Ruff Start Rescue 16th Anniversary Celebration and Open House On 19 Sep 2026

Ruff Start Rescue Expands Princeton Facility to Meet Surging Need for
Animal Rescue Across Minnesota
2026 Open House on Sept. 19 features facility tours, adoptable pets, and interviews with Founder and CEO Azure Davis on addressing the critical surge in rescue demand

WHAT: Ruff Start Rescue 16th Anniversary Celebration and Open House
Ruff Start Rescue invites community members, supporters, and media to its 16th Anniversary Celebration and Open House. The day celebrates an incredible milestone: 16 years of lifesaving work and more than 33,000 animals rescued! Plus, see the expansion, 2920 sq. ft. of new space designed to address the rapid escalation over recent years of animals needing help. Since 2019, Ruff Start Rescue has increased annual intake by 47%, growing from 2,547 animals served in 2019, to 3,737 animals in 2025.
Attendees can tour the organization's newly expanded facilities, meet adoptable pets, drop off donations, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
An exclusive after-hours foster and volunteer appreciation event will follow the public open house to celebrate the dedicated network powering the rescue's mission.
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

WHERE: Ruff Start Rescue
12526 319th Ave.
Princeton, MN 55371

OPEN HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS:
Meet adoptable animals
Food and Beverages
Games and Activities
Shop local vendors
RSR merchandise for sale
Silent Auction supporting Ruff Start Rescue programs
Take a tour of our new expansion
Donation Drive- collecting new and gently used pet supplies and food
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES AND VISUALS:
Interviews: Azure Davis, Founder and CEO of Ruff Start Rescue, available on-site for interviews regarding the rising regional demand for animal rescue services, community impact, and how the facility expansion addresses critical operational needs.

B-Roll / Photo Opportunities:
Guided video/photo tours of the newly expanded facility footprint.
On-site adoptable animals interacting with visitors and volunteers.
Interactive community activities, supply drive collections, and volunteer appreciation events.
RSVP / MEDIA ACCESS:
Let us know if you can make it, and if Saturday, September 19th doesn't fit into your schedule, we can have you out when it works! Just contact Kelly Plummer (call or text) at 651-206-9852 or kelly@pitchgal.com
About Ruff Start Rescue
Founded in 2010, 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. The nonprofit rescues stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered dogs and cats as well as ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other critters. Most of Ruff Start Rescue's work is accomplished by a complex network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters, all of whom come together to save thousands of animals each year, more than 33,000 since its inception!

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Category: Pets / Animals