the complete record in a few minutes. Ask for all vaccines on one page, since the kennel is looking for four on a dog and two on a cat. Send an updated copy after any booster so the file stays current. The [sending records page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) and the [upload walkthrough](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-do-i-upload-vaccine-records/) show each step. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [California Department of Public Health, rabies](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Rabies.aspx) - [California Health and Safety Code section 121690 (leginfo)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=121690.&lawCode=HSC) ### 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 send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [How do I upload vaccine records?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-do-i-upload-vaccine-records/) - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Which vaccines do you require?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/which-vaccines-do-you-require/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) ## Read next - [How much does it cost to board a dog for a week?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-board-a-dog-for-a-week/) - [How much does it cost to board a cat for two weeks?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-board-a-cat-for-two-weeks/) - [How much does it cost to board a dog for a month?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-board-a-dog-for-a-month/) - [How much does it cost to board two dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-board-two-dogs/) - [How much is dog day care for a week?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-is-dog-day-care-for-a-week/) - [How much does a weekend stay cost?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-does-a-weekend-stay-cost/) - [Do you charge by the night or by the day?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-charge-by-the-night-or-by-the-day/) - [What is the least expensive way to board my dog?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-least-expensive-way-to-board-my-dog/) 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 a lost tag matter? Not for the kennel's records. The certificate or clinic record is what goes on file. ### Can I send a phone photo? A clear photo of the record is fine to upload or email as long as the dates can be read.