Getting Started

Yes, we are glad to give your pet any food that you bring for them. We have microwave ovens, refrigerators, and freezers to accommodate special dietary needs. Please pack food from home in pre-measured in individual servicing size bags. A charge of $0.50 per administration will be added to your pets stay for food that is not pre-measured upon arrival.

As a busy pet parent you may prefer to skip meal preparation for your pet and for an additional fee have our Canine Nutritionist select a well-balanced diet for them to enjoy while at The Ruff House.

Yes, our Standard Nightly Rate is discounted 15% for each additional guest from the same home sharing a suite. Discounts do not apply to late check outs, activities or holiday fees. 

We are happy to dispense oral and topical medications at NO ADDITIONAL COST!

Please bring medications in their original packaging and we will administer as directed. At this time we are not able to give any injections or intravenous medications. 

Pets may check in any time during normal business hours. Overnight charges begin the day of drop off regardless of what time the pet is dropped off. 

Check out is BEFORE 12:00 pm on the date of departure. It is strictly enforced that pets not picked up by 12:00 pm will be charged additional fees. 

All rooms include soft, comfortable bedding on a raised bed, which we clean daily on-site. While you are able to bring your own blanket, it is not necessary and can only be used if it does not have foam or stuffing. No large beds as every item must be able to fit in our washing machine for sanitation. 

Regular grooming is an important part of maintaining your dog’s health and happiness. Most professionals and veterinarians recommend grooming every four to six weeks to keep your pet looking and feeling their best. However, the right grooming schedule can vary depending on your dog's breed, coat type, and activity level. Our expert grooming staff would be happy to discuss the best grooming plan tailored to your pet’s needs, ensuring they stay comfortable, clean, and happy. 

We completely understand that grooming costs for doodles can feel a bit higher, but there’s a reason behind it! 

Doodles have a unique coat that requires special care. Their curly, wavy hair tends to mat easily, which means it takes more time and attention to properly brush, trim, and maintain their coat. The process is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than grooming many other breeds, which is reflected in the pricing. Typically, doodle grooming can range between $100-$200 depending on the size and coat condition of your dog. If you only groom your doodle once a year it will take much longer and be on the higher end of the rate scale.

While this may seem pricey, regular grooming is crucial for your doodle’s overall health and comfort. Matting and tangles can lead to skin irritation, discomfort, and even infection if left unattended. By sticking to a grooming schedule every 4-6 weeks, you can avoid these issues and keep your doodle feeling great. Plus, maintaining a regular grooming routine helps to lower the cost over time, as your dog’s coat will be easier to manage and maintain with each visit.

We’re here to help your dog look and feel their best—regular grooming isn’t just a luxury, it’s an essential part of their care!

The length of a grooming appointment can vary depending on several factors, such as your dog’s breed, age, coat condition, any health considerations, and the specific services you’ve requested. Grooming sessions typically range from 60 minutes to three hours.

For your convenience, much like a salon appointment for yourself, your pet will be scheduled with a specific start and end time. If you’re a busy pet parent, we also offer Spa Days, where you can drop off your dog in the morning and pick them up later in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to run errands or enjoy your day while your pet is pampered!

Fun fact: Sprinkler systems aren’t even required by building codes in Wisconsin. Because they’re expensive to install and maintain, many facilities choose not to invest in this life-saving measure. 

However, at The Ruff House, we believe that safety should never be compromised. Our sprinkler system is non-negotiable because we would never leave our own dogs in a facility without it—and we don’t think you should either. It’s just one of the many ways we go above and beyond to ensure your pet is safe, secure, and protected while they’re with us.

Pea gravel might look nice, but it can be dangerous for dogs in several ways. First, the small, jagged stones can easily be ingested, which can lead to choking or digestive issues. Worse, they can also injure your dog's delicate paws, causing painful cuts or abrasions. Not to mention, pea gravel doesn't drain well, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, posing a health risk to your pet.

