New pet hotel in Columbus promises ‘best of the best.’ See inside.

Wassel and Jarnetha Lewis couldn’t find a place to leave their daughter’s dog, Sidon.

Sidon is a 2-year-old Great Pyrenees they’ve come to quickly love, but finding a suitable place for a 120-pound big dog turned out to be almost impossible in Columbus.

“Part of the reason why is because (pet lodging businesses) would keep him in a cage,” Wassel Lewis said. “He doesn’t stay in a cage at home. There’s no way I’ll keep him in a cage at a facility.”

After leaving his job at Aflac, Wassel was looking for a change, and the predicament led to an idea.

“I wanted to do something where I felt like this aligned with my passion,” Wassel said. “Columbus is a city ripe for this, you know, so my wife and I came up with a vision.”

That vision turned into Ruffined Pet Wellness Club, 2210 Wynnton Road, a luxury pet spa and boarding facility located in Midtown. Ruffined is located towards the back of the Wynnton building,

In many ways, Ruffined Pet Wellness Club was what the Lewis family was searching for. The facility mimics the atmosphere of a luxury hotel, with boarding spaces referencing famous five-star hotels like the Waldorf Astoria and the Ritz-Carlton. Lewis also emphasized their focus on an individualized experience for every dog.

“The owner can pick and choose what they want their dog to experience, and we deliver on that experience,” Lewis said.

The club opens on Sept. 25.

Services offered at Ruffined Pet Wellness Club

Lewis said the services Ruffined Pet Wellness Club offers can be broken down into three categories: boarding, enrichment, daycare and grooming.

From cage-free “pods” with orthopedic beds and TVs with Disney+ included to an interactive splash pad water park and certified doggy massage therapists on staff, Ruffined offers a premium experience for Columbus pet parents. Here’s an overview of what they offer:

• Boarding/Hotel: Group play during the day and cage-free sleeping at night in hand-crafted, orthopedic “pod” suites such as the Omni Bark Resort, Woofdorf Astoria, or Ruffz-Carlton.
• Enrichment Daycare: Structured routines and enrichment activities, designed to mimic healthy, natural experiences and focused on each dog’s mental and physical well-being.
• Waterpark: Top-quality, dog-safe splash pads for pups who love water.
• Signature Spa: A serene retreat for grooming, massages, and wellness treatments, customized from “Zen Pup” relaxation sessions to puppy and senior dog care.
• Wellness Program (coming soon): Tailored fitness, exercise and health plans, including weight management and rehabilitation.
• Silvertails Retreat (coming soon): A peaceful lounge especially for seniors, post-surgery, or dogs needing extra comfort and recovery.

Ruffined Pet Wellness Club operates on a membership-only model. Membership fees start at $10 per month, with some membership packages requiring an annual enrollment fee, according to their website.

Boarding starts at $110 per night, which covers standard care, including the plush pod accommodations and signature touches. Daycare is offered at $45 per day. Adding on water park playtime is a $10-per-hour add-on.

Extra features such as gourmet treats, customized routines, and enrichment activities are all available so clients can tailor the experience for their dog.

“We’re trying to make a difference,” Lewis said. “We think the location is great, and we’re really excited.”

This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM.