About Us
Diamond in the Ruff Pet Retreat: Where Your Pet is Family.
Welcome to an all-inclusive luxury escape located on 10 acres of pristine forested land in Puslinch, Ontario. We provide an award-winning retreat for the discerning pet owner who demands the highest levels of hygiene, safety, and comfort.
The Luxury Standard of Puslinch Pet Care
Since 2003, Diamond in the Ruff Pet Retreat has redefined the concept of pet boarding. Founded by Janice and TJ Hunter, our mission was simple: take the guilt out of boarding your dog. By combining 30+ years of professional grooming expertise with a background in millwrighting, farming, and dog training, we built a facility that prioritizes both structural excellence and compassionate care.
Located on 10 acres of lush, forested landscape, your dog doesn’t just “stay” with us—they thrive. Our expansive grounds allow for socialization, trail walks, and the freedom to run in a safe, secure environment. We have designed every inch of our facility to cater to the highest standards of hygiene and pet welfare.
20+
Years of Excellence
64+
Rooms
10
Acres To Run
Award
Winning Retreat
All-Inclusive Luxury Amenities
Your dog’s entire stay is customized; from room size to exercise packages, we ensure absolute comfort.
Superior Comfort
Every room features heated ceramic tile floors and comfortable orthopedic beds to ensure your pet stays cozy regardless of the Canadian weather.
Hygiene & Air Quality
Our facility utilizes medical-grade air purification systems and large windows for natural light, ensuring a fresh and sterile environment.
Private Outdoor Access
Each room connects to a private outdoor run, allowing your dog to step out for fresh air during our frequently scheduled breaks, and enjoy the view when they're inside.
Eco-friendly
Geothermal heating, bio-filtered septic for on-site wastewater treatment, recycled rubber flooring, even pet waste is dealt with on site and filtered into our septic system. All to protect our environment!
Meet the Diamond Family
Expert care delivered by passionate animal lovers. Over 100 years of combined animal care experience.
Janice & T.J. Hunter - The Founders
Shortly after graduating from Sheridan College's animal care program, Janice started a Mobile grooming business in the Hamilton area called “Silversnips”. That business ran for a very successful 10 years and only closed due the conception of Diamond in the Ruff Pet Retreat. TJ had a successful millwright career as well as experience in farming and dog-training which was a perfect collection of skills. Shortly after getting married in 2002 Janice and TJ opened Diamond in the Ruff. Janice and TJ are very active in all aspects of the business. Janice has 30+ years grooming experience and still loves making pets beautiful! Janice and TJ have 4 children and they love dogs, dancing and motorcycles.
Julie
Kelly
Kelly comes to Diamond with a Bachelor of Science (Animal Biology) with a focus in behaviour and welfare.
Her years of working in veterinary clinics, working her way from vet assistant to lead technician, gave her experience in organization, triage and rapport building tools, which translate well to working here at Diamond.
She’s had experience working with companion animals as well as exotics and farm animals! Kelly has cared for animals her whole life and is always entertaining coworkers with hilarious stories of animal related escapades.
For a while Kelly was a “successful” foster, fostering over 21 animals, specializing in senior dogs. Recently, she had her first foster fail as Belle wormed her way into a permanent place in Kelly’s heart.
Jenny
Jenny joined Diamond in February of 2023 with an Animal Care certification from Sheridan college, 2 years of rescue work at her local Humane Society and 8 years of experience managing a dog daycare in Toronto.
Jenny grew up with experience with cats, dogs, farm animals and a house full of siblings which has given her animal experience, leadership skills and a voice that can be heard across the facility!
Outside of work, Jenny is kept busy and active with three young kids and a Golden Retriever cross named Rubble.
Chelsey
Chelsey has been a gifted dog handler at Diamond since February of 2025. Nothing makes her happier than spending her days surrounded by wonderful pups! Her favourite part of the job is ensuring that every pet has as much love here as they do at home.
