Frequently asked questions

Have general, daycare, or boarding questions? Check out our answers below

ruff club members enjoying an in-person social event

General Questions

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What is Ruff Club?

Ruff Club™ is East Village's dog daycare located on 34 Avenue A with over 3,500 Square Feet of room for pups to play. We pride ourselves on staffing our team with professionally trained, experienced dog handlers and behavioralists.

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Why should I join? What makes Ruff Club different from other dog daycares?

Ruff Club distinguishes itself in the dog daycare and boarding industry through a combination of factors:

  1. Quality Staff and Training: Ruff Club places high importance on its staff, ensuring they are professionally trained in dog behavior. This focus on staff quality and training contributes to better care for the dogs and higher staff retention rates compared to competitors.
  2. Systematic Data Science Approach: They utilize a systematic process to assess each dog individually, considering various characteristics such as size, temperament, and age. This approach helps in systematically grouping dogs with the most compatible peers, enhancing their happiness, and fostering friendships.
  3. Safety and Happiness: Ruff Club believes that a dog's safety and happiness are interconnected. This philosophy is reflected in their approach to grouping dogs and in their overall care standards.
  4. Insurance and Safety Measures: They emphasize the importance of adequate insurance and safety measures, not only within the daycare facility but also during pickup and drop-off times.

These elements combine to create a high-quality, safe, and nurturing environment for dogs, setting Ruff Club apart in the industry.

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Why do you have a membership fee?

Think of our membership fee as a maintence fee. This membership fee is vital for maintaining Ruff Club as a high-quality space for all pups that come through our doors. It's reinvested into the club to regularly update our play equipment and maintain our facilities, ensuring a top-notch and fun environment every time. Beyond the space itself, the fee supports the ongoing professional development of our staff, keeping them up-to-date with the latest in pet care to guarantee a safe and enjoyable visit.

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Do you have any size, breed, or age restrictions?

We welcome every dog, whatever their size, breed or age — our trained staff assess each pup's behaviour and temperament on an ongoing basis.

There's no age limit; the only requirement is that vaccinations are complete. Most puppies finish their core series at around sixteen weeks, so that tends to be the earliest they can join us. Tell us your pup's age and where they are with their shots and we'll confirm the earliest date and get the Meet & Greet booked.

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Which vaccinations do you require for pups?

Three, current, for every pup in the club: rabies, DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo in one shot) and bordetella. No exceptions on those — it's what keeps the group safe.

We can't take titer results in place of a vaccine. A written exemption from your vet for a specific shot is fine, though — send it over and we'll get it onto your pup's profile. One tip: bordetella often runs on a six-month cycle rather than a yearly one, so it's the one that quietly expires on people.

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What happens if I need to cancel?

Daycare — no fee, just give us a heads-up. Boarding — late cancellations and no-shows run 50% of the first night. Grooming — a $50 fee applies.

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When do my package credits expire?

Every package has an expiration date, and we'll ping you ahead of time so you can use up your days.

If it slips past you, we can offer one courtesy extension that pushes the package out by a further month. Beyond that extension, unused credits can't be used or refunded — so it's worth getting those days booked in while the extension runs.

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What's your policy on refunds?

All sales are final here at the Club, so we're unable to offer refunds — and once a package has been used, it can't be refunded either.

On the grooming side, we want every pup leaving our chair looking their best. If you'd like a small tweak, just flag it before you head home and we'll happily handle it. Once your dog leaves the store with your thumbs up, the groom is final.

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What is Ruff Club's refund policy?

All sales are final, and packages can't be refunded once they've been used.

If you think something has been charged in error, that's a different matter entirely — get in touch and we'll review the charge itself.

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Are you hiring?

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

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How do I become a member?

Complete the online membership form to share some basic information about your pup and schedule a Meet & Greet assessment. This process is designed to ensure that your dog is a good fit for the daycare environment and to determine the most suitable group for them.

Daycare Questions

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What are your daycare hours of operations?

