RuffCity Dog Walking is a full-service private dog-walking company providing individualized and loving care to all dogs and cats in Manhattan located in the Lower East Side, East Village, West/Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Gramercy, Kips Bay, Peter Cooper Village & Stuyvesant Town, Midtown East, Upper East Side and the Upper West Side.

What We Do

Founded in 2010, we started RuffCity for the benefit of NYC dogs and their owners after seeing a big need for private dog walking services. Our goal is to make sure the pups are exercised and happy based on their individual needs, their owners are comforted, and that we are getting our own puppy fixes. But let’s be honest- it’s their world, we’re just living in it!

As a team of experienced dog owners and lovers, we really get to know you and your dog through our one-on-one private walks and we can guarantee consistent and personal care that is equal to your love and attention.

We are so excited to make you a part of the RuffCity family!

About RuffCity

A note from Heather & Stacia:

I moved to NYC with my black lab rescue, Blakely, in 2007 after graduating from the University of Maryland. Immediately, I realized what a dog-crazy place it was. It kind of amazed me actually, how a place so full of buildings and so lacking in grass could be home to so many furry friends. But I soon realized that man’s best friend is happy anywhere their Masters are located; as long as they have plenty of attention and resources to keep them that way. And this Big Apple has plenty of pup-friendly resources! Walking services, daycare, spas, swimming lessons (who knew the doggie paddle doesn’t cut it?), playgroups, endless pet stores and most importantly, a lot of people who absolutely love them. We knew right away that we wanted to work with the animals that we loved and that had given us so much love since we were little girls…

How it Works

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Tell Us About Your Dog

Fill out our new client contact form so that we can learn all about your pup and match them with the perfect RuffCity pal.
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Meet & Greet

We’ll schedule a time to stop by to meet you and your pup and learn all about their routine.
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Happy Dog, Happy Life!

Your pup will love their private walking adventures tailored to their needs, and you’ll love the post-walk ‘pupdate’ that you’ll receive after every walk.

How it Works

null

Tell Us About Your Dog

Fill out our new client contact form so that we can learn all about your pup and match them with the perfect RuffCity pal.
null

Meet & Greet

We’ll schedule a time to stop by to meet you and your pup and learn all about their routine.
null

Happy Dog, Happy Life!

Your pup will love their private walking adventures tailored to their needs, and you’ll love the post-walk ‘pupdate’ that you’ll receive after every walk.

Meet RuffCity's Founders

Our awesome team is made up of life-long animal lovers and owners who are truly dedicated to the well-being of the pups entrusted to their care. Every member of our team is an official RuffCity employee and enjoys the benefits that come with it! We do not use independent contractors.

Hi, I’m Heather! Originally from Baltimore, MD I was surrounded by all imaginable animals growing up- dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, frogs, fish- and I always loved all of them like family (yes, even the fish). When I went off to college at the University of Maryland, there was a serious void in my life…

HEATHER

Downtown Founder
Heather (Co-Founder)
Heather (Co-Founder)

Hi, I’m Heather! Originally from Baltimore, MD I was surrounded by all imaginable animals growing up- dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, frogs, fish- and I always loved all of them like family (yes, even the fish). When I went off to college at the University of Maryland, there was a serious void in my life…

HEATHER

Uptown Founder
Stacia-1

Greetings!  My name is Stacia (pronounced Stay-sha) and I grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and have been surrounded by dogs and horses my entire life. When I was elementary school aged, I took great pride in befriending all of the “unfriendly” dogs in the neighborhood so that I was able to pet them through their fences, showing off to all of my friends on our walk home from school…

STACIA

Uptown Founder
Stacia-1

Greetings!  My name is Stacia (pronounced Stay-sha) and I grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and have been surrounded by dogs and horses my entire life. When I was elementary school aged, I took great pride in befriending all of the “unfriendly” dogs in the neighborhood so that I was able to pet them through their fences, showing off to all of my friends on our walk home from school…

STACIA

Uptown Founder

Meet RuffCity's Managers

abbysq

My name is Abby Bradley and I am a dog lover originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan (yes, there really is a Kalamazoo)! I have been living here in NYC since the beginning of 2014. Before then, I was in the city on and off for a few years visiting my boyfriend while I finished my degree back home…

Abby

Uptown Manager
Lisa-2000x2000

Hi there, my name is Lisa and I’m a 26-year-old New York native! I grew up on the eastern end of Long Island, went to school on Staten Island, and now I live in sunny, beautiful Brooklyn. When I’m not hanging out with dogs, I’m making music and producing my Dungeons and Dragons podcast…

Lisa

Downtown Manager

Meet RuffCity's Team

RuffCity’s team members are handpicked for their warm, caring, intelligent and fun personalities and come with references upon request. Each of the fantastic walkers below has been fully-trained and awaits building the perfect, long-term bond with you and your pup!