On her days off, she cherishes every moment spent with her own dogs, of which she has three; two bullies, Nala and Bentley, and a shepherd named Riley. They love to go on adventures together at the park, hiking, walking on scenic trails, swimming in the lake, or enjoying cozy movie nights on the couch. When at home, she also has two cats in her menagerie, Tigress and Jasmine. They tolerate the dogs and love Chelsey.
Fei
Fei joined the kennel staff at Diamond in the Ruff in March of 2023. She grew up with cats and became an official dog owner at the age of 15. Fei is also an avid horsewoman and loves spending time with her own horses. When she graduated from the Animal Care program Fei began working part time for a therapeutic riding facility for disabled children. From there, Fei made her way to the Diamond family where she ensures that dogs are having a safe and happy time! Fei has a senior mixed breed named Cooper and a young Shepherd mix named Luna; she often enjoys taking Luna for hikes and finding different and innovative ways to tire out that Shepherd energy!
Hailey
Hailey joined the Diamond family in March of 2023 after an animal care career that bloomed from volunteering and working in a grooming salon. She briefly worked for a dog walking company which solidified her decision to work with dogs every day.
Hailey was fortunate enough to grow up with a variety of dog breeds in her home (from the smaller breeds of Chihuahuas and a Pug/Beagle mix to the larger Doberman and German Shepherd/Collie mix!).
Hailey’s proficiency on our social media team and her compassion and knowledge of your individual pets’ needs is outstanding. Currently, Hailey is living with a three legged mixed breed pup named Delilah who keeps her on her toes!
Amanda
Amanda joined the Diamond family in July 2025. Her positive attitude and operational insight into animal-based businesses have been invaluable. She consistently upholds our “Dogs come first” mantra while maintaining fiscal responsibility and proving herself to be a dedicated problem solver.
Amanda’s strong drive creates a vivacious environment for both the dogs and her colleagues. Having been around dogs her entire life, she began caring for the pets of family and friends as a teenager, which sparked a lifelong passion for animal care.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys exploring the farm and walking trails with her Portuguese Water Dog, Riley.
Sophia
Sophia is a vital part of team and has been with us since June 2025. She started volunteering in a kennel when she was 13 years old and has continued ever since! The love she has for pet care and involvement in building relationships with clients has grown with every year.
Sophia is always looking for new ways to care for animals, both her own dogs and our clients, researching the latest technology and homeopathic remedies. She loves all dog breeds but her favorites are bully breeds and bird dogs. Sophia has two of her own dogs Tulo, a sweet boxer mix that loves to play with a ball, and Chibbs, a goofy pocket English bull dog who is always the life of the party.
Outside of work she also enjoys connecting with her friends and loved ones, whether that’s finding a good trail to walk, cafes or other fun activities.
Shayla
After many years working in the veterinary field, Shayla became a welcome addition to the Diamond grooming in 2022.
She is kind and patient and excels in her efforts to make pets look and feel better!
Shayla loves working with all sorts of breeds; from fluffy doodles to sweet bulldogs. She takes great joy in caring for our wide variety of clients.
Along with her husband and two kids, Shayla shares her home with her two dogs, a standard bully named Saint and an old English bulldog named Lux. She loves spending time outside and relaxing with her family.
Stephanie
Stephanie has been an expert on our groom team since 2017. She has a knack for remembering details about each dog. If your dog was groomed at Diamond you can be sure she will remember some sweet detail or anecdote. She enjoys working on golden retrievers, shelties and doodles.
Stephanie is very artistic and she loves doing creative grooms- the rare dye job or mohawk request are always very exciting.
She has three dogs; a husky mix named Sadie a border collie named Jack and Denny, a poodle, who always has a new fun design to show off. Stephanie is also an experienced trainer and plays the dog sport agility and dock diving.
Stephanie loves to hike, camp and teach her dogs fun tricks.
Tino
Visit Our Facility
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In-Person Tours Offered daily at 2:00 PM (except Wednesdays) by appointment. Please call ahead to reserve your spot so we can provide a personalized walkthrough.
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Virtual Tour Unable to make it in person? Explore our 10-acre Puslinch retreat from your home via Google Earth.
Ready to Plan Their Holiday?
Join the thousands of happy pet parents who trust Diamond in the Ruff since 2003.