Asbury Park is a town that truly loves its animals—from the 8th Avenue Dog Beach to pup-friendly patios and even Yappy Hours, it’s no surprise that pet ownership here is booming. But what happens when that laid-back, beach-town energy clashes with the real-life responsibilities of work, commuting, and rising living costs?

That’s where Onward Pet Care steps in.

Founded by longtime local and passionate dog mom Ally Ruggirello, Onward isn’t just a dog walking service—it’s a relationship-based, community-rooted solution for busy pet parents who want the best for their animals without sacrificing their own freedom.

“We want you to enjoy that extra hour at the beach, the encore set at Summer Stage, or another round on the boardwalk—without rushing home in a panic.”

Ally noticed the need for quality, consistent pet care after years of balancing her own dog’s needs with the demands of a traditional office job. That lingering guilt of having to cut a walk short or leave her dog alone too long? She knew she wasn’t the only one feeling it.

Built on Trust, Safety & Tail Wags

With four years of professional dog walking experience—and a background working in dog daycare and grooming—Ally and her team know how to read body language, navigate complex behaviors, and meet each pet where they are emotionally and physically.

Whether your dog is a high-energy herder, a reactive rescue, or a shy sweetheart who needs five visits just to sniff the leash—Onward’s got it covered. And yes, they’re fully insured, bonded, and first-aid/CPR certified.

Safety isn’t a bonus feature—it’s the backbone of everything they do.

More Than Just Walks: Enrichment That Lasts

What really sets Onward apart is their deep understanding of enrichment—the idea that meeting your dog’s mental and emotional needs is just as important as physical exercise.

“We always encourage clients to prep enrichment toys like Kongs filled with peanut butter and fruit, or lick mats for post-walk downtime. Bonus points if you freeze them!”

These little touches help dogs self-soothe, stay mentally stimulated, and enjoy their alone time—especially helpful for separation anxiety or longer days out. Ally’s even a huge fan of long leashes, which let dogs safely explore their environment with a sense of freedom and curiosity you just can’t get on a standard 6-footer.

A Local Legacy of Love

Onward primarily serves Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and parts of Neptune and Bradley Beach. But they’ve also become known for a slightly unexpected talent: dog rescues.

“I’ve ended so many walks with two dogs instead of one—it’s kind of become my thing. I always carry an extra leash now.”

If you’ve seen Ally chatting with an MCSPCA officer on the sidewalk, now you know why.

Beyond their daily pet care, Onward has hosted creative fundraising events like pup cup pop-ups, doggy kissing booths, and thrift shops for shelters like Rescue Ridge, Associated Humane Societies, and the Monmouth County SPCA.

The Human Side of Pet Care

Onward is proudly women-owned and operated, and they don’t treat pet care like a transaction. They want clients to feel like they’re texting a trusted friend—not just booking a stranger off an app.

“When you trust us with your pets, we don’t take it lightly. We’re emotionally invested in their well-being.”

From long walks on the Asbury boardwalk to long-leash decompression time at Shark River or Joe Palaia Park, Onward blends safety, fun, and enrichment into every visit.

Supporting Pet Parents—Together

Ally believes that local collaborations, like this one, are what make Asbury’s dog community so strong.

“These partnerships open the door to conversations that might not happen otherwise. They show pet parents what resources are really out there, and remind us that we’re all in this together.”

Whether you’re a new dog parent or a seasoned pro, Ally and the Onward team are here to help you live your best pet parent life—without sacrificing your own.