 

Learn more about each member of our team by clicking on their bio photo below!

Want to join our awesome team of animal lovers?

Read our Latest Rufferences!

Pawsome Photos

Services & Rates

We strive to keep both you and your pup as happy and comfortable as possible while you’re out earning those big bucks. We don’t believe in pack walks, and instead offer private individual walks to maximize the exercise, fresh air, and dog-to-walker bonding each day.

Your dog is your best friend, so their midday break should be their time, and with RuffCity, it is! Our private dog walks are dedicated solely to your pup, meaning we don’t spend time collecting other pups during your reserved time. They also allow us to customize your services based on your dog’s specific personality.

  • Have a wallflower? We’ll spend time on the quiet streets and in parks if your location allows.
  • Have a social butterfly? We are always happy to say hello to neighborhood furiends and we also offer dog park visits with your permission.
  • Welcoming a new puppy into your home? We’re here to help make the transition as easy as possible and be a part of their development.

 

Don’t let your pup get stuck in the hustle and bustle of pack and group walks when they can receive individualized love and attention instead!

 

The highlight of your day?
Will most definitely be the detailed and personal ‘pupdate’ your walker will send to you via email after your pup’s daily adventure.

Private Walk Rates

Full-Time Services (4+ days per week) Monday – Friday / 9am to 6pm

15 minutes: $19
30 minutes: $24
45 minutes: $29
1 hour: $34

Flex-Scheduling Services (3 or less days per week) Monday – Friday / 9am to 6pm

Not back to the office full-time? While a schedule of at least 4 days a week gives you and your pup the most consistent care with guaranteed time slots and a dedicated walker, we understand that it’s a new world. So, we are pleased to offer our same great service for pups that currently only need our love part-time. Please note that flex-services during our peak hours of Monday – Friday, 11am – 4pm, require a two-hour window for arrival.

15 minutes: $22
30 minutes: $28

Looking for longer FLEX walks? Please contact us directly for pricing on 45 and 60 minute options *based on availability*

Please add $5 to the above rates for each of the following:

  • Walks starting before 9am or at or after 6pm

Please add $7 to the above rates for each of the following:

  • Each additional dog in the household (we love sibling pups!)

Please add $10 to the above rates for the following:

  • Walks on Saturdays & Sundays (The above fees also apply for services needed before 9am and after 6pm on weekends)
  • Walks on major holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day)

*All services are subject to NYS Sales Tax (8.875%)*
*Payment accepted in form of all debit and credit cards and ACH*

 

Fostering? Thank you for helping save a life! Please contact us for our special rescue rates.

Sleepovers

We all need a little escape from the city sometimes, and we know that your fur-kids can’t always come with you. Forget the doggy hotel. Let your pup stay in the comfort of their own home by the side of a familiar face from RuffCity!

Please contact us directly for overnight pricing as overnight fees vary with your specific needs. Due to limited availability, we are only able to offer sleepovers to regular walking clients.

  • Overnights canceled with less than 72 hours notice are subject to a $25 late cancel fee per night for duration of stay.
  • Overnights canceled with less than 24 hours notice are billed full price for first night of stay and are subject to a $25 late cancel fee per night for remaining duration of stay after the first night.

Cancellations & Last Minute Requests

  • Cancellations made after 7pm the day before will be charged a fee of $12 per canceled service for Full-Time services, and $15 per canceled service for Flex-Scheduling services
  • Cancellations made after 10am for same day services, and cancellations made within two hours of a service’s start will be charged at the full rate.
  • Weekday walks requested after 7pm the day before will have an additional $5 added to the rate.
  • All weekend walks requested after 5pm on Friday will have an additional $10 added to standard weekend rates (we pride ourselves on our flexibility and can almost always accommodate last minute requests, but appreciate as much advanced notice as possible for all services.)
  • Any scheduled walks for Fridays after 6pm, Saturdays, Sundays or the above listed major holidays that are canceled after 3pm on the prior Friday will be charged at the full rate.

RuffKitty

We’re not just all about the dogs! We love your cats too! We offer 15 & 30 minute cat-sitting in your home that includes feeding, litter-box cleaning, and playtime (if your cat is into that sort of thing!).

