Lobby Hours: M-F 7:30am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm
After 9 years, Ruby & Jack's is CLOSING end of January 2022. See details
FAQ
1. Why is Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack the right place for my dog?
We know you wouldn’t trust just anyone with your dog, which is why we’re committed to exceeding your expectations. We’re dedicated to providing nothing short of first-rate care for your best friend. Our team of animal lovers brings many years of pet care experience and know-how to each specially-created service we offer, from the design of our facilities to the training of our staff. We set out to make Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack a special place for New York’s pets to play and stay. The Ruby & Jack’s team works hard to ensure that the Doggy Shack is a fun, safe and welcoming environment, giving your dogs the love and attention they need when you can’t be there. Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack provides the socialization and exercise that your dog craves in a loving and safe environment. Dogs are social beings and thrive on interaction with people and other dogs. We also find that dogs are happier and better adjusted when they are well exercised.
2. Why does my dog need vaccinations to be eligible for Play Care and Slumber Care?
Dogs, like people, are prone to contagious illnesses. Vaccinations can minimize, or, in some cases, eliminate the possibility of transmission of these illnesses and protect your dog as well as the other dogs in our care. In addition, since Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack is regulated by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, we are required, as are all dog care facilities in New York City, to keep a paper copy of your dog’s current vaccinations on file.
3. Okay. Which vaccinations are required in order for my pet to play or stay at Ruby & Jack’s?
Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack requires the DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus) Vaccination, Rabies Vaccination and Bordetella Vaccination (which is required to be given every six months) for all dogs coming into the Shack and for dogs that use our Social Walks.
For boarding or grooming cats, we require that they receive the Rabies Vaccination and \ and have a negative FIV test.
You can email your pet’s vaccination records to us at [email protected], fax them to 212-759-3155, or bring a copy with you when you come to register your pet.
4. Does my dog have to be altered to use Play Care and Slumber Care at Ruby & Jack’s?
Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack requires that all dogs that use Play Care and Slumber Care be spayed or neutered by 7 months of age. Puppies may be unaltered and use Play Care and Slumber Care until 7 months of age if they have been properly vaccinated; however, after 7 months they must be altered and properly vaccinated to be eligible to continue using these services.
5. When can my new puppy begin using Play Care?
Puppies are welcome to use Play Care and Slumber Care as soon as they are fully inoculated, usually at around 4 months of age (varies by veterinarian.) It’s important for all puppy parents to know that puppies do not have the same stamina, immune systems or social skills as adult dogs and are more prone to communicable illnesses, much like young children. That’s why we offer and recommend Puppy Sitting in your home, so you can have the peace of mind knowing your precious new addition is cared for during the day.
6. How can I tell if my dog will fit in at Ruby & Jack’s? What type of temperament evaluation do you do to ensure he or she will get along with the other dogs?
If your dog is social with other dogs and is able to play safely at a dog run, he or she will likely do well at Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack. While we don’t conduct a formal “temperament test,” we are constantly evaluating dogs during their stay with us. Some dogs, especially those unfamiliar with daycare, may be nervous and a bit fearful at first, but this does not preclude them from being able to use Play Care or Slumber Care. It may take some time before they are fully comfortable and able to enjoy themselves, and it is important to us to give them that time to acclimate. Aggressive behavior is a concern for us, as we know it is for Pet Parents as well. Dogs that demonstrate aggressive behavior may not use our Play Care and Slumber Care services. You can rest assured that your dog is in a safe, fun environment at Ruby & Jack’s, surrounded by other well-behaved dogs and supervised by trained caretakers who have your pup’s best interests at heart. Ruby & Jack’s communicates regularly with all of our Pet Parents, so you’ll always know how your dog is doing.
7. If my dog is not friendly with other dogs, are there any services available to me at Ruby & Jack’s?
Absolutely! While Play Care and Slumber Care may not be suitable for all dogs, Ruby & Jack’s Dog Walking, at home pet sitting and Dog Training services are available to meet your dog’s needs.
8. Does Ruby & Jack’s require my pet to have a membership to use services?
No, Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack does not charge a membership fee in order to use our services. We do offer special discounts and packages on many of our services for clients who regularly use Ruby & Jack’s. Check out our price list here or give us a call.
9. Does Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack offer a discount for multiple pet households?
We sure do! Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack offers a 50% discount on additional pets, with no limit on the number of siblings! When you pay full price for the first pet, you will receive 50% off for each additional pet. (This does not include Grooming or Dog Training.)
10. My dog is a bit overweight. Can Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack help?
Yes! One of the priorities at Ruby & Jack’s is proper exercise for dogs, which along with diet can help your dog shed those extra pounds. Play Care and Dog Walking are excellent choices for helping dogs lose weight. We will also be happy to direct you to our low calorie food options.
11. Why do dogs at Ruby & Jack’s sleep in their own private sleeping quarters?
After a busy day of romping and playing with their friends, dogs need a restful night’s sleep. Sleep is just as critical to a dog’s health and well-being as proper nutrition and exercise. Some dogs are not able to “turn off” play mode at bedtime when sleeping communally and will then keep other dogs awake at night. We do, however, allow siblings to sleep communally upon request.
12. I’m nervous about leaving my dog overnight. He’s used to lots of love and attention, and I don’t want him to be scared.
At Ruby & Jack’s, our experienced overnight Slumber Care Counselors make regular rounds throughout the night to check on all of our guests. Your pup won’t be left unattended, and we promise he’ll receive plenty of love and attention.
13. Do you allow all breeds of dogs at Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack for Play Care and Slumber Care?
Yes. We do not discriminate based on breed. All dogs that are friendly towards people and other dogs and are able to play are eligible for Play Care and Slumber Care.
14. I would like to board my cat with Ruby & Jack’s but am concerned about him or her spending all that time in a kitty condo.
Ruby & Jack’s staff takes all cats in our care out of their condos both during the day and at night to play individually within our Cattery, so your kitty won’t be confined all the time.
15. Getting to and from Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack to drop off and pick up my pet is a bit of a hassle. Can you help?
Happily! For your convenience, we are happy to pick up and drop off your pet to and from Ruby & Jack’s Doggy Shack within our service area (East 79th to East 42ndStreets, from 5th Avenue to the FDR Drive). Just leave keys with us or with your doorman, along with authorization to enter your apartment, and we’ll be there within our two-hour pick-up/drop-off window. Our chaperones follow rigorous safety procedures whether on foot or behind the wheel, and they are all pre-screened, trained and bonded animal lovers.