In contrast, K9 Grass is a much safer and healthier option. It’s specifically designed for pets, offering a soft, comfortable surface that’s gentle on paws while being completely non-toxic. It also drains efficiently, preventing puddles and minimizing bacteria buildup. Plus, it’s easy to clean, ensuring your dog can enjoy a safe, hygienic outdoor space every time they play. We believe K9 Grass is the best option for both comfort and safety, and that’s why we’ve chosen it for our outdoor play areas.

At the heart of our team are passionate, well-trained professionals who truly love animals—and they’re excited to welcome you and your pet. Every team member works within a dedicated role and receives specialized training to ensure the best care possible. Whether it's our Reservation Specialists helping you map out the perfect stay, our Activities Counselors keeping tails wagging with play and enrichment, or our Lodging Techs making sure your pet is well-fed and cozy, each person plays a vital role in creating a memorable, stress-free experience for both you and your furry family member. 

Your pet’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. We’ve built our facility with industry-leading safety and wellness systems to give you peace of mind while your pet is in our care. Our guests stay comfortable year-round with climate-controlled indoor spaces and advanced air filtration systems that promote a healthy environment.

Security is just as important—our facility and outdoor play yards are fully enclosed with perimeter fencing and monitored by 24/7 security systems. What truly sets us apart is that we’re the only pet care facility in the area equipped with both a full-building sprinkler system and a backup generator, ensuring your pet's safety and comfort even in emergencies.

To top it all off, our highly trained caregivers perform daily wellness checks to monitor each guest’s health, behavior, and happiness. From nose to tail, we’re always looking out for your best friend.

Let’s face it—dogs play with their paws, nails, and mouths, and just like kids on a playground, the occasional bump, scratch, or tummy upset can happen. While these situations are rare, we know they can be concerning, which is why we have clear, compassionate protocols in place for veterinary care when it’s needed.

For non-emergency issues (like minor scratches, mild diarrhea, or a change in appetite), we’ll contact you or your designated emergency contact to discuss what we’re seeing and recommend next steps. If it’s an emergency and immediate care is needed, we’ll transport your pet to the appropriate animal clinic right away and notify you as soon as possible.

Communication is key—we’re always upfront, honest, and transparent about any incidents or health concerns. Our top priority is your pet’s well-being, and we’re here to make sure they’re cared for like one of our own.

 “Kennel cough” is the common name for a contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs, but the more accurate term is canine infectious respiratory disease complex—with Bordetella bronchiseptica being one of the most well-known culprits. It’s similar to a human cold: typically mild, but still something we take seriously.

Just like sending a child to school or daycare, anytime dogs socialize or share space—even in the cleanest, safest environments—there’s always a small risk of exposure to viruses or bacteria. While we can’t eliminate that risk entirely, we take many steps to reduce it, including strict cleaning protocols, high-quality air filtration, and monitoring all our guests closely for any signs of illness.

We also require all dogs to be current on their Bordetella vaccination, which we mandate annually. However, it’s important to know that the vaccine doesn’t protect against all strains or causes of kennel cough—just like the flu shot doesn’t cover every version of the flu.

If you have questions about your dog’s individual health or risks, we always recommend speaking with your veterinarian. We’re committed to keeping your pup healthy, happy, and safe while they’re with us.

For the safety and well-being of all our guests—both furry and human—there are certain behaviors that are not appropriate in a daycare environment. Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs, extreme fear or shyness, fence climbing, or repeated dominance-related actions will not be allowed to participate in daycare.

If any of these behaviors are observed, our staff will reach out to discuss the situation and evaluate whether daycare is the right fit for your pet. We take a proactive approach in monitoring all guests closely and will keep you informed of any concerns that arise, ensuring you’re always in the loop.

Your pet’s safety and happiness are our top priorities, and we’re committed to providing the best experience possible for every dog in our care.