15 minutes: $19

30 minutes: $24

Please add $10 to the above rates for the following:

  • Visits on Saturdays & Sundays
  • Visits on major holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day)

*All services are subject to NYS Sales Tax (8.875%)*
*Payment accepted in form of all debit and credit cards and ACH*

Ready for your pup to meet their new best friend?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs do you walk at one time?

We don’t believe in large pack walks so instead offer private, individual walks to maximize the exercise, fresh air, and dog-to-walker bonding each day.

Your dog is your best friend, so their midday break should be their time, and with RuffCity, it is! Our private dog walks are dedicated solely to your pup, meaning we don’t spend time collecting other pups during your reserved time. They also allow us to customize your services based on your dog’s specific personality.

  • Have a wallflower? We’ll spend time on the quiet streets and in parks if your location allows.
  • Have a social butterfly? We are always happy to say hello to neighborhood furiends and we also offer dog park visits with your permission.
  • Welcoming a new puppy into your home? We’re here to help make the transition as easy as possible and contribute to their development.

Don’t let your pup get stuck in the hustle and bustle of pack and group walks when they can receive individualized love and attention instead!

Should we expect the same walker every day?

Yes! We believe consistency is of the utmost importance in ensuring your dog gets the most out of their walks. For all full-time clients (4 or more days per Monday–Friday week) we assign each pup to one main walking buddy that sees them everyday pending any planned vacation days or unexpected sick days (in those cases, we will always set your pup up with another buddy so they will never be without their walk). For flex-schedule clients (3 or less days per Monday-Friday week), we will do our absolute best to ensure as much consistency as possible but we appreciate your welcoming a few familiar faces for your pup based on availability

What happens when my walker needs a sick day?

We take great pride in our pup and client relationships and understand the importance of consistency, so we will always do everything in our power to make sure that your pup has a familiar face for their RuffCity date. Additionally, you will ALWAYS be notified if someone other than your primary walker is coming.

In instances where we have the ability to plan for your walker’s absence, you will be given proper advanced notice of the change. For instances of last minute sick notice, it will be a priority to notify you as soon as possible. In both instances, we will do our best to send someone that your pup has met before, schedules allowing, or we are happy to send a new face or cancel services without penalty if preferred, if a familiar face is not available.

Will we be able to meet our walker before we start walks?

Of course! Once we have finalized a schedule, and before the first walk, we will set up a time for your pup’s new pal to come by in person to get familiar with their environment and routine, collect keys (if necessary), etc.

What happens if I have to cancel a walk?

New Yorkers live crazy lives. Schedules change which means your pup’s needs change as well. We pride ourselves on our flexibility and only charge a $10 late cancel fee for any cancellations past 7pm for next day services. However, we do charge full price for services canceled past 10am for same day services, or any service canceled within two hours of the service’s start time, as well as any weekend walk that is canceled past 10am of the preceding Friday

Are you insured? What does that mean?

Each of our walkers is fully insured and bonded by The Business Insurers of the Carolinas through Pet Sitters International . Please visit the site for more info on what our policy covers.

Do you take dogs to the dog park?

Some dogs live for the dog park! Others do better on long strolls around their neighborhood. Together we can decide what is best for your pup’s daily routine. While we do offer trips to the dog park, please note that our insurance applies a $100 deductible for each incident resulting at a dog park where dogs are voluntarily unleashed, and a signed waiver is required prior to any romps in public NYC dog parks. If you agree to allow us to take your pooch to a dog park, you will be responsible for this deductible should something occur.

Will my dog be walked at the same time everyday?

While we do our absolute best to arrive at your pup’s specific, assigned walk times, NYC sometimes loves to throw unexpected curveballs, so we do kindly request a one-hour window for arrival time for full-time services and a two-hour window for arrival time for flex scheduling.

Is there a fee for same day walk requests?

Back to our flexibility pride! We can almost always accommodate last minute walk requests. Please add $5 to our regular rates for walks requested after 7pm the day before for weekday services, and $10 to our regular rates for weekend walks requested after 5pm on Fridays.

Are your team members employees or independent contractors?

Our awesome team is made up of life-long animal lovers and owners who are truly dedicated to the well being of the pups! Each is an official RuffCity employee and enjoy the benefits that come with it! We do not use independent contractors.

Every employee of RuffCity is subject to a criminal background check and has references checked before they are hired. They then complete a supervised training period to ensure they are familiar with all safety and company procedures, and to make certain that they meet the requirements of RuffCity’s overall high standard of care.

Is your dog's behavior a little ruff?

Check out our helpful resources!