Ruff Start Rescue

Ruff Start Rescue Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue committed to connecting people and pets.
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We're devoted to saving at-risk companion animals' lives while empowering animal lovers with essential resources. We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving home and their family has the knowledge and resources needed to give them the life they deserve. Sign up for our newsletter here>>> https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/i608vLZ/newsletter

Kennel license issued

by the MN Board of Animal Health . Ruff Start is 100% foster-based but has kennels for temporary housing.

🚨 URGENT FOSTER PLEA 🚨We need help immediately.We have 11 German Shepherd mix puppies (10–12 weeks old) who are in urgen...
12/10/2025

🚨 URGENT FOSTER PLEA 🚨

We need help immediately.

We have 11 German Shepherd mix puppies (10–12 weeks old) who are in urgent need of safe placement. Due to severe financial hardship and dangerously low temperatures expected this weekend, these puppies cannot remain where they are. They’re currently living outdoors with no way to be brought inside, and time is running out.

As soon as transport is confirmed, pickup will be at our office in Princeton.

These pups can go individually, in pairs, or as many as you can take.
Even fostering one will make a life-saving difference.

If you’ve ever considered fostering, or can step up again, now is the time. Please help us get these little ones the warmth, safety, and love they desperately need.

Sign up here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

It doesn’t get much better than adorable pets and holiday cheer! 🎅Big thanks to everyone who joined us at HeadFlyer Brew...
12/09/2025

It doesn’t get much better than adorable pets and holiday cheer! 🎅

Big thanks to everyone who joined us at HeadFlyer Brewing for Photos with Santa, and to the brewery for partnering with us to make this event such a fun and festive success!

Congrats to this group of cuties who were adopted the week of November 23rd! 🥳AddieAlexanderAngelAraBellaBaileeBeauBenBe...
12/08/2025

Congrats to this group of cuties who were adopted the week of November 23rd! 🥳

Addie
Alexander
Angel
AraBella
Bailee
Beau
Ben
Berg
Biff
Bingo
Birdie
Bluey
Buddy Boy
Celestia
Chica
Cinder
Derp
Dusty
Eden
Eklipse
Figan
Frederick
Friendly Fred
Frodo
Garfunkel
Georgiana
Goblin
Goliath
Graycee pf Wheekerton
Hank
Heleen
Hex
Hickory
Hunter
Jasparina
Jerrie
Junebug
Kintaro
Labubu
Ladybug
Malarkey
Margo
Medusa
Mischief
Mister Snickers
Moo Moo Cow
Nimbus
Odin
Ollie
Percival
Perry
Piney
Ping
Pita
Pompom
Robin
Roo
Sadness
Salem
Samuel
Savannah
Sawyer
Scotty
Sleepy
Sludge
Snofu
Stanley
Stumpy
Theo
Vokey
Walnut

Find your new family member at: https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/

Ready to cross a few more gifts off your holiday list? 🎁 Today only, December 8th, you can enjoy 20% off everything in o...
12/08/2025

Ready to cross a few more gifts off your holiday list? 🎁

Today only, December 8th, you can enjoy 20% off everything in our merch store!
From cozy sweatshirts for yourself, to fun items for the animals in your life, to thoughtful gifts for the animal lovers you know, there is something for everyone, and every purchase helps save animals in need.

Use code HOLIDAYS at checkout to grab your favorites before they are gone!

https://ruff-start-rescue-mn.square.site/

Pumpkitty and her adorable Peanuts crew are all bundled up in holiday coziness! 🎄They’re not accepting applications just...
12/08/2025

Pumpkitty and her adorable Peanuts crew are all bundled up in holiday coziness! 🎄

They’re not accepting applications just yet, but keep an eye out. These cuties will be ready in just a few weeks!

This sweet 8-year-old Lab came all the way from a large breeding operation on the East Coast, rescued thanks to our part...
12/07/2025

This sweet 8-year-old Lab came all the way from a large breeding operation on the East Coast, rescued thanks to our partners at Humane World for Animals. After arriving at Ruff Start in August, Rosie (formerly Pippa) is now settled into her new home and enjoying her very first holiday season in Minnesota! 🖤

From kennel life to cozy blankets and festive snuggles, she’s finally living the good life she deserves.

Share your Ruff Start alum updates to [email protected].

Meet Sir Pete P**f of Fluffington 💙He's a fluffy little cloud with major main-character energy. He may be dramatic, pick...
12/07/2025

Meet Sir Pete P**f of Fluffington 💙

He's a fluffy little cloud with major main-character energy. He may be dramatic, picky, and full of suspicious side-eye, but beneath all that floof is a shy chinchilla slowly learning to trust (and someday…maybe…accept a raisin). If you’re ready for award-winning expressions and a slow-burn bond with a tiny grey dandelion puff, Pete is ready to grace your home with his royal presence.

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/critters/

SallyMae is a gentle 14-year-old senior lady with a heart full of love. She’s calm, affectionate, and adores warm laps, ...
12/07/2025

SallyMae is a gentle 14-year-old senior lady with a heart full of love. She’s calm, affectionate, and adores warm laps, soft brushes, and cozy naps. SallyMae is looking for a peaceful home where she can relax, soak up the sun, and shower her person with quiet affection. 💕

Find all of our seniors at: https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/seniors-for-seniors/

Address

12526 319th Avenue
Princeton, MN
55371

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17633553981

Website

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Our Rescue Story

Hope’s days were numbered in an overcrowded Ohio shelter in January 2010. The pit bull mix was suffering—emaciated and suffering with heartworm. Azure was no stranger to helping animals in need. She spent her childhood growing up on 50 acres and saving animals of all shapes and sizes, including cats, dogs, squirrels, raccoons, and birds. So when Hope’s picture with her final plea for a home popped up on Azure’s Facebook timeline, she didn’t hesitate to help. The 23-year-old told the shelter she would take Hope as part of a newly developing rescue in her hometown in central Minnesota.

Swiftly, she arranged ground transportation from Ohio to Illinois where a volunteer pilot and his wife from Pilots N Paws waited for Hope’s arrival. The couple flew Hope and another rescue dog directly to the Princeton, MN, airport. Once the plane touched down, Ruff Start Rescue had officially taken in its first rescue dog. True to her nature, Hope was in good spirits. She was placed with a wonderful foster family that was able to give her some much-deserved love, attention, and care. Unsurprisingly, Hope won over her foster family and was adopted by them. And so began Ruff Start Rescue.

Hope was the first companion animal rescued by Ruff Start Rescue since its foundation and the gateway to a career for Azure, who still acts as the rescue’s president and executive director. Ruff Start is a figurehead of the central Minnesota animal welfare community and has served as the Princeton area’s sole non-profit 501c3 animal rescue organization since July 2010.