About
Tina is the owner of Ruff Life, OH
I’m your local pet sitter proudly serving Parma, Ohio and the surrounding communities. I'm located 7 miles east of Cleveland Hopkins Airport; in the heart of Parma Circle.Let’s face it, life can be ruff—and finding someone reliable, trustworthy, and truly caring to look after your pets shouldn’t be an added stress. That’s why I started RUFF LIFE, a licensed and insured pet sitting business dedicated to providing simple, dependable, and love-filled care.I specialize in pet care outside of traditional business hours, offering flexible scheduling for night shift workers and late-hour professionals who need reliable support when others are off the clock. Whether you're heading out for a vacation, a weekend getaway, or just a long day (or night) away, you deserve peace of mind knowing your furry family members are in good hands.
Services
Dog Boarding (in my home)
Enjoy peace of mind while you're away—your pup will be cared for like family in a cozy home environment where they will have access to a fully fenced in backyard. One walk included.
Drop-In Visits (at your home)
Perfect for independent pets or those more comfortable in their own space—especially cats, birds, fish, bunnies, reptiles, and rodents.
Pet Walking (in your neighborhood)
A leisurely, leashed walk with your furry friend. Treats and water are provided. Both dogs and cats are welcome.
Doggie Daycare (in my home)
A fun-filled day complete with playtime, potty breaks, one walk, and plenty of attention. Allow your pup to socialize and burn off those zoomies! Drop off your dog in the morning and pick them up later the same day.
House Sitting (in your home)
Keep your pets comfortable in their own space while you’re away. This service includes overnight care, one 30 minute walk, and other pet related chores. Perfect for pets who prefer their routine and home environment.
What I Offer:
Free meet n’ greet—Let’s get to know each other before your first booking. Required for all new clients.
Live updates & photos—Via Walkies Journal App to stay connected with your pets while you’re away.
Flexible payment options—Secure payments through Walkies Pay (powered by Stripe) + Zelle, Venmo, and Cash accepted.
Effortless contact—Have a question outside of booking requests? I'd love to hear from you! Email Tina at [email protected]
Looking for a different service such as a Vet Chaperone, Nurse Visit, Pet Taxi, or Wedding Chaperone? Visit my Walkies page or contact me through the New Client Form to discuss a more personalized plan that fits your pet’s needs.
Experience
I grew up on a farm in rural PA, where caring for animals was simply a part of daily life. That upbringing gave me a lifelong connection to animals and a deep understanding of their needs. I currently share my home with 2 rescue dogs and 2 cats (sometimes a foster dog as well), and honestly, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have pets in my life. This lifetime of hands-on experience has given me invaluable knowledge in animal care.In addition to my background with animals, I’m also a registered nurse. Caretaking is second nature to me. Whether for people or pets—I bring the same compassion, attentiveness, and professionalism to both. Providing loving, trustworthy care is not just what I do; it’s who I am. When your furry family member is in my care, they’re treated like one of my own.I’m trained and experienced in safely administering medications—injection, oral, topical, or drops—and I can also provide post-operative care and support for special medical needs.
My goal is simple: to offer reliable, affordable care you can trust, and to ensure your pet feels safe, loved, and well looked after while you're away.
1994 - with my hamster Pickles
1991 - with my sister and dog Scruffy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you insured and background-checked?
Yes, Tina from RUFF LIFE is fully insured and background-checked to give you peace of mind while your pets are in my care.
How do I book a service?
You can send a request through the New Client Form.Will I receive updates during my dog’s stay?
Absolutely! You’ll get regular updates, photos, and sometimes even videos on your Walkies Journal app. You'll never feel out of the loop.What’s included in a dog boarding stay/doggie daycare?
Feeding, medication administration, potty breaks, one walk, playtime, and lots of cuddles.Can my dog have a solo-stay (no other fur clients during their visit)?
Yes, for dog boarding we can absolutely accommodate that for an additional fee. Please note: my own dogs are excluded from this policy. For doggie daycare, we encourage group play — the more pups, the more fun!Does my dog need to be crate trained?
No. Unless your pup prefers the safety of their own crate, they will have full access to the house (including furniture and beds) and the yard at all times.Do you take unneutered/unspayed or unvaccinated dogs?
This depends on the situation and temperament of your dog. Please reach out to discuss.Do you accept high-energy dogs?
Unfortunately, no. For safety reasons, we’re not able to accommodate dogs with very high energy levels. Our environment is best suited for pups who are calm, social, (maybe a little anxious) and comfortable in a home-style setting.Will anyone else be caring for my pet?
It depends on the service. For dog boarding or doggie daycare, there may be times when I’m away for a few hours. During those times, my work-from-home significant other will watch your pup. For drop-ins or pet walks, it will always be Tina providing the care.How do you ensure safety during my dog’s stay?
All dogs are pre-screened for temperament and compatibility. If we happen to be away we do have doggie cameras so we can check in on them at anytime.Do I need to provide anything for my dog’s visit?
Please bring your pup’s food, any medications, a leash, and (if preferred) their crate/dog bed. We provide water, toys, and supervision. It is also helpful to leave something that smells like you (t-shirt or blanket) to provide comfort and ease any separation anxiety.
What areas do you serve?
Parma, Parma Heights, Brooklyn, Middleburg Heights, North Royalton, Independence, Rocky River, Lakewood, Berea, Brecksville, and Garfield Heights; to name a few. Locations outside a 10 mile radius from Parma Circle may be subject to additional travel fees. Please note: a safe parking spot must be available at your location.
How much actual walking time is in a 30 minute walk?
Typically between 20-25 minutes of total walking time depending on how long it takes to get your pup ready with their harness, collar, or leash.What if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first! During storms, extreme heat, or icy conditions, we’ll shorten outdoor time and focus on indoor enrichment or potty breaks.Will you walk multiple dogs at once?
For drop-in walks only dogs from the same household are walked together unless discussed otherwise. During daycare and boarding, there may be pack walks with other compatible dogs.What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made within 24 hours of service may be subject to a fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if your plans change. Multiple cancellations will result in a discharge from services.Will I need to sign anything for using your services?
Yes, after completing your meet n’ greet, you’ll be provided with a Liability Waiver and Release Form.
Need more information—follow any of the links below:
Reviews
Reviews
What pet parents are saying ...
Click on my Rover, Yelp or Goggle page to view more testimonials:
MEET MY DOGS:
Olive is a 9 yo Dachshund/Yorkie mix. She’s a big barker but incredibly friendly. She loves to go on walks, nap, and chase squirrels. She was rescued from an animal hoarding situation in 2016.
Gouda is a 4 yo Miniature Poodle. She’s shy and timid but such a happy girl once she feels comfortable. Her favorite thing to do is relax on the couch. She was rescued in 2024 from an Amish dog breeder after she was no longer able to reproduce.
Contact
LET"S CHAT and be social!
Current clients, with a completed meet n’ greet, can book directly through their Walkies Journal App
New Client Form:
Don’t worry — your pet already gave a tail wag of approval.
Don't forget to follow along on Instagram to see my most
recent pet visits:
📸: Your pet may be featured on our social media. If your pup or kitty prefers to keep a low profile, just let us know—we’ll respect their camera shyness.
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