We're open Monday to Friday from 7:15 AM to 8:00 PM, and on weekends from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There's no need to pre-schedule for daycare; you can drop off your dog at any time that suits you.


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What is a Meet & Greet play assessment and how is it conducted?

The Meet & Greet is a 60-minute off-leash play assessment. Our trained staff introduce your dog to the daycare environment gradually — starting with a single other dog and building up until they're settled with the whole pack we think suits them best.

It isn't a test your dog can fail. We're watching how they like to play so we can place them in the group where they'll be happiest and safest. It's charged as a half day; stays longer than 4.5 hours are charged as a full day of daycare.

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What is your staff to dog ratio?

At Ruff Club, the staff-to-dog ratio is typically one handler for every 10-15 dogs, a standard we take pride in. For days with higher volume, we have additional staff ready to ensure this ratio is maintained. We've also invested in state-of-the-art play area dividers to effectively manage different dog cohorts and play groups. This approach underscores our commitment to providing attentive and safe care for all dogs.

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What sort of activities are offered? What is the schedule like for dogs?

At Ruff Club, the daily schedule for dogs is carefully structured. In the morning, dogs are divided into groups based on temperament and placed in the main enclosure. Throughout the day, they are closely monitored and provided with relief walks and meals as instructed. Our schedule is aligned with academic recommendations for a fulfilling day, including playtime, enrichment activities (like puzzles and training), nap time, meal times, and relief walks, all organized within their specific cohorts for optimal care and interaction.


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Do you do pick up and drop off?

We offer pick-up and drop-off services at Ruff Club for $15 each. Pick-up services are available from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, and drop-off services from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM respectively. You are able to ask us last minute but please try your best to give us advanced notice. Additionally, you are able to ask us to feed your pup and or set them up at home in any way we can help, no extra charge.

To take advantage of our pick up and drop off, we ask that you sign a waiver, provide a spare set of keys, and let us know the instructions to enter your home.

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What if my dog is nervous? How do you help them accumulate?

For nervous dogs, Ruff Club takes a systematic and thoughtful approach. We have trained behaviorists who help ease dogs into their new environment. Familiarity with staff and other dogs plays a key role in comforting anxious dogs. We gradually acclimate each dog, often taking 1-4 sessions for them to feel comfortable. Our staff is trained by professional behaviorists to systematically introduce dogs to suitable playgroups based on size and temperament, ensuring they find a compatible and safe group to enhance their happiness.

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How do I communicate with Ruff Club while my pup is at daycare?

To keep you updated about your dog during their stay at Ruff Club, we provide daily updates through SMS and MMS instead of simply placing a live streaming on our website. This proactive approach means we can communicate with each parent 1 on 1 to update them on feedings, bathroom breaks, relief walks, and which other dogs they have made friends with. Try texting us at (914) 877-2754 to ask any questions!

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Do you offer a sibling discount for daycare?

Yes. Families with more than one pup get 10% off for two dogs and 15% off for three. It applies right across daycare, boarding, walking and pick-up and drop-off — grooming is the only service it doesn't cover.

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What is the policy for late pickups at Ruff Club?

Life happens, and a heads-up always helps. The Club closes at 8 PM on weekdays and 6 PM at weekends. Pick-ups after closing are charged $15 per quarter hour, and the total will never exceed a single night's boarding rate.

If a pick-up runs more than an hour past closing, we move your pup onto our overnight boarding care so their evening is properly looked after. Give us a call if you're running behind and we'll plan around it.

Dog Walking

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How long do I have to schedule my dog walk in advance?

We kindly request that you provide at least 24 hours' notice to allow us to plan accordingly.

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Who is Ruff Club's Dog Walking service for?

Our Dog Walking service is for all members, tailored to the need of each pup. Our Dog Walking is ideal for dogs who may not be comfortable around others, those in potty training or those managing reactivity to city hustle. It's also perfect for dogs needing special care during illness outbreaks, including young puppies, elderly dogs, or those with chronic conditions who need a slower, more attentive approach.

