Pet boarding service · Norfolk, VA · reviewed since 2011
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%76+41.5Reliability 24%71+17.2Value 14%92+13Replies to reviews 7%45+3.2Craft & service penalty88−1.2Momentum penalty96−0.4Experts Score= 73Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.73SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#53 of 74 pet boarding facilitiesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 29%
4.7★★★★★674 Google reviews · 24 photos
87%five-star reviews
4.70★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate The Ruff House Stay & Play highly, praising its clean facilities, reasonable pricing, and staff who provide daily photo updates for dogs and cats. Customers frequently highlight the facility's indoor and outdoor access and its ability to handle anxious pets, though some low-star reviews cite a lack of flexibility for specific behavioral needs and inconsistent communication regarding pet health or activity levels.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 674 reviews (87% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 674 Google reviews (499 with written comments, 65 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 59% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 23, 2026.
Service: Pet Boarding Facility serving Norfolk, Virginia.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet boarding facilities
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and value; weakest: replies to reviews.
This companyPet Boarding Facilities median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside: 76/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.B
76
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside: 71/100 on this factor. Category median: 79.B
71
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
88
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
92
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
96
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside: 45/100 on this factor. Category median: 45.C
45
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
674 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars58787%
4 stars457%
3 stars91%
2 stars81%
1 star254%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 499 written reviews
94%praise
Praise44094%
Complaints266%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
97%fair
Great price1434%
Reasonable2459%
Overpriced12%
Not sure25%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude19842%
Would recommend8318%
Quality & results6013%
Price & value419%
Speed & response368%
Honesty & trust306%
Communication184%
What customers talk about
We read 499 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The ladies at the front desk were super sweet along with the lady who took my (very anxious) dog.”
“…s an issue all of a sudden and “dog day care may not be for him” was unprofessional, insensitive, and a clear sign that whoever was handling him has a…”
“So would recommend and in fact they are already going back.”
“If your dog is anything less than perfectly extroverted, I do not recommend bringing them here.”
“Great job ss usual and very nice people at Ruff Bayside”
“I basically spent my whole day today cleaning up behind them and nursing them, not working like needed to be.”
“The pricing is reasonable for the level of care you get, and the standard canine accommodations are genuinely well thought out, giving the dogs the fr…”
“Pricey but they take good care of you loved ones”
“They allowed me to pop in for a quick visit so the cats knew I was still around because I’m certain they were somewhat traumatized not only by all the…”
“…he level of care you get, and the standard canine accommodations are genuinely well thought out, giving the dogs the freedom to move between indoor an…”
“DO NOT TRUST BAYSIDE KENNELS!”
“I really appreciate how clean the place is and how well they communicate with me about her activities and behavior.”
People customers mention
Kennels35 reviews
Judy16 reviews
Beach8 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside for 6 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
MMax4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 days ago★★★★★
The ladies at the front desk were super sweet along with the lady who took my (very anxious) dog. Super clean and very cute inside. My dog came back happy as ever. They also gave him a bath and he came back smelling very nice. Very satisfied with my choice of dog boarding and grooming
Reasonable priceDog groomingDog boarding
WWALLACELocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
We needed a safe and loving place for our dogs. They are kinda grumpy and fearful at times. We got them back after being there for almost a week happy and kinda sad to be going home🤩. Our senior dogs were loved on, played with and bathed. So would recommend and in fact they are already going back. Love all the…
Great priceDog groomingDog boarding
AAndreaLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
When I leave my fur baby at the Ruff House Daycare, I walk away feeling that she gets the attention and care that she deserves. All of the staff are pleasant and kind. I greatly enjoy the views/pics that I receive daily and am able to share them with family and friends. Thanks for taking good care of my baby.
Reasonable priceDog groomingDog boarding
CCattina10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I’ve never boarded my pup before and did a test day today to see how he’d do before we board him a week. They did so well with him and reassuring me! So greatful to find a place to take him!
Great priceDog boardingDog daycare
DDanielle5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 weeks ago★★★★★
I adore the entire staff. When my dog arrives, she is greeted with a big BELLE!!!!! ( her name) showing they are happy to see her! And I love the pictures they post daily showing your dog is having a good time!.
TTyler3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Wonderful staff and very accommodating. We don’t have to board our dog often but he never is upset going to the Ruff House.
The ladies at the front desk were super sweet along with the lady who took my (very anxious) dog. Super clean and very cute inside. My dog came back happy as ever. They also gave him a bath and he came back smelling very nice. Very satisfied with my choice of dog boarding and grooming
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog grooming, Dog boarding
W
WALLACELocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews WALLACE has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We needed a safe and loving place for our dogs. They are kinda grumpy and fearful at times. We got them back after being there for almost a week happy and kinda sad to be going home🤩. Our senior dogs were loved on, played with and bathed. So would recommend and in fact they are already going back. Love all the photos! Like daily we got photos. This allowed to see their happy smiles.
