Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It began with my love for dogs. I volunteer at the Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC), and it’s one of the happiest parts of my week. In early 2024, I stepped away from my corporate career due to health concerns and then just felt a strong pull to do something that brought me pure joy. After years of long workdays and quick goodbyes to my dog and husband each morning, I realized there had to be a better way for busy pet parents to give their dogs the happiness, exercise, and socialization they deserve—even when life gets hectic! So many dogs are home alone all day waiting for their humans to come back. I wanted to create something that gives those pups a chance to thrive, as well as give their humans peace of mind. And this idea of a dog bus had been on my heart for years. One day, my husband looked at me and said, “Let’s go find you a bus.” And in June 2025, we finally turned what some might call a “silly idea” into a reality!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting Ruff Riders has been so incredibly rewarding, but like any small business, there are always obstacles. The biggest challenge is keeping up with the demand. As more pup parents discover Ruff Riders, figuring out schedules and space on the bus has been the biggest hurdle – but it’s the most fun part! I’m really thankful that so many dog owners want the service, but my priority is making sure every pup still gets the attention and care they deserve. Logistically, it’s a lot of patience, planning, and adjusting along the way! But if I keep the pups’ well-being top of mind, everything else gets structured around making sure they have a safe, fun, and positive experience. I require Meet & Greets with every new pup, along with at least one or two Trial Rides, before they are introduced to a crew on the bus.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ruff Riders. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Ruff Riders serves the 615 area code, with today being primarily Franklin, Thompson Station, and Spring Hill. We receive emails and requests every day from neighboring areas, and would soon love to serve all of the Wilco area. Our plans are to transition next into Brentwood and Nolensville. We currently match specific days with specific neighborhoods and areas to keep our routes running efficiently. Our up-to-date bus schedule is always available on our website at www.ruffriders615.com and is regularly updated as we expand into new areas.
How to Book a Ride:
All dogs must meet a few basic requirements to ride with Ruff Riders and join our play sessions. When booking, owners are asked to complete a short behavioral and temperament questionnaire and provide up-to-date vaccination records for verification. We require that all dogs be current on core vaccines (Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper/Parvo). We also review each booking individually to ensure dogs are appropriately grouped based on temperament and play style. Dogs should be friendly, well-socialized, and comfortable riding in a car.
Once a ride is booked, pet owners receive an email with information on how to prepare their pup for the ride (for example, wearing only a collar or harness). On the morning of the ride, owners also receive a text message with a link to our live GPS tracker so they can follow the bus.
Pick-up times are typically between 9:30–10:00 AM for the morning session and 12:30–1:00 PM for the afternoon session. Each dog is assigned their own seat and secured with a seatbelt. Our bus features built-in platform seats designed for dogs to sit or lie down comfortably during the ride.
After pick-up, we head to the Williamson County Animal Center Dog Park or another quiet, low-traffic park for at least one hour of playtime. For safety, most dogs play with a drag leash to start, allowing our staff to monitor and keep them within reach. A few of our regulars, who consistently demonstrate gentle and appropriate play behavior, may play without one. Staff provides toys, fresh water, and lots of attention—and we keep owners updated with photos and videos throughout the session. After playtime, pups are dropped back off at their front door, happy and tired! Owners also receive a short report about their pup’s day.
We currently offer 4 different pricing options:
: Sniff & Ride (Trial Ride) – $25
: Lone Bone – 1 Ride $35
: Frequent Barker – 3 Rides $100
: Full-Time Fetcher – 10 Rides $300
Also – For furry siblings who love adventuring together, we have Double The Wag, an additional pup for $20.
What sets us apart:
: We are the first and only dog park bus in Tennessee!
: Staff is trained in pet CPR/first aid.
: Small Group Sizes: We intentionally limit group sizes to ensure each dog receives close supervision and personalized attention.
: Emergency Preparedness: We keep each dog’s veterinary contact information on hand and have clear emergency protocols in place should any situation arise.
Pricing:
- Sniff & Ride (Trial Ride) – $25
- Lone Bone – 1 Ride $35
- Frequent Barker – 3 Rides $100
- Full-Time Fetcher – 10 Rides $300
- VIPup Ride – $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ruffriders615.com
- Instagram: @ruffriders615
- Facebook: ruffriders615
