Help us inspire generosity this Give to the Max Day! Your gift to the Matching Fund will be used as a challenge to the community, doubling the impact of every donation made during the event. By con...

Dudley, an 8-year-old Old English Bulldog, was found as a stray and brought into one of our local impound partners. When he arrived, it was clear he had been through so much - bloody urine, painful...

Ruff Start Rescue’s Education Program inspires compassion and responsible pet ownership by engaging children and families through interactive lessons, activity packets, and community outreach. In 2...

Ruff Start Rescue’s Owner Surrender Prevention Program provides veterinary care grants to help families cover unexpected medical expenses for their pets. When emergencies arise—such as illness, inj...

Join Ruff Start Rescue as we celebrate an incredible milestone: 15 years of lifesaving work and more than 30,000 animals rescued! This open house is our way of thanking the fosters, volunteers, don...

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 e...

Champagne’s story is heartbreaking. This young pittie/boxer mix was a happy, healthy 50+ lb girl when she first came through a local animal control earlier this spring. She was adopted in May… an...

Emergency Surgery - Foreign Body Obstruction

Six dogs. Six second chances. Thanks to our friends at Humane World for Animals, six dogs are now on their way to Minnesota and to brighter futures with Ruff Start Rescue. Our incredible voluntee...

Building for the Future Ruff Start Rescue is growing to better serve animals and the people who love them. Last year’s expansion gave us safer access and more space for animals, but we’re not st...

At Ruff Start Rescue, every animal has a story. If one of our blog posts led you here, thank you for being part of their next chapter. Use this donation page to support their care — and feel free t...

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based nonprofit companion animal rescue that radiates compassion and dedication. Our unwavering mission extends beyond borders, reaching communities throughout Minneso...

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based nonprofit companion animal rescue that radiates compassion and dedication. Our unwavering mission extends beyond borders, reaching communities throughout Minneso...