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How do you ensure the safety of the dogs during walks?

Safety is our priority. We follow strict safety protocols, including leash safety, avoiding crowded areas, and staying away from dog parks. Additionally, since we do walks 1 on 1, we are able to be fully attentive to a dog's behavior and environment.

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What is the cancellation policy for dog walking?

There's no charge for cancelling with more than 24 hours' notice. Inside 24 hours there's a $25 cancellation fee — though we waive it in serious weather. We're not going to charge you for a storm.

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How does Dog Walking work? Do you come to my home?

Yes, we come pick up your pup at the reserved time at your home and drop them back off after the hour. We do require you to fill out our Pick Up Drop Off Service Agreement and provide us with keys/door code to make the service as seamless as possible.

Boarding Questions

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How far in advance should I book overnight boarding?

Whenever suits you — including the same day. The sooner we know, the better we can hold a space and get everything ready for your pup's stay.

If your dog hasn't been to the Club before, we'll set up a Meet & Greet first so our team can meet them and find the right group. We can often run that the same day, and your pup can stay on from there. Where a boarding stay is booked for the same day as the Meet & Greet, we take payment for the full stay at the time of booking to secure the space.

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When is check-in and check-out for overnight boarding?

Check your pup in no later than 2pm for a free afternoon of daycare to ensure they have ample time to tire out and familiarize themselves with the facility.

Check-out for overnight boarding is 11am the next day. If you pick up your pup past 11am, we will add a half day of daycare to your invoice.

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What is your overnight boarding cancellation policy?

More than 24 hours out, cancel free — no questions asked. Inside that last day, or if your pup doesn't turn up, we charge half of the first night. And if it's really a change of dates rather than a cancellation, just say so and we'll move the booking across instead.

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How Are All the Animals Housed?

During daytime activities, they are mingling with their friends in our play area to assure ample of time exercise and mental stimulation.

During bedtime, all dogs are provided with their own private sleeping quarter to ensure their safety and comfort. Each sleeping arrangement is meticulously cleaned and sanitized daily to maintain a healthy environment.

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Will My Pet Share Spaces with Other Dogs?

Dogs will share play areas during supervised playtimes. However, they will be housed individually during bedtime for their own safety and appropriate amount of rest.

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Is the Facility Loud or Are There Other Potential Sources of Anxiety?

We run a club, not a warehouse, and the space is set up to stay quiet. Pups are matched into groups by size and how they like to play, so your dog spends the day with the same familiar faces rather than a rotating crowd, and our team handles everyone force-free and watches body language all day.

Some pups need a bit more than that, and we plan for it. A quiet nap somewhere away from the action, a stretch of one-on-one play with a counsellor, or a walk outside to shake the day off — those three do most of the work. Nerves usually fade over the first handful of visits; what settles a worried pup is turning up to the same routine and the same people. Let us know what helps yours and we'll shape the day to suit.

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How is Animal Waste Managed?

Waste is promptly cleaned up and properly disposed of to maintain a sanitary environment. Our cleaning protocols are designed to minimize odors and prevent the spread of disease.

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What Kind of Food Will Be Provided for My Dog?

We recommend that you bring your dog’s regular food to maintain consistency in their diet and provide your dog's specific eating instructions, including the time of day and number of meals. However, we do have high-quality dog food available if needed.

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What are the sleeping arrangements for my pup?

During bedtime, pups will be provided with their own private sleeping quarters. If a dog has special requirements, based on a case-by-case basis, specific sleeping arrangements will be implemented. If you have any questions or accommodation needs, call us at 914-877-2754.

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Back in town early? Can I pick up before check-out?

Absolutely — just let the Club know and we'll move up your check-out date and square away your reservation.

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Do you offer a sibling discount for boarding?

Yes. Bring two dogs and you'll get 10% off, three and it's 15%. The discount runs across boarding, daycare, walking and pick-up and drop-off. Grooming is excluded.

