Vaccination requirements for dogs and cats
Dogs need current rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines, and cats need rabies and FVRCP. The records must be on file and show every vaccine stays good through the last day of the stay.
What each pet needs on file
Dogs: required
- Rabies. California law requires it for dogs (few exceptions); every three years in healthy adult dogs. No dog accepted without proof of current rabies.
- Distemper/Parvo. Often given as a combination shot; discuss with your vet.
- Bordetella (kennel cough). Injection, intranasal or oral; does not cover every respiratory illness; booster frequency per your vet.
- Canine Influenza (H3N2 - H3N8). One vaccine covers both; initial dose then a booster in 3-4 weeks, then annual. Accepted for boarding after the initial dose - do not miss the booster.
Recommended (not required): Leptospirosis, Heartworm prevention, Flea prevention.
Cats: required
- Rabies. Required for every cat (a kennel requirement); every three years in healthy adult cats; no cat accepted without proof of current rabies.
- FVRCP. The feline 'distemper' combination: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia.
Upload a copy to your online account, email it, or bring it at your first check-in. When your pet gets a booster, send the updated record too.
Canine influenza timing
One vaccine covers both canine flu viruses, H3N2 and H3N8. The first dose is followed by a booster three to four weeks later, then yearly. Your dog can board after the first dose, but do not miss the booster.
About kennel cough
Kennel cough is spread by many airborne viruses and bacteria, and vaccines cover only some of them. Even with careful cleaning, any kennel can see an occasional case; it normally clears up on its own in a few days. The kennel shares a flyer about canine cough below.
Fleas and ticks
Please make sure your pet arrives flea and tick free. If a guest turns out to have fleas or ticks after drop-off, the staff bathe them and the owner pays for the bath. Your veterinarian is the right person to recommend a flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
Kennel cough (canine infectious respiratory disease) is spread by several viruses and bacteria, and vaccines cover only some of them. The AKC kennel cough guide explains the signs and care.
Sources (checked October 19, 2026)
Before your first stay
- Vaccination records current through pick-up day
- A signed boarding agreement
- Pets 16 weeks or older
- Bring nothing but your pet
Visit or call
6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620
| 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
Plan your stay
Is my pet ready?
Tick each vaccine your pet has had. Add the date it runs out to check it against your pick-up day.
This checks our boarding requirements, not your pet's health. Your veterinarian decides which vaccines your pet should have and when. Upload records to your ProPetware account, email them, or bring a copy at check-in.
Answers
Questions people ask
Still have a question? Call 707-678-6600 (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the boarding FAQ.
Does my cat need a rabies vaccine to board?
Yes. The kennel needs proof of a current rabies vaccine for every cat and every dog.
Is leptospirosis required?
No. Leptospirosis, heartworm prevention and flea prevention are recommended, not required. Ask your veterinarian.
How old must my puppy be?
At least 16 weeks old before the first day of the stay, with the vaccines recommended for its age.
Happy Paws Kennels
Ask about your dates
Send your dates and pets and the kennel will get back to you. Holiday stays need a 50% deposit 30 days before drop-off, so ask early.
6677 Midway RoadDixon, CA 95620707-678-6600
| 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 |
Check-out is by 11:30 AM. An afternoon pick-up is charged half of the nightly rate.