Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring for my dog while boarding?
We provide everything our guests need for a comfortable stay. We have beds, blankets, bowls for food and water. We don’t accept customer beds, blankets, or toys and we ask that you keep all your dogs personal belongings at home. Leashes and collars will be stored in a cubby and labeled with your dogs name.
Should I bring my own dog food?
We offer “house” food or you bring your own. We feed twice a day and recommend you bring your own.
Please bring the amount of food your dog will need, stored in an airtight container or zip lock plastic bag, marked with first and last name and the serving size. We are unable to store large open bags of food.
*If your food needs to be refrigerated or heated, we can do both. If your dog requires a special diet, we will follow your instruction
When do you offer pet resort tours?
Please respect that our tour policy is designed for dog safety, people safety, and business efficiency. If you walk in for a tour without an appointment we will likely ask you to make an appointment for another day when we have an appointment available.
We are proud of our pet resort and we do offer tours, by appointment only, 6 days a week. We have staff dedicated to tours and evaluating new dogs. They are helping those customers that already have appointments. Also, there are areas that are designated employee only so we don’t allow non-employees access at certain times. They are usually hectic, busy times during drop-off and pick-up, while customer dogs are being transported from play areas to suites, during feeding times, scheduled activities, dog training sessions and when we are cleaning.
Do you accept all dog breeds?
We have some breed restrictions. We are no longer able to accept Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or American Bull Dogs.
A “meet and greet” is required, for ALL dogs, regardless of breed. We will assess your dogs play style, health and temperament then choose which play group is most appropriate. If your dog shows fear or aggression towards people or other dogs he may not pass the temperament test.
You may not agree with these restrictions but they have enabled us to focus on quality service, less dogs, higher staff to dog ratios, manage play groups appropriately, reduced injuries to dogs and staff and tightened our overall safety procedures.
How are dogs separated for group play?
Dogs are grouped into 2 or 3 different play yards according to their size, temperament and activity level. We have a play group for small dogs, large dogs, highly active dogs, and for less active or older dogs. If a guest is not comfortable in their group or they are shy, we may move them to a more appropriate group or provide several breaks. If a dog plays too rough, mounts other dogs, or is out of control, we will remove them from group play. This allows us to provide a safe environment and enjoyable experience for the other dogs.
What if my dog is not suitable for group play?
Ruff House Pet Resort is designed as a social resort for healthy and active dogs. For boarding we understand that some dogs are not suited for group play. We offer private walks, individual play, swimming and other amenities for dogs that need limited play or special attention.
Do you offer Veterinary Services?
We do not offer veterinary services. All dogs need to have required vaccinations prior to a tour or stay with us. We always recommend getting required vaccinations, at your primary veterinarian, 2 weeks before your check-in date. We do keep an inventory of Bordetella Oral Vaccine in case a customer is not able to get it done with their Veterinarian. We are not allowed to administer the vaccine, however; customers can purchase it from us and administer it themselves while in our lobby.
If there is an injury or medical emergency we will transport your dog to a Veterinary Hospital.
Where do the dogs sleep at night?
Ruff House Pet Resort offers crates, kennels, and suites for sleeping. The buildings for sleeping are indoors, temperature controlled with heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Dogs spend a minimal amount of time in their crate, kennel or suite. They are designed for eating, relaxing and sleeping in the evenings since we specialize in social groups and dog enrichment.
*Suites include a full size glass door, raised bed, blankets, food and water bowls. They vary in sizes.
Dogs from the same family may be able to share a suite but they cannot share a crate. During your scheduled tour you can view the sleeping options and choose which sleeping area is best for your dog.
Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?
Dogs are required to be spayed/neutered, if over 1 year old, to stay at Ruff House Pet Resort. We are set up for group play and activities in a social setting. *We do not accept females in heat. If your dog goes into heat, during her stay, we will contact you to pick up immediately.
Why do you require the Bordetella vaccination every 6 months?
It is important that we take precautions to keep our customer dogs free from illness. Our 6 month policy is consistent with boarding industry best practices and is a standard we keep consistent. Some veterinarians schedule the Bordetella vaccine yearly, however if you tell them you are attending day care or boarding they know to put you on a 6 month schedule. It is required every 6 months for all dogs staying at Ruff House Pet Resort.
We do not accept titers or waivers on vaccines unless it is a Titer for Rabies.
*Ruff House Pet Resort has hundreds of dogs checking-in and checking-out each week. The number of dogs contracting canine cough is less than 1%.
Our cleaning procedures, health checks, and vaccine policy ensures the most healthy environment for all our guests.
If you think your dog has contracted an upper respiratory infection or any other illness while staying with us please see a Veterinarian and contact us with a confirmed diagnosis. We record dates and details of customer dogs that are sick.
Do you take cats or other pets?
Ruff House Pet Resort is designed for dogs. Our staff is trained in dog behavior, health, and temperament specific to dogs. We recommend a pet sitter for cats or a veterinary hospital that offers cat boarding service.
What if my dog needs medication?
Dogs need to be in good health to stay at Ruff House Pet Resort. Please contact us to discuss your specific medication needs as we may recommend boarding with a Veterinarian as an alternative.
We will administer medication for anything other than serious medical conditions. Please bring your medication in the original bottle, labeled with the medication name, dogs name, and the exact instructions for when and how much medicine to give. There is a $1 fee per medication dose.
- PLEASE NOTE: We do not give insulin or injectable medications.