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Why is it important to bring your pup to daycare the night of boarding?

We want to ensure we meet your pup's requirements for physical exercise and mental stimulation before bedtime

Grooming Questions

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How is Full Grooming different from a Bath & Brush-Out?

A Full Grooming service is an all-inclusive package for a complete makeover, including:

  • Haircut and styling
  • Bath
  • Brush-out
  • Nail clipping
  • Ear cleaning
  • Sanitary trim
  • Gland expression
  • Teeth cleaning (if you provide a toothbrush)

A Bath & Brush-Out service offers essential grooming and coat care, which includes:

  • Bath
  • Brush-out
  • Nail clipping
  • Ear cleaning
  • Sanitary trim
  • Gland expression
  • Teeth cleaning (if you provide a toothbrush)

The key difference is that Full Grooming includes a haircut and styling, while the Bath & Brush-Out focuses on maintaining cleanliness and coat health without a haircut.

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Can I show my groomer a reference picture for my pup's haircut?

Absolutely! We encourage you to bring reference pictures to help our groomers understand the style you want for your pup. Plus, after each grooming appointment, we take pictures of your pup's fresh look, so you can easily reference them for future visits.

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If I request to remove part of the bath or haircut service, will the rate decrease?

No, the rate will remain the same even if you choose to skip a specific service. However, if you provide your own shampoo, we’ll waive the $8.50 shampoo fee.

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How long does a bath or haircut appointment usually take?

Grooming appointments typically last between 1 to 4 hours. The exact duration depends on several factors, including:

  • Your dog’s size
  • Hair type, length, and condition
  • The style of the cut you’ve requested
  • Any add-on services selected

When you schedule your appointment, our team will provide an estimated grooming time for your pup.

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How long can my dog stay after their grooming appointment if I can't pick them up right away?

If you can't collect your dog straight away there are two options. They can wait in a crate in the grooming room — we'd suggest no more than an hour or two for their comfort. Or, if they've already been through their Meet & Greet, they can join daycare for the rest of the day, charged as a half or full day depending on how long they're with us.

Just let us know which you'd prefer when you book.

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Are meet-and-greet assessments required for grooming appointments?

Yes, a meet-and-greet assessment is required to use our daycare and boarding services. However, this assessment is not necessary for dog walking or grooming services.

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How often should I bring my dog in for grooming?

The ideal grooming frequency depends on your dog's breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Long-coated breeds: Every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting and maintain their coat.
  • Short-haired breeds: Every 8–12 weeks for cleanliness and overall care.

Our groomers can help you determine the best grooming schedule to maintain your dog’s health and desired appearance. Establishing a regular grooming routine ensures your pup stays clean, healthy, and looking their best!

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Can I request a specific groomer?

Yes, you can absolutely request a specific groomer for your dog! To secure an appointment with your preferred groomer, we recommend checking their availability and booking your next session in advance. This helps maintain consistency and ensures your dog feels comfortable with a familiar groomer.

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Can you groom dogs with special needs?

Yes, we can accommodate dogs with special needs. Please let our front desk know about your dog's specific requirements when booking the appointment. This allows us to assign the most suitable groomer who can provide the care and attention your dog needs for a comfortable grooming experience.

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What is the grooming cancellation fee?

we understand that plans can change; however, appointments canceled/no showed within 24 hours of the scheduled time will incur a $50 cancellation fee. This policy helps us accommodate other clients and ensures our groomers’ time is respected. Thank you for your understanding!

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How Does Your Grooming Price Match Guarantee Work?

We offer a Price Match Guarantee within a 10-block radius of our location. If you find a lower price for an equivalent grooming service at a competitor within this area, we will match it.

To qualify, you must provide a receipt from the last calendar year that clearly shows the grooming service and price paid. The competitor’s service must be comparable in scope and quality to be eligible for the price match.

This guarantee ensures you always receive competitive pricing while enjoying the quality and care of our grooming services!

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