FAQs

Quick answers about Ruffin Inn.

If you don't find what you're looking for, call (763) 682-4247 or text (763) 415-7815 and a real person will get back to you fast.

Boarding

How much does dog boarding cost near Buffalo, MN?

Boarding starts at $49 per night for the first dog as one inclusive rate — a full day of supervised group play, feedings, routine medications, and frequent photo updates are all included. See our rates page for current pricing on private suites and additional dogs.

Is Ruffin Inn a luxury boarding facility?

Yes. Every boarding dog has their own private suite with solid sheetrock or glass walls — no chain-link cages or jail-like runs anywhere on the property. Dogs play in open group yards during the day and rest on a raised cot at night.

What vaccinations do you require for boarding?

We require current Rabies, DHPP (distemper combo), and Bordetella for all boarding dogs. Bordetella must be administered at least 7 days before the first stay. We can help you coordinate with your vet.

Can I tour Ruffin Inn before I book?

Yes. We have an open-door tour policy. Walk in during business hours or book a scheduled tour, and a team member will walk you through the suites, play yards, and grooming area.

Do you take dogs that have not been to boarding before?

Absolutely. First stays are common and we recommend a half-day daycare visit first so your dog can get familiar with the facility and staff. Many of our boarding families start that way.

What if my dog needs medication during their stay?

We administer oral and topical medications on schedule at no extra cost. Bring meds in the original prescription container along with written instructions when you check in.

What if my pickup time changes or I need to pick up early?

We're flexible and can adjust as needed. If you're picking up the same day at a slightly different time, just come by while we're open — anytime outside our noon–2pm nap break — and there's no need to call ahead. If you need to extend or shorten the stay significantly, let us know so we can update room occupancy. A quick message on our chat is the easiest way, and we'll typically have it updated within the day.

Can I see my dog while they are boarded?

We post photos frequently on our Facebook page. You're also welcome to call (763) 682-4247 or text (763) 415-7815 for an update any time during business hours.

What is your service area?

We board dogs for families across Wright County and the surrounding 50-mile radius, including Monticello, Elk River, St. Michael, Albertville, Delano, Rogers, Maple Lake, Big Lake, and Andover.

Daycare

How much does dog daycare cost?

Half-day daycare starts at $20 and full-day at $30. Multi-day packages are available for regular daycare families. See our rates page for current pricing.

What hours is daycare?

Drop-off is 6:30am-noon and 2pm-6pm Monday through Friday, 7am-noon and 2pm-6pm on weekends. Quiet nap-time from noon to 2pm has no drop-off or pickup.

Do I need to book daycare in advance?

Yes. Daycare requires advance booking. New daycare dogs need a quick orientation visit first so our staff can match them into the right play group.

What vaccinations are required for daycare?

Rabies, DHPP (distemper combo), and Bordetella are required for all daycare dogs, with Bordetella administered at least 7 days before the first visit.

Will my dog be in groups all day?

Most of the day, yes. We build in a midday nap break for every dog, plus shorter rest periods so puppies and seniors get the breaks they need.

Can older or shy dogs come to daycare?

Often, yes. We assess every dog individually. Some dogs do better with smaller, calmer play groups, which we can usually accommodate.

Do you offer half-day daycare?

Yes. Half-day daycare is a popular option for working families who want their dog to burn some energy without a full day of play.

What if my dog gets tired during the day?

Each dog has access to a quiet rest space and our staff watches for fatigue and rotates dogs into breaks as needed.

What if my pickup or drop-off time changes?

We're flexible. If your time shifts a little on the same day, just come by while we're open — anytime outside the noon–2pm nap break — and there's no need to call ahead. If your plans change more significantly, send us a quick message on our chat so we can adjust, and we'll typically have it updated within the day.

Grooming

How much does dog grooming cost?

Pricing depends on breed, coat condition, and the services included. A full groom for a medium-coat breed typically runs $60-$85. We can quote your dog accurately during a consultation.

When are grooming appointments available?

Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments fill quickly, so we recommend booking 2-3 weeks ahead.

Do you require vaccinations for grooming?

Yes. Same requirements as boarding and daycare: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella, with Bordetella administered at least 7 days before the appointment.

Can my dog get groomed during their boarding stay?

Absolutely. We often add a Tuesday or Thursday grooming appointment to a boarding stay so dogs go home looking and smelling great.

Who is your groomer?

Marilyn handles all grooming appointments. She has years of breed-specific experience and works in a quiet area separate from the boarding and daycare spaces.

Do you do nail trims only?

Yes. Nail trims are available as a standalone service or as part of a full groom or splash-and-dash.

Can you handle anxious or senior dogs?

Yes. Marilyn moves at the pace each dog needs, and the quiet grooming space helps keep stress low for anxious or senior dogs.

Do you groom cats?

Cat grooming is available for some coat types. Call us to discuss your cat's needs before booking.

Training

How much do training classes cost?

Our 5-week training course is $200 total, which covers all five sessions and a class workbook.

When do classes meet?

Sunday or Monday evenings at 6:15pm. Each course runs five consecutive weeks.

How old does my dog need to be for training?

Puppies can start as early as 12 weeks (with at least one round of vaccinations). Adult dogs of any age are welcome.

What does the course cover?

Sit, down, stay, come (recall), polite leash walking, place training, and impulse control basics. We also work through common issues like jumping and counter-surfing.

Do you offer private training?

Our group classes are the core of what we do — the group format gives dogs valuable socialization while they learn, which carries over into daycare and boarding. If you'd prefer one-on-one work, private training can be discussed directly with the trainer; ask us and we'll connect you.

What vaccinations are required for training?

Same as our other services: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella, with Bordetella at least 7 days before the first class.

Can I bring my reactive dog?

Mildly reactive dogs are often welcome with a quick pre-class conversation. Severely reactive dogs may be better suited for private work with a behaviorist first.

Do I need to bring anything to class?

Bring a flat collar or harness, a 6-foot leash (not retractable), and a pouch of high-value training treats. We supply mats, cones, and other gear.

Cat boarding

How much does cat boarding cost?

Cat boarding starts at $28 per night for the first cat. Multiple cats from the same household can share a suite at a discounted rate.

What vaccinations do you require for cat boarding?

We require current Rabies and FVRCP for all boarding cats. Outdoor cats also need to be free of fleas before drop-off.

Will my cat be around dogs?

No. Our cat boarding suites are in a separate area with no dog access. We keep things quiet for cats.

Can I bring my cat's food?

Yes, and we recommend it. Cats can be picky and a sudden food change during boarding can cause stomach upset. Bring the food they normally eat.

Do you administer cat medications?

Yes. Oral and topical medications are included at no extra cost. Bring meds in the original prescription container.

How long can cats stay?

We board cats for any length from a single night to multi-week stays. Longer stays often include extra wellness checks.

Do you take elderly or special-needs cats?

Often yes. Call us to talk through your cat's needs and we'll let you know if we're a good fit.

What if my pickup time changes or I need to pick up early?

We're flexible and can adjust as needed. For a same-day change of an hour or two, just come by while we're open — anytime outside our noon–2pm nap break — no call required. If you need to extend or shorten the stay significantly, let us know so we can plan suite occupancy. A quick message on our chat is easiest, and we'll typically have it updated within the day.

Can I tour the cat area?

Yes. Same open-door tour policy as the rest of the facility. Walk in during business hours.