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.

Meet Goldie Hawn: 12 years young, fluffy, and fabulous! 🩷This sweet Pomeranian loves cuddles, naps, and following her pe...
08/30/2025

Meet Goldie Hawn: 12 years young, fluffy, and fabulous! 🩷

This sweet Pomeranian loves cuddles, naps, and following her person everywhere like it’s her full-time job. Quiet, gentle, and oh-so-loyal, Goldie is ready to spend her golden years being someone’s little shadow.

(P.S. She’s part of our Seniors for Seniors program, which means discounted adoption fees for senior adopters!)

View our seniors: https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/seniors-for-seniors/

Sweet, snuggly, and full of personality — that’s Margaret! 💕 She’s playful, people-oriented, and happiest when she’s rig...
08/30/2025

Sweet, snuggly, and full of personality — that’s Margaret! 💕

She’s playful, people-oriented, and happiest when she’s right by your side. Margaret loves cuddles, is food-motivated, and will make training fun. If you’re looking for a loyal sidekick who’s equal parts gentle and goofy, Margaret could be your girl!

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/dogs-puppies/

Meet Cookie! 🍪 This kitty never gets tired of playtime! He’ll chase wand toys, play tug of war like a dog, and even meow...
08/30/2025

Meet Cookie! 🍪

This kitty never gets tired of playtime! He’ll chase wand toys, play tug of war like a dog, and even meow at you when he’s ready for round two.

When he’s not being a goofball, Cookie’s a window-watcher, a food-bowl pointer, and a sweet boy who’ll roll over for pets once he trusts you.

If you’re looking for nonstop fun (and plenty of love), Cookie’s your guy!

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/adopt-cats-and-kittens/

This Labor Day, celebrate by giving the gift of love and second chances! ❤️So many cuties are waiting for their chance t...
08/29/2025

This Labor Day, celebrate by giving the gift of love and second chances! ❤️

So many cuties are waiting for their chance to come to Ruff Start Rescue, but they need fosters like YOU.

When you foster, you’re not just opening your home; you’re doing lifesaving work. Ruff Start provides all the supplies, vetting, and support, so all you have to do is pour in the love.

Make this holiday weekend count — sign up to foster today and help a pet find their happily ever after.

Sign up here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/
Questions? Email [email protected]

Rico’s world is fading. 💔This sweet 2-year-old Pitbull mix has already lost sight in his right eye due to painful compli...
08/29/2025

Rico’s world is fading. 💔

This sweet 2-year-old Pitbull mix has already lost sight in his right eye due to painful complications, and vets say it can’t be saved. Without urgent surgery, his left eye will follow, leaving him in total darkness.

But there is hope. If we act now, cataract surgery could restore vision in Rico’s remaining eye and give him the gift of sight for the rest of his life. Imagine what that means for a young dog who’s already lost so much — the ability to see his foster mom’s smile, chase a ball, and move through the world without fear.

Rico was abandoned after his owner was evicted, left to an uncertain future until he found his way to Ruff Start Rescue. Despite everything, he’s still a gentle soul, a boy who loves his people, gets along with dogs, takes cues from cats, and enjoys walks and snuggles once he feels safe.

The surgeries, medications, and follow-up care come with a steep cost — over $5,000 — but together, we can make it possible.

Will you help us give Rico the chance to see again?

Your gift today could be the difference between a lifetime of darkness and a future full of light, comfort, and love.

08/28/2025

Who is your favorite animal in rescue? 🐾

Find them all at: ruffstartrescue.org

Back-to-school season isn’t just for students. It’s the perfect time for YOU to learn something new, meet amazing people...
08/27/2025

Back-to-school season isn’t just for students. It’s the perfect time for YOU to learn something new, meet amazing people, and make a difference for animals in need! 🐾

Ruff Start Rescue is looking for new (and returning!) volunteers to jump in this season. From helping at adoption events, to driving animals to safety, to remote roles from your couch, there’s a job for everyone.

Even a few hours a month can change the life of a rescue pet.

Sign up to volunteer today and be part of the Ruff Start team: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Double the trouble, double the snuggles, double the fun! 😻Marvin and Mavis are playful siblings who are purr-fect compan...
08/27/2025

Double the trouble, double the snuggles, double the fun! 😻

Marvin and Mavis are playful siblings who are purr-fect companions and love zoomies, cuddles, and mischief… and yes, they’ll happily keep each other entertained while you’re away.

Why adopt two? It’s a win-win: kittens in pairs stay social, happy, and confident, and you get twice the love, laughs, and purrs!

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/adopt-cats-and-kittens/

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.