Meet the Ruffin’It family
Our team shares a deep love for dogs and a commitment to delivering top-notch care.
Steven
Owner
Before Steven found himself constantly covered in dog hair, he was a restaurant manager specializing in start-ups. It was during this time, in 2004, that he met his now-wife, Jennifer. His passion for wine led him to focus on Sommelier studies while working in fine dining restaurants in Victoria, BC. In 2007, Steven and Jennifer decided to relocate to Kelowna, nestled in Canada's Wine Country. There, Steven immersed himself in the craft, working at one of Canada’s leading organic wineries.
However, their lives took an unexpected turn in 2008 when Steven was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Amid their healing journey, life slowed down enough for them to open their hearts to a new four-legged companion. They welcomed Angel, a Northern BC rescue, from the Kelowna SPCA.
In 2009, Steven, Jennifer, and Angel moved back to Victoria, finding solace and inspiration in the lush rainforests of southern Vancouver Island. Fueled by the therapeutic power of the outdoors, Steven and Angel founded ANGELS K9 SERVICES, starting with a dog-walking initiative called Healing Dog Walks. It all began with their very first client, Lobo.
Since then, ANGELS K9 SERVICES has grown into one of Victoria’s largest and longest-running dog care companies. During Steven's 15-year remission, he led the business to great heights, becoming a devoted father, hockey coach, and Lieutenant of the Malahat Fire Department.
In 2023, Steven embarked on another healing journey following the discovery of metastasis. But resilience remained a cornerstone of their story. In 2024, they made one of their most ambitious moves yet—expanding from their long-time location on Quadra Street to a new, larger space on Government Street to double their services.
Jennifer
Owner
Jennifer's journey began when she graduated as a registered nurse in 2008, driven by a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years, she found herself working in environments where compassion and healing were at the forefront—not only for people but also for animals. Working alongside her husband Steven and sharing their love for animals, especially her own dogs, Angel and Lobo, became a cornerstone of her career.
She has always shared a passion for creating a nurturing, healing environment for the dogs under her care, blending her nursing skills with a love for animals in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
As life evolved, Jennifer's priorities shifted with the arrival of two beautiful children. She took a step back from her nursing career to dedicate herself to her family. This time away allowed her to reconnect with what mattered most to her—family, animals, and the land.
Now, as her family grows and her passions continue to evolve, Jennifer has returned to the professional world in a new role—practicing in a pediatric consulting office. Here, she is making an impact by helping to shape the future of multidisciplinary care, ensuring that each patient receives the most comprehensive and compassionate treatment possible. Alongside this, she plays a key role in the growth and development of Ruffin It Dog Care, an organization that holds a special place in her heart.
When Jennifer isn’t busy with her nursing practice or working with the dogs, you can find her hiking in the forests, exploring new places with her family, or simply soaking in the beauty of life. Every step of her journey has been driven by a deep sense of purpose, a commitment to care, and an unwavering belief in the power of love and healing—whether it’s for a child, a dog, or the people she holds most dear.
A Legacy of Care
Steven and Jen launched Ruffin’ It with a commitment to redefining dog care. Inspired by the rescue journeys of Angel and Lobo, their personal story has grown into a community where every dog is truly part of the family. Discover more about their vision and the passion behind Ruffin’ It.
Brooklyn
Wag Wrangler-in-Chief
Growing up on a family farm in Powell River, BC, I developed a deep connection with animals from an early age. That passion led me to pursue hands-on work in wildlife rehabilitation, earning my Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Certification through the IWRC and working with species ranging from songbirds to bobcats. Now, as a supervisor at Ruffin' It, I’m grateful to continue doing what I love—providing compassionate care in a safe, nurturing environment. What makes my role truly rewarding is not just supporting the well-being of the dogs, but also building meaningful relationships with their owners and being part of a community that cares deeply about animals.
Kay
Fun Facilitator & Behaviour Buff
Kay has been working professionally with dogs since 2003 and holds multiple certifications in pet dog training and care. Their experience spans veterinary clinics, rescues, pet homes, off/on-leash hiking, and managing dog daycares. Passionate about force-free, positive reinforcement training and canine enrichment, Kay is certified as a Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT), and Fear Free Dog Daycare Professional (Fear Free Pets)
Amanda
Salon Manager
With over 14 years of professional experience in the pet grooming industry—and a lifelong passion that began at age 13—I bring both technical expertise and heartfelt dedication to the care and well-being of every animal I work with. Throughout my career, I have led salon teams, mentored aspiring groomers, and played a key role in talent development across the industry.
A cornerstone of my approach is education. I’ve been fortunate to provide training and support to both dog and cat grooming professionals, helping many launch successful, compassionate careers in pet styling. My grooming philosophy is rooted in a fear-free approach, always prioritizing the emotional and physical well-being of the pets in my care. I am also certified in canine first aid, ensuring safety and confidence in every grooming session.
I specialize in breed-standard cuts and have advanced training in Asian fusion grooming. At the same time, I take great pride in delivering high-quality pet grooms and comfort grooms tailored to each animal’s individual needs. I have extensive experience working with anxious, reactive, or fearful pets, and I believe that earning their trust through patience and kindness is one of the most meaningful aspects of this profession.
Above all, I believe I work for the pets—and when their needs are met, my work is truly complete. I look forward to the opportunity to care for your four-legged companions with the respect, skill, and compassion they deserve.
Brooklyn
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Kay
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Amanda
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Want to join the team?
If you love dogs and strive for excellence in care, we’d love to have you. Explore our openings and become part of our Ruffin’ It family.
