--- title: Why Leave My Dog in the Car at Check-In? | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-do-you-ask-me-to-leave-my-dog-in-the-car-at-check-in/ 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/) - Why do you ask me to leave my dog in the car at check-in? # Why do you ask me to leave my dog in the car at check-in? It keeps dogs safe. A staff member carries in your pet's food and belongings and walks your pet to the kennel, which prevents scuffles in the parking lot and escapes. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The request applies to check-in and to check-out, and it takes less time than it sounds. ## What happens at the car When you arrive in the parking lot, stay in the car with your pet and a staff member comes out. Your food, bag and paperwork go in with the staff member, and your dog is walked to the kennel on a leash. At pick-up the same thing runs in reverse. ## The reasons Several dogs and owners arrive in the same windows, 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. A dog stepping out of a car into a lot full of other dogs can get startled, and a dog slipping a collar is the kind of escape no one wants. Keeping pets in cars until staff are ready prevents both. - Fewer dog-to-dog scuffles in the lot - No escape artists bolting from an open door - Staff handle the leash from the first step ## Hot days In warm weather, leave the air conditioning on while your pet waits. Pavement can get very hot for paws, so staff may scoop up a small dog and move quickly to the shade. That is normal, not rushing you. ## Before you arrive Have your boarding agreement and vaccine records ready. If you have not signed the agreement yet, plan some extra time at the first drop-off. The [drop-off and pick-up FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/drop-off-and-pick-up/) covers the hours. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels hours page](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) ### 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 - [Drop-off and pick-up](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/drop-off-and-pick-up/) - [Hours and holiday closures](https://happypawskennels.com/hours/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Your dog's first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) ## Read next - [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/) - [How big are the kennels?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-big-are-the-kennels/) - [How many runs do you have?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-many-runs-do-you-have/) - [Will my dog be lonely?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/will-my-dog-be-lonely/) - [What if my pet gets sick?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-my-pet-gets-sick/) - [What is the medical release form?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-the-medical-release-form/) 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 I walk my dog in myself on the first visit? The kennel asks that pets stay in the car at check-in and check-out so staff can handle the walk-in. Tour times are the time to see the runs. ### What if my dog gets anxious in the car? Tell the staff member who comes out. Staff carry your belongings and walk your dog in on a leash.