At Ruff Life Retreat, all breeds are welcome—we don’t believe in breed restrictions. Every dog deserves a safe, fun, and loving place to play, no matter their background. We focus on each pup’s individual temperament and behavior.

To make sure every pup is a good fit for group play, we require a meet and greet with a short temperament assessment before their first day. This helps us get to know your dog and ensure a safe, happy environment for all our guests.

We require all dogs over 9 months old to be spayed or neutered. In our experience, dogs who are fixed tend to be more relaxed, social, and comfortable in group settings. Intact dogs often display behaviors like marking, mounting, or increased reactivity, which can disrupt the playgroup and cause stress for other pups. Requiring spay/neuter after 9 months helps ensure a safe, balanced, and fun environment for everyone.

Pups can start daycare at Ruff Life Retreat as early as 3 months (12-13 weeks) old. At this age, they should have received their first round of vaccinations and be ready to begin safe socialization in a controlled, supervised environment. Early positive experiences with other dogs help build confidence and set the foundation for a well-adjusted, happy pup!

Yes! While our daycare is designed for social dogs, we understand that not every pup enjoys group play. If your dog isn’t dog-friendly, they can still board with us—we offer private accommodations and one-on-one care to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. During the meet and greet, we’ll assess their needs and create a plan that works best for them.

Your dog’s safety is our top priority. Our facility is fully fenced with double-gated entryways to prevent escapes, and all outdoor play areas are supervised by trained staff at all times. We maintain a low dog-to-human ratio to ensure close attention and quick response when needed. Every dog goes through a temperament assessment before joining group play, and we group pups by temperament and play style to keep interactions safe and fun. Our team is also trained in canine body language and pet first aid to handle any situation promptly and professionally.

In addition, we have a top-of-the-line security system with alarms that directly notify the fire and police departments if triggered, ensuring rapid emergency response.

To keep all our pups healthy and safe, we require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper (DHAPP or equivalent), and Kennel Cough (Bordetella). Additionally, we ask that all dogs be on a monthly heartworm, flea, and tick preventative. These measures help protect your dog and everyone at Ruff Life Retreat from illness and discomfort. Please bring proof of vaccinations and preventatives before your dog’s first day.

Pups are able to play outside all day in our professionally turfed yards! When the weather gets too hot or too cold, we adjust accordingly to keep all dogs safe and comfortable. On hot days, we limit outdoor time, provide plenty of shade, and offer lots of fresh water and cooling breaks. During cold weather, we shorten outdoor sessions and make sure dogs have cozy indoor spaces to warm up. Your dog’s well-being always comes first—rain, shine, or snow!

We understand that every dog is unique, and some may require special care or accommodations. Whether your pup has medical needs, anxiety, or specific routines, just let us know! During the meet and greet, we’ll discuss your dog’s individual needs and create a personalized plan to ensure they feel safe, comfortable, and happy while with us. Our team is experienced and compassionate, ready to provide extra attention whenever needed.

We work hard to create a positive and safe environment. If behavior issues arise, we assess the situation carefully and may recommend additional training or alternative care options. Communication with parents is key—we’ll always keep you informed every step of the way.

Yes! We have an open door policy and encourage parents to visit and check in on their pups during our open hours. Or, by appointment if they are boarding!

We also offer FaceTime sessions with your pup by appointment if they are boarding!

We are open for daycare and boarding Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. We are closed for daycare on Saturdays and Sundays, but boarding pick-ups can be scheduled by appointment on weekends.

For daycare, please drop off your dog between 6:00 AM and 10:30 AM to ensure everyone is settled and ready to start the day’s activities together. Pick-up can be anytime within our open hours, so you have plenty of flexibility to come get your pup when it works best for you.

Your dog’s health and safety come first. If your dog becomes ill or injured, we will contact you right away. We pride ourselves on being open and honest about any situation that may arise. If needed, we’ll take your dog to their established veterinarian or a trusted local veterinarian for prompt care. Our team is trained in pet first aid, and we keep emergency contacts on file to act quickly and responsibly.