--- title: First-Stay Planner for Boarding | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/tools/first-stay-planner/ 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/) - [Planning tools](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/) - First-stay planner # First-stay planner Enter your drop-off date and the planner builds a short countdown: vaccines checked, boarding agreement filled in, food and medications sorted, and bags packed. First-timers should start about a month ahead, since the canine influenza booster alone needs three to four weeks. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Drop-off date - Pick your drop-off date to see your first-stay timeline. [Ask about these dates](#book-form) ## Plan a first boarding stay - Enter your drop-off date The planner counts back from it. - Follow the countdown Vaccines, account, agreement, food, medications. - Print the plan Print the plan, or copy the dates into your own calendar. - Send your request Book online or call 707-678-6600. A first stay goes best when the paperwork is done early. The planner turns one date into a list of dates you can print and keep. ## The timeline Right away, create your ProPetware account (or call 707-678-6600) and send a booking request. If your drop-off falls in a holiday window, the 50% non-refundable deposit is due 30 days before drop-off. About four weeks before drop-off, check vaccines. Dogs need rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella and canine influenza; the influenza booster comes three to four weeks after the first dose. Cats need rabies and FVRCP. One week before, upload or email the records and fill in the boarding agreement. It is required once, even with an online account. The day before, pack: food in the original bag, medications with directions, one toy. ## Why the dates matter A deposit for holiday stays is due 30 days before drop-off, so the planner puts that line far ahead. Records must be good through your last day, so it asks you to check the expiry dates early. ## Visit first if you like A tour is the best preparation for an anxious owner. Tours run every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM with no appointment, and a staff member walks with you. You will see the runs, the play areas and the cattery, and you can ask about anything on your list. ## Drop-off day Arrive within 7:30 to 11:30 AM or 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Leave your pet in the car while you check in. Plan pick-up by 11:30 AM to avoid the afternoon half-night charge. First-time boarders may skip a meal or two, and the staff offer enticing treats if that happens. ## When you get home Expect a tired pet. The kennel compares it to summer camp: more activity than usual, then a long nap. A dog that ran through the field may also want a bath. ## What the planner cannot do It does not book the stay. The kennel confirms every reservation. Use the [stay cost estimator](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/stay-cost-estimator/) for a price, or read the [first-time boarding guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels: things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### 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 - [Your dog's first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/) - [How to prepare your dog for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-boarding/) - [Printable packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/packing-list/) - [Vaccine readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/) - [Plan a visit](https://happypawskennels.com/tour-request/) ## Other planning tools - [### Stay cost estimator](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/stay-cost-estimator/) - [### Holiday deposit checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/holiday-deposit-checker/) - [### Vaccine readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/) - [### Printable packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/packing-list/) - [### Which kennel class?](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/kennel-class-finder/) - [### Bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/) 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/). ### How early should I start? About a month before, because the canine influenza booster needs three to four weeks. ### Do I need the boarding agreement if I have an account? Yes, once. ### Can I tour first? Yes, daily with no appointment. ### What if my pet will not eat the first day? First-time boarders may skip a meal or two; staff offer enticing treats if it continues.