Ruff Life
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
ATX
Professional, trustworthy and passionate about home pet care.
Free Consultation
Meet and Greet
It's important to me that you and your fur babies have a chance sit down and talk to me to make sure I am the right fit for you.
We will go over your pet's day to day routine, likes and dislikes in order to make sure they are getting the best care possible. I will bring all forms needed and a few treats as well!
I am experienced in dog behavior and I am able to take care of most dogs in their environment.
A puppy adjusting to their routine
An active adult who needs to play and get exercise
A senior who needs extra patience and love
A timid pup who needs help feeling secure and safe
A rescue adjusting to their new home
A cuddle bug who needs extra TLC
A playful pup who needs dog time
A dog that needs medication or needs their health to be monitored
I know dog language and use positive reinforcement when walking and pet sitting. I have volunteered time to rescue and have helped transport and foster pets that needed great homes. I decided to take that experience and work for myself doing what I love. I have made my home here in Austin and hope to share my love and knowledge for animals with you and your pets.
I am CPR and Pet First Aid certified.
I have pet insurance through Pet Sitter's Associates.
I have completed the Fetch Find Education program.
Dog Walking
Professional Experience
Your pups daily visit is structured to fit their needs. Whether its a potty break, a training walk, cuddle time on the couch or getting as much exercise as possible, we can create the visit that best fits you and your pet's needs. TLC always included! All Dog Walks include their walk, a fresh
bowl of water, TLC, and a text with a photo of our visit.
15 Minute Potty Break - $15.00
(Only Available Monday-Friday 10-2pm)
30 Minute Dog Walk -$25.00
60 Minute Dog Walk- $40.00
Ask about discounted Monthly Packages!
$2 for each additional pet after two.
Play Date or Pack Walk:
Need help socializing your dog? I have two awesome dogs with two very different personalities. They love to play with other dogs, or hike or just walk in general. With my knowledge of dog behavior I am comfortable finding a good play mate for your pup and taking them to play in a safe and supervised environment.
$70 for a 60 minute visit.
Price includes car ride, clean up. This service depends on your dogs personality and a complimentary meet and greet with one of my dogs.)
Hike the green belt: I will take your dog for a walk on one of Austin's many beautiful trails. We can do a solo hike or companion hike with a dog from my pack. This service will include car ride and clean up.
$100 for 2 hours.
Shorter hikes can be taken on a case by case basis.
Price includes car ride, clean up.
Companion Walk: Do you want help walking your dog? Whether you need help with positively rewarding good behavior or just need some motivation to go an extra mile I can join you and your pup and help you create some structure or just put a little more distance into your walks. I can help you find the right halter or harness, and teach you and your pup how to walk harmonious together.
$40 for a 40 minute walk.
Pet Sitting
Love and Comfort Guaranteed
Going away and want your pet to be cared for in the comfort of their own home?
1 visit for 30 minutes - $25
This will include a walk, feeding, fresh water, photos, medications, bring in mail/packages, water plants, rotate lights, cuddles and play time at no additional cost.
1 visit for 60 minutes - $40
This will include a walk, feeding, fresh water, photos, medications, bring in mail/packages, water plants, scoop litter box/yard, take in/out garbage, rotate lights, cuddles and play time at no additional cost.
2-30 minute visits a day $50
2-60 minute visits a day $75
3-30 minute visits a day $70
3-60 minute visits a day $100
4-30 minute visits a day $90
4-60 minute visits a day $125
Additional pets will be $2 each after the first two.
Packages with 6 or more visits will get a discounted rate depending on distance.
Combination Services
Let me make your day a little easier...
All these services can be provided in combination with Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Services.
Grooming:
Bath Time can be done at home or at local pet store.
Price in home is $20 and includes brushing, shampoo, massage, conditioner, collar wash, ear cleaning, towel dry and doggy deodorizer. All products are my own unless otherwise specified.
Price at store dependent on store cost.
Nail Trim Additional $10 depending on nail type.
