Ruff Canine Club

What to Expect at Ruff Canine Club

Set your account up before you arrive. Kaelyn Cox raises this as the most common avoidable problem: "some visitors don't take the time to learn about the park's requirements before arriving. I highly recommend setting up your account in advance to ensure your dog has all the necessary va[ccinations]."

Rich Thomas Copeland explains what the screening buys: "they maintain up-to-date health records on every dog, whether a member or visitor. If your dog's shots aren't up-to-date, they will not let you in. This is good for everybody."

He also names the two comfort limitations: "I do wish there were more shade, and that the picnic area was a little more comfortably surfaced than dirt and chunky gravel."

Kayla Tinsley describes the day to day: "The rufferees are very attentive and loving to all the pups. They work hard to keep the areas clean and water bowls full. On hot days they will bring out a pool for the dogs to play in."

Sizes mix. Anne Margaret White was "a little surprised to see so many sizes playing together," though she notes the separate area is there for a dog that needs it.

Supervision is not a guarantee. Incidents between dogs are reported here as at any busy off-leash space, and opinion on how the rules are enforced has divided since the club changed hands. Judge the mix on arrival, as you would anywhere.

Early opening hours are used on hot days, which is worth checking through a Virginia summer.