---
title: What if My Pet Gets Sick? | Happy Paws Kennels
url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-my-pet-gets-sick/
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/)
- What if my pet gets sick?

# What if my pet gets sick?

The kennel contacts you first, then your additional contact, then your emergency contact. The boarding agreement lets Happy Paws obtain veterinary care at the owner's expense if it is needed.

[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600)

You choose your wishes in writing on the medical release before the stay.

## Who gets the call

Happy Paws calls you, then the additional contact you named, then your emergency contact. That is why the agreement asks for a contact who is not traveling with you. The [emergency contact page](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/who-is-my-emergency-contact-for/) has the details.

## Your treatment wishes

The medical release asks you to record your pet's health conditions, age-related concerns and pet insurance. If no one can be reached, you pick a treatment level, from saving your pet at any cost to a dollar limit or no heroic measures. See [the medical release form](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-medical-release-form/).

## Cost and care

The agreement says the owner pays veterinary and other necessary costs. Medications that you ask staff to give during the stay are given at no extra charge, and special feedings are not billed either.

## Boarding and illness

A pet must be in good health to be accepted. Even a fully vaccinated pet can catch a contagious illness around other animals, and kennel cough is the best-known example. The [kennel cough guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/) and [vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) explain the rules.

## Helping the kennel help your pet

Write down any health condition on the pet information page, list the medications and when they are given, and put a phone number on the form that will be answered while you are away. If your travel includes a flight, tell your emergency contact the dates. Clear information is what lets a decision be made quickly and the way you would want it made.

### Sources (checked October 19, 2026)

- [Happy Paws Kennels boarding agreement (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf)
- [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

- [What is the medical release form?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-medical-release-form/)
- [Who is my emergency contact for?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/who-is-my-emergency-contact-for/)
- [Boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/)
- [Pet insurance and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/pet-insurance-and-boarding/)
- [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/)
- [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/)

## Read next

- [What is the medical release form?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-medical-release-form/)
- [Who is my emergency contact for?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/who-is-my-emergency-contact-for/)
- [What if I am delayed coming back?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-i-am-delayed-coming-back/)
- [Do you board rabbits and birds?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-board-rabbits-and-birds/)
- [Do I bring the cage for a small pet?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-i-bring-the-cage-for-a-small-pet/)
- [How much is a bath?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-is-a-bath/)
- [Do you offer day care by the hour?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-offer-day-care-by-the-hour/)
- [What is the buy-10-get-12 package?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-buy-10-get-12-package/)

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/).

### Will I be told if something happens?

The release says the kennel contacts you first. Keep your phone number current on the agreement.

### Does my pet insurance apply?

The medical release asks for your pet insurance details. Ask your insurer how it handles boarding.

### Is there a charge to give medicine?

No. Medications are given at no extra charge.
