Ruff Start Rescue

Mission Statement

Ruff Start Rescue is dedicated to saving the lives of at-risk animals. We also collaborate, communicate, and educate about the importance of animal rescue and welfare.

Impact and Programs

Accomplishments In 2018, Ruff Start Rescue saved 2,048 at-risk dogs, cats, and small critters. These rescue efforts were made possibly by our exceptional volunteer foster families that so selflessly opened their hearts and homes to these animals. In addition to our animal care program, we also reached 2,105 children through our Children’s Animal Welfare Education program that is designed to promote the next generations of animal advocates. Ruff Start Rescue is also committed to helping our local community by donating pet food and supplies to those families and individuals in need. We donated 4,897lbs of food and supplies to a local pantry to ensure pets can remain with their families regardless of financial barriers. Further, we offered our Annual Wellness Clinic event in April which provides low-cost preventative veterinary care for community-owned dogs and cats. Services offered include routine vaccinations, bloodborne pathogen testing, nail trims, and microchips. This event was very successful in serving 382 dogs and 37 cats over a seven-hour period. Finally, through support of a generous grant, we also offered no-cost spay/neuter services for community-owned and feral/barn cats. We were able to subsidize 92 cat sterilizations (52 community-owned and 40 feral/barn) for community members who may otherwise not have the financial means to pay for this service. Through amazing business and non-profit partnerships, incredible efforts from our 600 volunteers and 300 foster families, and the support of so many generous community members and businesses we were able to make a lasting impact throughout the year.
Current Goals Ruff Start Rescue is focused on saving more animals in need, increasing the reach of our children’s education program, and finding innovative solutions for animals and their people to stay together. To ensure we can rescue more animals we have created a strategic plan to build foster capacity, improve adoption process efficiency, and increase our post-adoption resources. We are also in the process of growing our volunteer base to support our education program. With additional skills-based volunteers able to provide educational presentations and hands-on arts and crafts experiences for children we can increase our reach and find ways to modify our existing format to ensure this program is even more impactful for attendees. Finally, we plan to implement a strategic communications plan to stay more connected with past adopters and continue to serve as a resource long after the adoption is complete. Along with this communication plan we will also provide small grants to some past adopters who are struggling with short term financial issues and need food, veterinary care or behavioral training for their pet. Our hope is to help adopters through financial woes that may otherwise result in animals being relinquished back to the rescue.
Community or Constituency Served Companion animals, Minnesota residents (all ages), low-income families
Geographic Area Served State of Minnesota

Reports & Finances

If you have additional questions regarding a nonprofit's financials, visit their website, or call and ask to review their IRS Form 990, Annual Report, or Audit for a more complete picture of their financial story.
Major Program Expenses
Animal Care Program:
$682,634
Education Program:
$20,213
3 Year Average Expenses
Program Services
$585,621
87.2%
Management
$47,749
7.1%
Fundraising
$38,526
5.7%
Unrestricted Net Assets
End of Year:
Beginning of Year:
Difference:
2018
$1,007,364
$750,636
$256,728
2017
$750,636
$526,854
$223,782
2016
$526,854
$437,658
$89,196

Notes from the Council

Organization Last Reviewed on 07/01/2020

This date is representative of when we completed our initial Accountability Wizard® nonprofit review, and provided the organization with their results. This review is good for three years from the date provided
Return to List of Reviewed Nonprofits

Connect

Address:
12526 319th Avenue
Princeton, MN 55371
Phone: 763-355-3981

General Information

Alternative Name: Ruff Start Rescue Inc., RSR
EIN: 27-2545988
Principal Staff: Azure Davis
Number of Full-Time Equivalents (FTE): 13
Volunteer Opportunities: Yes
Number of Clients: 10,000
Ruling Year: 2010

Board

Board Chair: Valerie McCullough
Number of Board Members: 10
Board Meetings with Quorum: 21
Average Member Attendance: 7

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Let’s Connect

1915 Highway 36 W Ste 133 • Roseville, Minnesota 55113-2709
Phone: (651) 224–7030 • E-mail: info@smartgivers.org

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