--- title: Will My Dog Be Tired When I Pick Up? | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/will-my-dog-be-tired-when-i-pick-up/ 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/) - Will my dog be tired when I pick up? # Will my dog be tired when I pick up? Often, yes. The kennel compares a stay to summer camp, with more activity than at home, so it is normal for dogs to be tired when they get back. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Plan a quiet first evening. ## Why a dog is tired Dogs at Happy Paws talk with neighbors, walk, play in the yards and run the grass field. That is more going on than a regular day at home. Reviewers mention dogs coming home happy and tired. ## What to do at home Offer water, a normal-size meal and a quiet space. Keep visitors to a minimum for the first evening and let your dog sleep. The [bringing your dog home guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) has more. ## When to call A tired dog is not unusual. If your dog seems unwell after coming home, phone your veterinarian and tell the kennel too. Read [why dogs are tired after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/why-is-my-dog-tired-after-boarding/). ## Dirt and a bath A country kennel means grass, dust and mud. A bath before pick-up sends the dog home clean. See [the bath question](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-does-my-dog-need-a-bath-after-a-country-stay/). ## What the kennel says The things-to-know page compares a stay to sending a child to summer camp. A dog may get more activity and exercise than usual, spends the time talking to neighbors and goofing off, and it is normal to be tired afterward. ## Watch for A pet who sleeps a lot the first day is usual. Call your vet if you see anything that worries you, such as a cough, not eating for a long time or low energy that does not improve. ## Plan the day If you can, leave the evening free. Pick up in the morning window, 7:30 to 11:30 AM, or the afternoon one, 2:00 to 5:00 PM, which adds half a night. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, reviews](https://happypawskennels.com/reviews/) ### 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 - [Why is my dog so tired after boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/why-is-my-dog-tired-after-boarding/) - [Bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) - [Boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) - [Why does my dog need a bath after a country stay?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-does-my-dog-need-a-bath-after-a-country-stay/) - [Things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) ## Read next - [Why does my dog need a bath after a country stay?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-does-my-dog-need-a-bath-after-a-country-stay/) - [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/) 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/). ### Should I feed a big meal at home? A normal-size meal is fine. Follow your veterinarian's advice for your dog. ### Will my dog sleep a lot? Many dogs do after a busy stay.