Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd and Carlee Kobitz.
Todd has been with the Valparaiso Police Department since 2000 and a K-9 handler since 2004. We have dreamt of owning a dog kennel for years. In November 2015, Carlee lost her job as a medical office manager unexpectedly and we were faced with some difficult decisions. Todd knew of a location in Valparaiso from using the facility during training sessions with his K-9. He met with the owner of the building and discussed the possibility of opening a kennel for boarding dogs and other services. The building owner thought it was a great idea and decided to help us and be a silent partner in order to help us along.
On Dec. 8, 2015, we started renovation on the building we would soon occupy. In about 2 months we remodeled a 7000 square foot building(with lots of help from family and friends) where we offer boarding, grooming, daycare, and training. We opened on Feb 13, 2016, and have grown into the busiest dog boarding facility in the area. We grew so quickly that when given the opportunity to expand in the current building we didn’t hesitate to do that! We are going to be adding another 25-30 suites to our already existing 37, along with another indoor play area and more outdoor areas. We hope to have this expansion done by the New Year!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As in any start-up business, we had to learn the best ways to get things done. This included scheduling software, staff hiring, staff scheduling, and having them all communicate to work together. Once we changed some things around and accepted feedback from repeat customers, we have had a consistent, and well working facility.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ruff Luxury Inn – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a dog boarding facility. We also offer grooming for dogs, daycare services for dogs and offer basic obedience training. We are known for our indoor playroom that has synthetic turf and the look of outdoors. We also offer 4×8 and 8×8 individual rooms or “suites” as we call them for every dog.
We are very proud of the fact that we grew so quickly and became so busy. We are a very very clean facility and offer more one on one attention for the dogs.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
To expand….which we are doing now. We are looking forward to the new outdoor areas we will have for more playtime outside. We also hope to be able to offer vet services.
Pricing:
- $35 per night 4×8 suite
- $45 per night 8×8 suite
- $18 per day Daycare weekday
- $25 per day Daycare weekend
Contact Info:
- Address: 55 E Morthland Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383 - Website: ruffluxuryinn.com
- Phone: 219-242-8820
- Email: ruffluxuryinn@gmail.com

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Grandma Ann Peters
February 8, 2018 at 5:14 pm
Dear Carlee and Todd….congratulations on the awesome success you’ve had with Ruff Luxury Inn. I tell all my friends about your facility and how much my girls, Taylor and Savanna, love working with and for you….you made a great choice when you decided to open Ruff….continued good luck with the expansion.
Libby
February 8, 2018 at 5:58 pm
This is very impressive! Glad to see you are doing such a great job! What a great service! I have no doubt there is a great cheering section on your side!
Good luck with the expansion!!