Frequently Asked Questions

 What makes   Ruffin It Ranch different from other boarding facilities?

Ruffin It Ranch is independently, family-owned and   operated — we are not a franchise or corporate chain. That means your pet   receives personal, consistent care from people who genuinely love animals. We   maintain a lower pet-to-staff ratio (2:1) than large-volume kennels, giving each  dog and cat more individual attention. Many of our clients have been with us   for years because they trust that their pets are truly cared for, not just   housed.

How long has Ruffin It Ranch been in business?

Ruffin It Ranch has been serving pet families in the   Monmouth County area for over 40 years. Under new ownership for the past 5 years and fully remodeled.  We have built lasting   relationships with hundreds of local pet owners across Marlboro, Englishtown,   Manalapan, Old Bridge, Colts Neck, Tinton Falls, Middletown and surrounding towns. Our longevity reflects the   trust our community has placed in us.

Is the facility supervised overnight?

Yes. Pets boarding overnight at Ruffin It Ranch are not alone on the property at night.  Your pet's comfort and safety overnight is  something we take seriously — this is one area where a small, owner-operated   facility has a meaningful advantage over high-volume kennels.

What does a typical boarding day look like for my dog?

A typical boarding day at Ruffin It Ranch includes  scheduled feeding times (using your dog's own food if you provide it),   outdoor playtime and exercise, socialization with other compatible dogs, rest  periods, and individual attention from our staff. Overnight boarders have  comfortable sleeping accommodations in large private 4'x15' runs.  Our goal is to keep your dog happy,  active, and comfortable throughout their stay.

Can I bring my dog's own food, bed, or toys?

Yes — and we encourage it! Bringing your dog's regular   food prevents digestive upset from a sudden diet change. Familiar items like   a favorite blanket or toy can also help your dog feel more at home during  their stay. Please label everything with your pet's name. We will do our best   to accommodate any special routines or preferences you share with us.

Do you separate large and small dogs?

Yes. For the safety and comfort of all our guests, dogs   are grouped by size and temperament during play and social time. Small dogs  are not mixed with large dogs in open play unless temperament assessments   confirm they are compatible. We evaluate each dog individually to determine   the safest and most enjoyable grouping.

What happens if my dog gets sick while boarding?

If your dog shows signs of illness during their stay, we   will contact you immediately at the phone number you provide. In the event of  a medical concern that requires attention, we will contact your vet or if needed transport your pet to Four Paws Veterinarian located close almost directly next door to our facility — ideally your own vet if they are accessible. We ask all   boarding clients to provide emergency contact information and their   veterinarian's name and number at check-in.

Can I  board my dog if they are not spayed or neutered?

Yes since we offer large 4'x15' private runs we are able to board and offer individualized day care for pups that are not spayed or neutered.  For group play we evaluate intact dogs on a case-by-case basis, taking into  account temperament, age, and the needs of other guests currently in our  care. 

Do you   offer boarding for dogs with special needs or medical requirements?

We do our best to accommodate dogs with special needs,   including senior pets, dogs requiring medication, and dogs with specific  dietary or behavioral needs. Please discuss your dog's requirements with us  when you book so we can determine the best way to support them. We recommend  a meet-and-greet visit for dogs with more complex needs.

What is   dog daycare and how does it work at Ruffin It Ranch?

Dog daycare at Ruffin It Ranch is a daytime care program  where your dog comes in during the day, enjoys supervised socialization and play with other dogs or individual play, and returns home with you in the evening. Daycare is a  great option for dogs who need companionship, exercise, or mental stimulation  while their owners are at work or away during the day. Drop-off and pick-up  times follow our standard business hours.

Is dog  daycare a good option for puppies?

Daycare can be a wonderful experience for puppies who have  completed their core vaccinations. Socialization during puppyhood is critical  for healthy behavioral development, and daycare provides a structured,  supervised environment for that. We will assess your puppy's temperament   during their first visit to ensure daycare is a good fit for them at their  current age and stage.

How do I know if my dog is ready for daycare?

Dogs who enjoy daycare tend to be social, enjoy the   company of other dogs, and have a manageable energy level. If your dog is  reactive, fearful, or has a history of aggression toward other dogs, daycare is an option with individual play while group play may not be the right fit — but we encourage you to discuss your dog's  personality with us, as some dogs surprise us.  All new daycare dogs go through an introductory evaluation to help us determine the best approach.

What  vaccines does my dog need to board or attend daycare at Ruffin It Ranch?

All dogs boarding or attending daycare at Ruffin It Ranch   must be current on the following vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper/Parvo   (DHPP), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Proof of vaccination from a licensed  veterinarian is required prior to your dog's first stay. We may also  recommend the canine influenza vaccine depending on current community health   conditions. These requirements protect the health of every pet in our care.

My dog is  on medication — can you administer it?

Yes, we can administer oral medications and some topical  treatments during your dog's stay. Please bring medications in their original  labeled containers with clear dosage instructions. Let us know about any  medications at the time of booking so we can confirm we are prepared to handle your dog's specific needs.

What if my dog has never been around other dogs?

If your dog has limited experience with other dogs, we   recommend starting with a trial daycare visit or a tour before their first   full boarding stay. This gives us a chance to assess how your dog responds   and gives your pet time to adjust at their own pace. We never force dogs into  group settings — your pet's comfort comes first.

How much  does dog boarding cost at Ruffin It Ranch?

Our boarding rates vary based on your dog's length of stay. We offer competitive pricing compared to franchise boarding   facilities in Monmouth County, with the added value of personalized,   family-run care. Please contact us or visit our Pricing information on the home page for current rates. We recommend booking in advance — especially for holidays and summer   months — as availability is limited.

Do you  offer discounts for multiple dogs or long-term boarding?

We do offer pricing considerations for families boarding  multiple pets simultaneously. Please mention this when you contact us and we  will discuss the best arrangement for your situation. We want to make  regular, quality boarding as accessible as possible for local families.

How far in  advance should I book?

For standard weekday boarding and daycare, we recommend  booking at least one to two weeks in advance to ensure availability. For  holiday weekends — including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Spring Break, and summer vacations — we strongly recommend booking four to six weeks  ahead. Our capacity is intentionally limited to ensure quality care, which  means spots fill faster than at high-volume kennels.