Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dog Daycare?

Dog daycare is a safe, fun, social play environment for your dog. It works a lot like human daycare in that you can drop your dog off for any number of hours during a day and while here he will be able to play with other dogs, staff members, inside and outside all so that when you come home from a long day at work you aren't greeted by an over-excited, stressed-out dog. You can learn more about Daycare at The Ruff House by visiting our Services page.

How Often do Dog Owners Take Their Dog to Daycare?

It varies greatly from client to client, we have some guests that visit us daily and others that we only see a couple of times per month. The amount of daycare you feel is necessary for your dog to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle is a decision only you can make.

Do I Need Reservations For Daycare?

Yes. To ensure proper staffing ratios we request that advance reservations be made for daycare. Same day notices can often times be accomodated.

Can Any Dog Come for Daycare and Overnight Care? Is There an Evaluation My Dog Has to Pass?

The Ruff House is committed to the safety of each guest. Prior to your dog's first visit we will obtain important veterinarian records to ensure a mutually healthy relationship between your dog and other guests. Once here staff members will conduct a thorough temperament evaluation of your pet. We monitor your pet and watch closely for stress signals, possessiveness and play styles. Daycare, although, is not for every dog and staff members will inform you if Overnight Care arrangements may still be accommodated.

For safety reasons, The Ruff House has breed limitations. After extensive research and input from national industry experts, the decision was made by Ruff Resorts, Inc. CEO to limit services offered to certain breeds. The safety of every guest and staff member is very important to The Ruff House. Therefore the following breeds are not eligible for daycare and group play, but with manager consent may be eligible for overnight care; American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, Valley Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Banter Bulldogge and Wolf or Wolf mixes. If you have and questions or concerns regarding this policy, please send them to Roz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I Have an Old Dog, Will He Enjoy This Environment?

Dogs of every age and activity level have enjoyed all of our services. Our staff members cater to the individual needs of each guest every day to ensure a positive experience during every visit. While your older dog may not run around and play as much as the younger dogs that visit us, he will still appreciate being around other dogs. Socialization, even for an older dog, can be a great part of a healthy and happy lifestyle.  

What do You Mean by 'Quick Release' Collar?

A quick release collar will use a snapping buckle that you pinch on either side to release. Dog's must wear collars in our facility for identification and emergency purposes. If you do not own a quick release collar we carry a selection of appropriate collars made by Lupine. Please visit the Boutique section of our website for more information.

Does My Dog Have to be Spayed or Neutered?

In order to participate in daycare or group play all dogs must be spayed or neutered before the age of 7 months. Unaltered pets are, however, welcome to participate in Overnight Care and Grooming Services.

How Do I Make Reservations For Overnight Care and Grooming?

For reservations regarding Overnight Care and Grooming you should contact us directly at 920 720 2772. Our team of pet care consultants will be happy to discuss the variety of options The Ruff House has to offer.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

If you need to change or cancel an overnight reservation a notification at least 14 days in advance from the check in date is required or cancellation fees will apply. Although cancellation for daycare and grooming do not incur a fee, as a courtesy we request a 24 hour notice.

Do You Offer a Discount for Extended Overnight Stays?

Our locations do not offer an extended stay discount. The Ruff House takes great pride in the level of service and care we provide each guest. Each member of our staff works hard to ensure the health, happiness and safety of your pet and provide the highest level of care and attention whether it is day one or day seven of your pet's stay.

Is There a Discount For Multiple Dogs?

We offer a discount on overnight care for families with more than one pet sharing an overnight suite.

What do I Need to Bring for an Overnight Stay?

For the health of each guest our Canine Nutritionist recommends that each dog stay on their regular diet when they visit one of our facilities. To ensure enough food is packed for you dog's entire stay, divide the food by meal portions in small containers such as plastic bags. For example, if your dog eats 1 cup of food twice each day, you should pack two bags of 1 cup per day. Should travel plans change you may consider packing extra food, The Ruff House also has premium kibble available to any guest as well.

We do not allow personal sleeping items such as beds and blankets from home for health reasons. If you crate your dog at night you may bring the crate in and it will be placed in a suite assigned to your dog.

Please leave all toys, food dishes and any treats that may present a choking hazard at homes. The Ruff House provides everything your dog will need for an unforgettable experience. 

Do You Offer Indoor and Outdoor Play Areas?

Yes, our facility offers indoor and outdoor play areas for both large and small dogs.

My Dog Has Never Had a Problem with Fleas or Ticks, Do I Still Need to Use a Preventative?

Yes. Most flea and tick medications are to be given monthly and The Ruff House requires that your dog be treated with such year round. When using a spot-on type treatment on your pet please carefully read and follow the product label, paying attention to age or health restrictions, and consult your veterinarian with any questions. Should any dog arrive at The Ruff House with fleas or ticks, the proper precautions and treatment will be given at the owner's expense . The Ruff House offers a monthly Flea/Tick treatment for $10.

Can You Administer My Dog's Medications?

Absolutely, our Canine First Aid Certified staff members will be more than happy to give any medication that is taken orally such as a pill or liquid supplement, or topically such as eye drops, ear drops, or a salve. We will not administer routine vaccinations or injections of any kind.

Can I Take a Tour?

Absolutely! Our client services staff members are more than happy to take you on an informative tour through the public areas at any Ruff House location and share with you everything The Ruff House has to offer. Tours are welcome anytime during normal business hours.

What Qualifications do Staff Members Have?

We have a team of very qualified individuals at each Ruff House facility. Staff members are certified in Canine First Aid and CPR and are trained in dog behavior and socialization monitoring.

What Sets You Apart From Your Competitors?

The Ruff House offers the widest variety of services and amenities dedicated to the health and happiness of each guest. We recognize that each guest has a different personality with different needs, which is why we come highly recommended by leading veterinary clinics throughout the Fox Valley.