RUFF HIKING
and Pet Sitting, LLC
PHONES ARE NOT ANSWERED WHEN I AM WITH PETS OR CLIENTS. PLEASE TEXT FOR FASTEST RESPONSE.
Ruff Hiking and Pet Sitting serves:
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Small Mammals
Reptiles (any size)
Amphibians
Fish
Farm Animals (Horses, Goats, Chickens, Ducks, etc.)
Service Area:
Hubbardston and parts of Barre, Princeton, Oakham, Gardner, Templeton, Westminster, and Rutland, Massachusetts
WHY CHOOSE
RUFF HIKING AND PET SITTING?
The Philosophy...
At Ruff Hiking and Pet Sitting, I treat each and every pet as if it were my own. I always put your pets' needs, health and safety above all else, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I am honored to be caring for your family member in your absence!
Ruff Hiking's Code of Ethics:
"I promise, I will treat every pet as if it were my own.
I will be dependable and responsible at all times.
I will have an honest and trustworthy relationship with my clients.
I will treat my clients home and property with respect.
I will always keep my promises and my commitments."
Always Professional...
This is my business, and my livelihood. This is what I DO. I take great pride in providing individualized care for each and every pet that I am entrusted with.
Expect your pet sitter to care about your pets and home as if they were their own. Expect top-notch care and respect for all of your belongings.
I pride myself in providing the best care possible.
Insured, Licensed, and Bonded...
You can rest assured that if I am caring for your pet, I’ve got you covered! Part of being a business professional is protecting your interests and those of your clients if something goes awry. I am a proud member of Pet Sitters Associates, a preferred pet business insurance provider since 1998.
Meet the face behind Ruff Hiking...
Hi, my name is Shaunna Masiello! I have 16 years of mixed personal and professional experience with all animals. I took a huge leap of faith and quit my full time job to put all my effort into founding Ruff Hiking and Pet Sitting in March of 2022. Since founding Ruff Hiking and Pet Sitting, I've realized that this is the perfect job for me! I've spent the last 5 years in specialty pet retail. I've undertaken many dog and cat nutrition courses. I've also been trained in the basics of dog cognitive behavior and training and I've put it to good use many times over the years. I spent about 6 months working in a doggie daycare facility as well. During my time working in pet retail, I've handled and cared for many different kinds of animals. Some of my favorite "odd pets" to care for are chameleons, snakes, mantids/insects, tortoises, and all sorts of lizards/geckos. I also have lots of experience caring for small mammals such as, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, chinchillas, ferrets, and mice/rats! Additionally, I have a huge soft spot for birds in any shape and size. I spent the majority of my life around farm animals, as well, including cows, goats, sheep, horses, chickens/roosters/ducks, and pigs!
Some of my experience includes caring for senior and handicapped dogs and cats, which includes but is not limited to giving oral and injected medication, re-wrapping bandages, and helping with mobility. I've done a lot of volunteer work at a veterinary hospital, which included feeding, medicating, restraining, walking and just spending time with sick animals. I'm extremely attentive, and my care ranges from baby to senior, of any breed, in any animal. I can confidently say that I will always treat your pet like part of my family, and I will make sure they are as happy as can be while your away!
In my home, it's 100% all about the animals, all the time! We make sure that everyone is content mentally, physically, and socially. In a client's home, I like to mimic their routine as closely as possible to reduce any possible stress. I also will follow the same principles in your home. I will always make sure that every one of your pets needs are met.
Additional Skills
Oral Medication Administration
Special Needs Dog Experience
Injected Medication Administration
Senior Dog Experience
Able to provide daily exercise
Top 5 Reasons To Hire A Dog Walker
Health
Just like people, pets need regular and consistent exercise to live long, healthy, and happy lives. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are obese. Many pets will acquire specific health problems in their lifetime that could easily be prevented or diminished with proper exercise. One of the absolute best ways to keep your pet healthy is to provide 3 or more 20+ minute walks per day.
Enrichment
Walking not only gets your dog the exercise they need, but it also stimulates their senses. Your dog gets to see, smell, feel, and hear all types of new and interesting things when out for a walk. This stimulation often includes meeting other people or animals, which can be an excellent way to encourage proper socialization for your pup. As humans, we often take for granted these brief encounters and stimuli, and we can easily forget that these are frequently the highlights of our pet’s day.
Behavior
Regular walking helps to release excess energy in your pup, resulting in calmer behavior at home. With frequent, lengthy walks, your dog will be less inclined to bark, chew, bite, use the bathroom indoors, etc. Your walker can also help instill better behaviors during walks, and at home! Consistency is key!
Peace of Mind
Hiring a dog walker gives you the peace of mind that your dog is well taken care of, even when you aren’t at home. With a daily dog walker, you don’t have to worry as much if you need to stay late for work, or if your dog doesn’t completely “finish” when you take them out in the morning. The knowledge that your dog will get quality time outdoors during the day also helps relieve the guilt or stress held by knowing your pup is otherwise locked up alone, often for 8 or more hours every day. You can feel confident that you are doing the best you can for your pup, and that your dog is living a rewarding, happy life.
Time
We all live busy lives, and every minute counts. Sometimes, consistent lengthy walks are difficult to fit into our schedules. We often wake up extra early, head home for our lunch hours, and delay making dinner for our families in an effort to make sure our dogs get the care they need. With a regular dog walker, your dog still gets all of the exercise and attention they deserve, while you get back a great deal of time. Everyone wins!
There are so many other benefits to hiring a professional dog walker; reach out so we can talk all about your pets! Ruff Hiking and Pet Sitting makes hiring a professional dog walker simple with affordable options, quality service, and an experienced dog walker and pet sitter.
I’d love to help you and your dog get the benefits a professional dog walker provides.
Office Hours :: 8AM to 7PM Monday - Friday, Closed on Holidays
Walks :: 8AM to 6PM Monday - Friday
Drop-ins :: 8AM to 8PM
Overnight Care :: 8PM to 8AM
Barn Chores :: 8AM to 11AM Saturday & Sunday
*May be able to accommodate earlier or later times depending on schedules*
Contact!
shaunna.masiello@ruffhiking.com
(978) 340-7631
*text for fastest response*
