--- title: Rabies Exemptions in California: What a Kennel Can Accept url: https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/ 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/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/) - Rabies exemptions in California # Rabies exemptions in California California law allows a veterinarian to document a medical exemption from the dog rabies vaccination for an individual dog. Happy Paws Kennels needs proof of a current rabies vaccination for every dog, so call before booking if your dog has an exemption. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A question about boarding without vaccinations is often a real medical question. Here is the law, the kennel's rule and what to do. ## What the law says California Health and Safety Code section 121690 requires dog owners to have their dog vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian once the dog is three months old, at intervals set by the state. The same section has an exemption that a veterinarian can document, for example when the vaccine would endanger an individual dog's health. The exemption is decided by your veterinarian, for your dog, and it is documented in writing. Most exemptions are time-limited or tied to a condition, so ask your veterinarian to state the reason and the dates in the letter. A clear letter helps you in every setting, from the county licensing office to a boarding kennel. ## What the kennel's page says The kennel's vaccination page says California law requires dogs to be vaccinated for rabies with a few special exceptions, and that the kennel is not able to accept a dog without proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination. So a written exemption does not fit the kennel's stated requirement. The kennel also asks that cats have a current rabies record. ## What to do if your dog has an exemption Call 707-678-6600 before you plan a trip. Explain the situation and ask the staff how they handle it, so you know before you book anything. Your veterinarian can write a letter, and a phone call costs nothing. Other vaccines on the list are separate questions; each is current or not on its own record. Calling early matters because other arrangements, such as a sitter at home, may suit a dog in this situation better than a group setting. The [boarding and in-home sitter comparison](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-in-home-sitter/) sets out the differences. ## Other ways to plan Ask your veterinarian whether a different schedule or product is possible, and ask the kennel about dates. The page about [titer tests](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/) explains why antibody results are a different thing from a vaccination record. The [full requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) are on one page, and the [rabies page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) covers the basics. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [California Health and Safety Code section 121690](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=121690.&lawCode=HSC) ### Before your first stay - [Vaccination records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) current through pick-up day - A signed [boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - Pets 16 weeks or older - [Bring nothing but your pet](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) ### 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 - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Titer tests and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/) - [Rabies vaccine for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-cats/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) - [Contact and directions](https://happypawskennels.com/contact/) ## Is my pet ready? Who is staying? Dog Cat Both Pick-up date Dog vaccines (three required, one recommended) Rabies Good until Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) Good until Bordetella (kennel cough) Good until Canine Influenza (H3N2 - H3N8) - recommended, not required Good until Cat vaccines (required) Rabies Good until FVRCP Good until 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](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin), email them, or bring a copy at check-in. ## Read next - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [Dog licenses in Solano & Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-licensing-solano-yolo/) - [Parvo in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/parvo/) - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Rabies vaccine for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-cats/) - [DHPP (distemper/parvo) for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dhpp-distemper-parvo/) - [Bordetella vaccine](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/bordetella/) - [Intranasal vs oral bordetella](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/intranasal-vs-oral-bordetella/) 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 a vet exempt my dog from the rabies vaccine in California? The statute allows a veterinarian to document a medical exemption. That decision is between you and your vet. ### Can my dog board with a rabies exemption? The kennel needs proof of a current rabies vaccination for every dog. Please call 707-678-6600 to talk it through. ### Does this apply to cats? The kennel needs a current rabies record for every cat. ### Are other vaccines required? Yes, distemper/parvo and Bordetella for dogs. Canine influenza is recommended.