Loving a dog is a special relationship that brings a lifetime of joy and companionship. When families need to leave their dogs in the care of others for daycare or boarding, only the best will do. Founded by Steve Schaefer and his daughter, Meghan Schaefer, The Ruff House is committed to loving dogs as much as their families do, offering social, supervised daycare and cage-free boarding.
Since opening in December 2025 in Castle Rock, The Ruff House has grown through word of mouth and referrals. “Our goal is to become an extension of a dog’s family when they are at work or on vacation. It is an honor to take care of our client’s dog,” Steve explains.
That commitment shows in how Steve and the team at The Ruff House honor pet owners' trust and go above and beyond. “We had a 13-year-old Terrier named Jessie who was blind and had diabetes. When her owner was away, she needed to go to the vet, who recommended the emergency animal hospital. I stayed with her at the hospital until she received medication that ultimately brought her acute condition under control,” says Steve. It is this commitment that keeps dog owners coming back.
Steve and Meghan proudly share that they have never had a dog that wasn’t excited to come back to play and stay. “Dog owners tell us that their dog is dragging them into the lobby from the car,” Steve says. “Once the dog comes to us, we greet them like a child.”
Featuring boarding suites and condos for dogs of all sizes, each glass suite is airy and spacious, with no cages. Pets are welcome to bring their favorite toys, blankets, daybeds, and pillows to make them feel more comfortable. “Boarding pets have one-on-one time with staff from 6 to 7 am before going outside, and they stay outside until later at night. Dogs that play with other dogs outside and in the playrooms will not be as anxious in the suites and will sleep well,” explains Meghan. In addition to outdoor and indoor play areas, staff can also give dogs a relaxing break in the dog chill room.
At the end of every stay, staff write handwritten notes that include daily photos and favorite memories. “Every note is personalized,” says Meghan. “We’ll include their favorite playtime moment, who the dog played with, and if they made a new friend.” With today’s technology, dog owners can also watch their furry friend 24 hours a day, whether in playrooms, outside, or in their dog’s suite.
Owners are welcome to determine whether The Ruff House is the right place for them through an extensive meet-and-greet process. “Safety is important to us, so all dogs must show they can adjust safely to this environment,” explains Steve. “New dogs are on a slip lead and start by playing with a small group of dogs for 15 minutes. Staff monitors how the dog behaves with other dogs during playtime. Once the meet-and-greet process is completed, dogs are invited to stay for a free daycare trial.”
Part of doing things differently is transparency. “Dog owners are invited to tour the suites, playrooms, and outdoor space so they can see how often the facility is cleaned,” Meghan explains. Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, and daily deep cleaning with veterinary-grade products keeps The Ruff House clean.
Dog owners can add services such as the popular Kong service, which fills up a Kong toy with treats before bedtime, additional one-on-one cuddle time, and solo walks. “One of our newest services is a partnership with Misfits Dog Training, which allows us to offer on-site training.
Steve and Meghan are committed to hiring staff members who care about and love dogs. “Our staff is responsible, reliable, and loves playing with dogs,” Meghan explains. “Dogs fill our cup, and we love caring for them.”
Find out more at: https://ruffhouseco.com/
“We connect with dogs and their owners during every interaction,” says Steve. “Dogs heal people, and
they deserve devoted love.”