Teeth Brushing - $10
Yard Poop Scooping. Depends on size of yard and number of dogs in home but starts as low as $10.
Pet Taxi Service - Can pick up or drop off at vet, groomer, pick up products (food, treats, RX's) or daycare. Mileage over 10 miles will have an additional charge.
Wedding or Special Event Handler. Prices available upon request.
Multiple services will receive a discounted rate.
My Story
Why I do what I do...
I have always loved animals since I was child. I grew up in rural upstate NY where I had dogs and cats. I spent most of my childhood outside playing with my Golden Retrievers in the country side, this was my happy place. I was the go to person for family and friends when they needed a caregiver for their animals and honestly it never seems like work. I enjoy spending time with other people’s pets and you can often find me at social gatherings on the floor with the fur babies of the house. I have two dogs that I rescued Duke and Loki. I spend most of my free time hiking, walking, swimming and taking car rides out to the wilderness with them. They are my heart and make every day of my life better.
I started dog walking in Alexandria, Virginia in 2013. I worked for a company called Doggywalker.com and learned a lot about leash walking and dog behavior. I fell in love with the animals I cared for working for them and knew I could do this full time. I walked for them for 3 years until I moved to Austin, Texas.
When I moved to Austin, I fell in love with the hiking trails, food and culture. Since I had dog knowledge, I started working for a local dog kennel. They helped me learn even more about dog language and behavior. I started to think about how to take my love and passion and make it a career. I volunteered at rescues to help with transport and foster pets that needed homes. After a while, I realized I needed to start my own company doing what I know, love, and take my experience to make something for myself. This is when Ruff Life Dog Walking and Pet Sitting was born.
My company is called Ruff Life Dog Walking and Pet Sitting. I chose the name with the help of my boyfriend, Daniel. I love the play on words and because I spend so much times hiking, getting sweaty and dirty with my pups the name suits me. I am jack of all trades, while my strength is in dog walking and pet sitting, I also offer help with dog behavior to better my client's lives. I love the personal relationships I build with my clients. I enjoy helping them better their quality of life with their dog.
I am CPR & Pet First Aid certified and I am insured through Pet Sitters Associates.
Pet Sitting, Austin, TX
Pet Sitting, Alexandria, VA
360 View of Austin
Pet Sitting, Austin, TX
Rachael’s love and knowledge for animals and animal behavior was clear from the first time I met her. I have a rescue who has a few issues and doesn’t always trust everyone when she meets them, so I am super paranoid about her care. Rachael won her over on their first meeting and I never had any concerns since. She is one of a kind and I believe she cares for your animals as much as you do. I highly recommend Rachael for any of your pets needs. I just wish she didn’t move from my area, we miss her so much!!
We can't recommend Rachael enough - I wish I could give her more stars! She was our dog walker when we lived in VA and were heartbroken when we moved because she can never be replaced. Our beagles loved her from the first moment she walked through our door. As a matter of fact, our beagle girl Madison gave her kisses within minutes of meeting Rachael (Maddie does not give out kisses easily). Jefferson wouldn't leave the house if a substitute dog walker had to come for the day - that is how much they loved her. She always treated our beagles like they were her own and went above & beyond for us. If she lived in our area, we'd become clients again in a heartbeat. Rachael is one of the few non-family members that we trust with our beagle babies! Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more.
Ruff Life Pet Service is exactly what every dog owner needs! It's important that our fur babies are well taken care of when we are away. Rachel is one of the most loving and caring individuals I've had the pleasure of knowing. I've witnessed her form incredible bonds within the canine community. She's not afraid to give your dog too much love. Whether she's snuggling, hiking, walking, feeding , or playing with your dog, they are in the best of hands. Her commitment to care is unmatched and she is precisely what you've been looking for!
I've got to personally work along side Rachel and I admire the experience and compassion that drives her! Not only can she get the job done even with dogs who may require special attention but she has a loving care for every single one like they were her own while she does it. Your dog will be spoiled, in a good way. I would highly recommend Ruff Life if you're looking for a tired, happy dog at the end of the day!