--- title: Why a Bath After a Country Stay? | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-does-my-dog-need-a-bath-after-a-country-stay/ 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 does my dog need a bath after a country stay? # Why does my dog need a bath after a country stay? Dogs at Happy Paws run through the field and play in the grass, so some go home with dirt in the coat. You can add a bath before pick-up. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Baths are for overnight boarders and are priced on request. ## Country acres The kennel sits on about 10 acres, with large fenced play areas and a grass field. Dogs who run, roll and dig get dusty or muddy, especially in wet weather. A bath is a convenience, not a requirement. ## How a bath is priced Price depends on your dog's size and the coat type and length. The 2024 chart ran from $20 for a small, extra short coat to $85 for a dog over 100 pounds with a long or double coat. Please ask to confirm. See [how much is a bath](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-is-a-bath/). ## Timing Tell staff your best arrival time so the bath and drying finish before you come. Check-out is by 11:30 AM, and an afternoon pick-up from 2:00 to 5:00 PM adds half a night. ## Fleas and ticks Pets should arrive free of fleas and ticks. If staff find a problem, the pet is bathed at the owner's cost. See [arriving with fleas](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-my-pet-arrives-with-fleas/) and [boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/). ## A bath is a choice Plenty of dogs go home perfectly fine without one. If you want your dog fresh for the car ride and the couch, ask for a bath when you book. The [bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/) shows what size and coat you have. ## Which dogs benefit most Dogs with long or double coats collect the most grass and dust, and light-colored dogs show it the most. If that sounds like your dog, a bath before pick-up means a clean ride home. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels bath chart, effective January 1, 2024](https://happypawskennels.com/data/bath-price-chart/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 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 - [Boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) - [How much is a bath?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-is-a-bath/) - [Bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/) - [How often should you bathe a dog?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog/) - [Will my dog be tired when I pick up?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/will-my-dog-be-tired-when-i-pick-up/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) ## Read next - [Do you take guests from out of state?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-take-guests-from-out-of-state/) - [Is parking easy?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/is-parking-easy/) - [What if my pet arrives with fleas?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-my-pet-arrives-with-fleas/) - [How often do dogs need rabies shots in California?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-often-do-dogs-need-rabies-shots-in-california/) - [Is the rabies vaccine required for cats in California?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/is-the-rabies-vaccine-required-for-cats-in-california/) - [Does the FVRCP vaccine expire?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/does-the-fvrcp-vaccine-expire/) - [Does my pet's vaccine have to last through the whole stay?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/does-my-pets-vaccine-have-to-last-through-the-whole-stay/) - [Is the kennel cough vaccine required by California law?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/is-the-kennel-cough-vaccine-required-by-california-law/) 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/). ### Do I have to get a bath? No. A bath is optional unless fleas or ticks are found. ### Can any dog get a bath? Happy Paws offers baths for overnight boarders.