I am super picky so it is always hard for me leave my twins but we are so thankful we found you all!!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog grooming, Dog boarding
A
Andrea HussenLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrea has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
When I leave my fur baby at the Ruff House Daycare, I walk away feeling that she gets the attention and care that she deserves. All of the staff are pleasant and kind. I greatly enjoy the views/pics that I receive daily and am able to share them with family and friends. Thanks for taking good care of my baby.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog grooming, Dog boarding
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you! We love Dori so much
A
Alesia Edwards4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alesia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Disappointing lack of patience and flexibility for small/anxious dogs.
I took my 12-pound dog, Mia, to Ruff House Bayside Virginia Beach for a boarding trial. I was upfront with the staff that she has trauma from a previous dog attack and is not used to being around large groups of dogs. I explained that she just needs a little time to acclimate to new people.
Unfortunately, they showed zero willingness to accommodate her. Within a few hours, I received a call telling me to come pick her up because she wouldn't play with the other dogs and was growling at staff. Instead of giving a tiny, frightened dog a quiet space to settle down or separating her from the pack, they immediately rejected her.
To make matters worse, I was dealing with a sudden family tragedy and needed to fly out to bury my mother. I trusted this facility to help me, but their lack of compassion and inability to handle a scared, under-12-lb dog left me in an incredibly difficult situation. If your dog is anything less than perfectly extroverted, I do not recommend bringing them here.
Thank you Jesus for helping me! Alesia Edwards
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Dog boarding
C
Cattina Shinn10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cattina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’ve never boarded my pup before and did a test day today to see how he’d do before we board him a week. They did so well with him and reassuring me! So greatful to find a place to take him!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding, Dog daycare
D
Danielle Boulanger5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Danielle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I adore the entire staff. When my dog arrives, she is greeted with a big BELLE!!!!! ( her name) showing they are happy to see her! And I love the pictures they post daily showing your dog is having a good time!.
V
Vincenta Guertin7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Vincenta has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Five stars, hands down. I've been bringing my dog Cali here for about four years now and they've never once let us down. The pricing is reasonable for the level of care you get, and the standard canine accommodations are genuinely well thought out, giving the dogs the freedom to move between indoor and outdoor space on their own rather than waiting around for staff to take them out.
Cali isn't the most easygoing girl when it comes to other dogs, so I was always a little hesitant about group playtime, but the team accommodates her with one-on-one attention instead, and she absolutely loves it. This last stay was 12 days, which is longer than we usually do, and when we picked her up she was in great spirits, hydrated, and clearly happy. That says a lot about the consistency of care here, especially over an extended stay.
The front desk staff are always warm and welcoming too. Highly recommend Ruff House to anyone in the Virginia Beach area looking for a kennel that actually treats dogs like individuals.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding
T
Tyler Sibole3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tyler has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Wonderful staff and very accommodating. We don’t have to board our dog often but he never is upset going to the Ruff House.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding
Response from the owner · a month ago
It means a lot to hear that your dog feels comfortable and content with us. Thank you for trusting The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside when you need boarding, and for highlighting our team's dedication. We're always glad to welcome your pup back for a stay!
A
Alex Miller3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alex has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The staff was friendly, communicative, and flexible during Koah’s stay, but unfortunately the level of care did not meet our expectations. When we picked him up after his checkout bath, he had significant swelling and inflammation that had apparently gone unnoticed. We took him to an emergency veterinarian, who determined that he likely had an allergic reaction to a cleaning solution used at the facility.
Our biggest concern is not simply that the reaction occurred, but that such an obvious issue was not recognized while he was in their care, including during his checkout bath. That caused us to lose confidence in the level of monitoring and supervision provided, and we will not be returning.
UPDATE: The owner’s response states that they reached out the following day and did not receive a response. That is incorrect. They texted us at 8:21 a.m., and we responded at 10:51 a.m. with a detailed explanation of Koah’s condition, the emergency veterinary visit, and why we had lost confidence in his care. We did not receive a response to that message.
We understand from their response that irritation or swelling can occur in intact males. Our concern was never simply that swelling occurred. It was that the swelling and inflammation were severe when we picked him up and apparently had gone unnoticed, including through his checkout bath.
Services: Dog boarding
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for acknowledging that our staff was friendly, communicative, and flexible during Koah’s stay. We truly loved having him with us and are sorry to hear that you were unhappy with his care.
For intact male dogs, we require owners to sign an agreement because their genital area can become irritated or swollen during boarding. Golden Retrievers also have significant feathering that can obscure this area, and because we did not know its usual size or appearance, the change was not obvious to us.
We reached out the following day to check on Koah and discuss your concerns but did not receive a response to our text. We take every pet’s wellbeing seriously and would have appreciated the opportunity to speak with you directly. We genuinely cared for Koah and wish him the very best.
