Frequently asked questions at Ruffin Inn | Buffalo, MN
For major holidays (4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas) and Spring Break, we recommend booking 2–3 months in advance. For standard weekends, 1–2 weeks is usually sufficient. Our suites fill up fast!
We offer convenient windows to fit your schedule:
Weekdays: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Weekends: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Note: Our lobby is closed for “Quiet Time” from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM daily to allow our guests to rest.
Check-out time is 10:00 AM. If you pick up your pet after 10:00 AM, an extended stay fee of $34 will apply. This allows us to sanitize and prepare the suite for our next arriving guest. We are flexible with times though as long as it is within normal operating business hours.
We require a 14 day notice for standard cancellations else the deposit may be at risk of forfeiture.
To ensure the safety of all our guests, we require proof of the following at least 10 days prior to arrival:
Dogs: Rabies, Distemper (DHPP), Bordetella, and Canine Influenza.
Cats: Rabies, FVRCP, FELV
Yes. Our trained staff can administer oral or topical medications at no extra charge. Please bring all medications in their original prescription bottles with clear, written instructions.
In the event of an emergency, we will contact you immediately. If urgent care is required, we will transport your pet to your preferred Buffalo-area vet or the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital.
Absolutely. Ruffin Inn is equipped with a high-efficiency HVAC system that maintains a comfortable, consistent temperature year-round, regardless of the Minnesota weather.
Never. We provide private suites featuring premium Kuranda raised beds for sleep and meals. The rest of the day is spent in our supervised indoor/outdoor play areas for exercise and socialization.
Safety is our core value and we do everything to maximize safety while still having fun. We perform a socialization evaluation to group dogs by size, age, and energy level. This ensures every dog has a fun, stress-free experience.
We have a solution for every personality! We offer an Individual Care track where your pet receives one-on-one attention and playtime with our staff instead of group play.
Yes we do not supply food and to avoid digestive upset, we strongly recommend bringing your pet’s regular food in a prelabeled, airtight container (ziplock bags are great). If you forget, we can provide high-quality house food for a small daily fee.
Our standard boarding starts at $49/night. For families with multiple pets staying in the same suite, we offer a Multi-Pet Discount of $40/night for each additional pet.
Note: A 15% premium applies during peak holiday dates.
We love sharing the fun! We post daily photos and activity updates on our Facebook and TikTok pages so you can see your pet enjoying their vacation.
Absolutely! We believe in total transparency and invite you to see our 5-star standards firsthand. While you are welcome to stop by anytime during our standard business hours without an appointment, we recommend scheduling a time to ensure you can view the entire facility
Click here to book your tour.
Our online portal is the fastest way to book. Click “Book Now” on our homepage to create a profile and upload your records. Once your account is active, you can request stays or daycare sessions instantly from your phone or computer. We also offer the ability to call or mention the dates at the front desk and we can help set this up as well but the fastest will be submitting it directly online.
Click Here to Create a Profile and Book Now.
Click Here for additional instructions on how to Book.
Yes! We haven’t forgotten about our feline friends. We offer a dedicated, quiet cat boarding area away from the dog activity zones. Our cat condos provide a safe, peaceful environment where your cat can lounge and relax. The atrium is another great option for cats who like windows outside and wall features and to keep an eye on all the activity in the lobby area. Each guest receives individual attention, litter, and a clean, comfortable space throughout their stay.
We believe every stay should be customized to your pet’s needs. You can enhance your pet’s vacation with a variety of add-on services, including:
Grooming Services: We have a professional groomer on site Tuesday and Thursday for full grooming add-ons and we also offer nail trims and “Go-Home” baths so your pet returns home smelling fresh and looking their best all other days of the week.
Yes! We are proud to host K9 Carrie Group Classes at our facility. Whether you have a new puppy, an adult dog needing a refresher on manners, or reactivity problems, our training programs focus on building a positive relationship between you and your dog. These group classes are designed to provide practical, real-world skills in a professional and supportive environment and to work on addressing your specific challenges.