Frequently asked questions

Want to know what it's really like at Ruff Club? Keep calm and read on.

Questions? We have answers

What is Ruff Club?

Ruff Club™ is a dog-friendly social club. Our members and their dogs repurpose a century-old tavern space at 34 Avenue A.

Why should I join?

At Ruff Club, we offer a comprehensive dog care tailored to each individual pup. We pride ourselves on our top-notch facilities that focus on health, safety, and socialization. Whether you're seeking connections with other dog people or value the convenience of a modern, reliable pet care center, Ruff Club has you covered.

Do I have to join to use daycare?

Yes, Ruff Club services are available to members only.

What's a contemporary pet care hub?

When their member people can't hang, Ruff Club dogs socialize in off leash play areas. When members get where they're going (typically work, or some other brutally dogless endeavor), they can live stream the action in high definition on RuffClub.com and learn about the other Club dogs that are checked in.

How do I join?

Complete our membership application online. We review applications on a rolling basis. Once your application is submitted (Part 1 & 2!) we will reach out to schedule a temperament assessment. We offer appointments on weekdays at 9am, and only schedule one a day.

What does it cost?

Members pay an annual membership fee of $149 to use the social club and access pet care services. They enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, and priority admission to public events at Ruff Club. Daycare ranges from $48 to $60 a day pending your package.

We award a handful of scholarships to make sure our ranks reflect the diversity of the neighborhood. If you are a low-income applicant with a rescue, service, or retired military/fire/police dog, please contact us for more information about Ruff Foundation scholarship programs.

Do you have any size or breed restrictions?

No. We do require that adult dogs be spayed/neutered, vaccinated against rabies, bordetella, and distemper/parvo, and pass a temperament screening.

Who is behind Ruff Club? What's the inspiration?

Ruff Club grew out of it's original owners, Alexia and Danny, experience raising Leo in Alphabet City. Their research into traditional dog daycare revealed a stale consumer experience that was deeply impersonal and awesomely tech-backwards.

Why a social club?

In the natural course of raising a puppy in the East Village, the couple became interested in meeting other dog people. They weren't the types to stop strangers on the street or brave Tompkins in inclement weather. Traditional daycare offered no conduit for such conversations, let alone new relationships. Ruff Club is their attempt to change the game.

Can I join Ruff Club if I don't have a dog?

No. If you are interested in adopting or fostering a dog, please contact a Mayor's Alliance Participating Organization.

Do you offer spa services or other luxury amenities?

No. True to the East Village, Ruff Club dogs enjoy a laid-back environment where they are treated with dignity and respect but never pampered or infantilized.

What are Ruff Club's values?

Ruff Club is built on the idea that people can channel the love and humility their dogs provide into new relationships and collective community engagement. We partner with local, sustainable, and like-minded suppliers and open our social club as a meeting space for organizations that promote animal welfare and neighborhood preservation.

Are you hiring?

Yes! If you have a background in hospitality or pet care and are interested in joining our team, please apply here

How can I learn more?

If you have any questions or would like to tour our Clubhouse, please shoot us an email at team@ruffclub.com, or call or text us at (347) 829-RUFF. We look forward to meeting you and your dog.

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