About Us

Ruff City Pet was founded in 2020, but the seeds were planted long before that. I’m part of the Baxter family, and our journey as pet parents—like many others—came with its fair share of challenges. We have two dogs, Eli and JB. Eli struggled with ongoing stomach issues, and both dogs were extremely picky eaters. One week they’d be obsessed with a certain food or treat, and just days later, they’d completely turn it down. It was frustrating and stressful, and it made us realize just how overwhelming it can be to find trustworthy, high-quality pet products.

At the time, we were living in the Washington, DC area, and I was working in the pet industry. I started out in small, independent pet boutiques, where I fell in love with the hands-on, customer-focused environment. I later took a position with a big-box pet retailer, which gave me broader industry exposure—but also opened my eyes to a lot of the issues behind the scenes. I started researching ingredients, reading labels more closely, and trying to decode all the long, scientific-sounding words on food and treat packaging. The deeper I dug, the more I realized how much confusion and misinformation exists in the pet space—especially when it comes to nutrition.

Eventually, I found myself returning to small boutique shops—the kind of stores that truly care about their customers and prioritize relationships over volume. I loved being in a space where educating pet parents and helping them make better choices was at the heart of everything. That passion, paired with our personal experience with Eli and JB, is what inspired my family and me to launch Ruff City Pet.

We started the business in the DC area with one goal: to create a place where pet parents could shop confidently, knowing every product had been selected with care, research, and intention. As our lives evolved and family became an even bigger priority, we made the decision to move closer to loved ones and are now proudly based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania—part of the greater Philadelphia region.

Ruff City Pet remains a family-owned and operated business, rooted in transparency, integrity, and love for animals. We focus on limited-ingredient treats, clean and nutritious food options, and unique toys that are fun, enriching, and safe. We proudly support small, independent brands that align with our mission of quality over quantity.

This business is a tribute to Eli and JB, and to every pet parent who's ever stood in an aisle feeling overwhelmed or unsure. We’re here to help you cut through the noise and find products that truly serve your pet’s health and happiness.

We’re honored to be part of the Lancaster and Philly-area pet community—and we can’t wait to welcome you and your pets into the Ruff City family.