Adopt

Ruff Start Rescue

Animal rescue in Princeton, MN

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that primarily serves communities throughout the state of Minnesota, as well as states in the south with severe pet overpopulation. We rescue stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered dogs and cats as well as ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other critters. Most of our work is accomplished by a complex network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters, all of whom come together to save thousands of animals each year.

Since our inception, we’ve firmly believed that a home is usually a far more desirable environment than a shelter or a kennel for most companion animals in need of a forever family. As a result, we rely nearly exclusively on volunteers to provide foster homes for rescued pets until they find their adoptive homes. Please note: this means no animals are available at our facility for public viewing.

Each pet in our care is provided with routine vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, microchipped, given internal and external parasite preventatives, and tested for common bloodborne pathogens such as heartworm and feline leukemia. Advanced veterinary care is provided to any animal that requires such services before adoption.

If you are interested in fostering, adopting, or volunteering, please fill out an applicable application at our website: www.ruffstartrescue.org.

Contact
Address
PO Box 129
Princeton, MN 55371
Cats Illustration

See every new pet that comes to this rescue!

Create an alert, and we'll notify you every time a new pet comes in who meets your criteria.

Adoptable pets at Ruff Start Rescue

Photo of Lily

Lily

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Senior
Princeton, MN
new badge
Photo of Bobb

Bobb

Catahoula Leopard Dog/Labrador Retriever

Male, Puppy
Princeton, MN
Photo of Firework

Firework

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Kitten
Princeton, MN
new badge
Photo of Cashmere

Cashmere

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Adult
Princeton, MN
new badge
Photo of Velvet

Velvet

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Kitten
Princeton, MN
new badge
Photo of Satin

Satin

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Kitten
Princeton, MN

Rescue FAQs

The entire state of Minnesota as well as its bordering states, with a special focus on the Central Minnesota and Greater Twin Cities area.

  • 1. Submit Application
  • 2. Meet the Pet
  • 3. Sign Adoption Contract
  • 4. Take the Pet Home

Additional adoption info

After adoption we’d love to remain a resource for you if you have questions or concerns you need help addressing with your new pet. Please reach out to us at adoptionfollowup@ruffstartrescue.org if we can be of any assistance.

Adoption application

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoption-application/

Pets at shelters & rescues near Ruff Start Rescue

New Beginnings Animal Rescue

Albertville, MN 55301

Second Chances Open Arms Rescue

PO Box 113,
Kellogg, MN 55045

Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota

PO Box 46562,
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Photo of Miney

Miney

Australian Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog

Female, 5 mos
Maple Grove, MN
Photo of Captain Crunch

Captain Crunch

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 6 mos
Buffalo, MN
Photo of Tangelo

Tangelo

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Young
Forest Lake, MN
Photo of Charles

Charles

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Young
Forest Lake, MN
Photo of Stella** D18562

Stella** D18562

Labrador Retriever

Female, 5 yrs 6 mos
Minnetonka, MN
long timer badge
Photo of Niles

Niles

Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Male, Young
Brooklyn Center, MN

Search for a dog or cat

Animal Charities in Princeton, MN

HeARTs Speak

HeARTs Speak develops resources that help shelter animals to be seen and find homes, ultimately transforming public perceptions of pet adoption, shelters, and animals in need. Each year our work helps nearly 1 million pets in your community and beyond.

Learn more

Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs

There is a tremendous need for new methods of sterilization that are faster, easier, more accessible, and less expensive than surgery. ACC&D works tirelessly to bring together key stakeholders to advance this field.

Learn more

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Every day, Animal Legal Defense Fund works to enact tougher animal cruelty laws, provide care and legal assistance for animal victims of cruelty, offer rewards to bring abusers to justice, and provide free legal assistance to prosecutors and law enforcement to put abusers behind bars.

Learn more