At Ruff Start Rescue we strive to educate the public on animal rescue and welfare. Education is so strongly rooted in our organization that “educate” has been in our mission statement since day one. To support this effort we have created a number of education and outreach programs.
We also understand that pet owners can face a variety of challenges, like pet behavior issues, difficulty finding pet-friendly housing, and trouble paying for large veterinarian bills. As a service to the community we have compiled a list of resources and services to help answer some commonly asked questions.
Community Resources
General Cat Information & Tips
General Dog Information & Tips
Best Friends Resources
Pet Health
Pet Training
Advocacy
General Pet
Lost & Found Pets
Financial Assistance
Low-Cost Spay & Neuter
Injured Wildlife
If you find wildlife in an area where they should not be, or if they appear to be in distress, contact one of these agencies:
- Department of Natural Resources (Sauk Rapids office) – 320-223-7878
- Injured Birds of Prey – 612-624-4745
- Wildlife Rehabilitators of MN – 651-486-9453
- Golden Valley H.S. Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release – 763-522-4325
TNR & Community Cats
From our friends at Alley Cat Allies: Community cats are unowned cats who live outdoors in virtually every landscape on every continent where people live. Like pet cats, they belong to the domestic cat species (Felis catus). However, community cats, also called feral cats, are generally not socialized—or friendly—to people. They live full, healthy lives with their feline families (called colonies) in their outdoor homes. Trap-Neuter-Return is the only humane, effective approach to community cats, and it helps them and the communities where they live.
Ruff Start Rescue is able to participate in TNR for our local communities through grants. If you have or know cats that are able to partake in this program please email us at vetting@ruffstartrescue.org.
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Copy-of-Untitled-1.png
315
560
Kayla Koscielniak
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/RSR_Logo_RGB_Large.png
Kayla Koscielniak2020-05-11 02:33:482020-05-11 02:34:40Kids and Pet Safety
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Untitled-design-3.png
315
560
Kayla Koscielniak
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/RSR_Logo_RGB_Large.png
Kayla Koscielniak2020-05-11 01:44:242020-05-11 01:44:47Resources for Newly Adopted Pets
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Blog-feature-image.png
315
560
Kayla Koscielniak
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/RSR_Logo_RGB_Large.png
Kayla Koscielniak2020-02-25 17:44:022020-05-11 18:02:58Smart Feeding Tips for Senior DogsEducation Program
Our rescue was founded with the intention of not only rescuing animals but also educating the general public about animal welfare and advocacy. This sets us apart from rescues throughout the state, which focuses solely on the animal aspect of rescue, neglecting the human one.
Education Committee
Our education committee is responsible for the coordination and presentation of our mission. This committee consists of volunteers that meet once a month at our office in Princeton. They create and coordinate all events, review feedback of recent visits, and brainstorm ideas to increase the impact of Ruff Start Rescue’s messages.
Ruff Start’s education program focuses on educating younger generations in:
- Animal welfare basics
- Making adoption your first option
- Importance of spaying and neutering
Educational Presentations for Youth
Since 2013, the education committee has presented to a myriad of audiences including elementary through high school-aged students, daycares, scout troops, and senior citizens.
When able, presentations include two rescue representatives (a presenter and a facilitator); Ruff Start Rescue’s (costumed) mascot, Ruff; and a rescued pet. Participants will typically receive goodie bags and visual aids.
Presentations can be catered to specific groups with timing and content. Presentations will need to be scheduled in advance.
Educational Program Types
Pack Pups Program: This program helps children and young adults become responsible, compassionate, and empathetic pet owners by educating them on pet care, adoption, and safety. Each year the education program grows, focusing on ways to better the future of animal welfare right at the source: our youth.
Jr. Volunteer Events (Day Camps): Each quarter, our education committee hosts a day camp that presents children and their families with an opportunity to volunteer their time and talents at Ruff Start Rescue by creating arts and crafts. These activities benefit the animals in our care and allow us the time to educate on varying animal welfare topics. Past projects include: creating dog and cat toys and beds, and feral cat houses.
Corporate Educational Opportunities: Corporate entities and businesses that are interested in learning more about Ruff Start Rescue or would like to create items for the animals in our care are encouraged to reach out to our committee via email at education@ruffstartrescue.org.
Business Expos and Community Outreach: In a typical expo setting, volunteers will set up a booth and educate participants about Ruff Start Rescue and the work that we do.
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Education-feature-image.jpg
600
1200
Kathy Rumpza
https://dev.ruffstartrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/RSR_Logo_RGB_Large.png
Kathy Rumpza2019-12-20 20:35:062020-05-11 18:04:36Ruff Start Rescue Education Program