Due to the overpopulation issue seen in southern states, such as Texas, there are far fewer places for the dogs to go. Although the Texas shelters work tirelessly to help the animals in need, it’s common to have multiple dogs sharing a kennel in a Texas shelter due to the overwhelming need and lack of space. It’s also a state where even healthy and well-behaved animals are at risk for euthanasia. Texas is usually in the top three states for the highest number of animals being euthanized. In 2023 alone, over 83,000 pets were humanely killed there, highlighting the urgent need for rescue and transport efforts, causes we are deeply committed to.
Our goal is to carefully select dogs that enhance and diversify the adoption pool, appealing to as many people as possible. While these dogs may not be local, they are still helping the pet overpopulation issue as a whole.
Most of the animals we rescue are from Minnesota – and will continue to be – our commitment at Ruff Start Rescue extends far beyond our own backyard. We firmly believe we can continue supporting our local community while also helping others in need.
Lone Star to North Star Rescue® Relief Program
A life-saving program supporting our animal friends in Texas
Since Ruff Star’s inception in 2010, we have been committed to helping Minnesota animals and their people. We’ve also had a special partnership with Texas shelters and rescues, through the Lone Star to North Star Rescue Relief Program. The program extends our support to our Texas rescue community, where resources are scarce and community support is limited. We bring Texas dogs to Minnesota where adopters are more plentiful, giving them a life-saving chance.
Quick facts:
Watch and learn about the critical difference Ruff Start makes through Lone Star to North Star.
How You Can Help
1. Become a foster. Fosters for Lone Star to North Star dogs and other animals that come to Ruff Start from local partners are always needed. Visit our foster page for more information and to complete an application.
2. Foster to adopt. If you are interested in adopting a dog but want to get to know the dog first, fostering to adopt might be a great option for you. One great thing about fostering to adopt with Lone Star to North Star is it often includes dog breeds not typically found in Minnesota shelters, such as smaller dogs. Visit our foster to adopt page for more information and to complete an application.
3. Make a donation. There are many ways to give financially to help support this program. You can make a one-time donation, make a recurring donation, host a fundraiser and more. Visit our donation page to learn more.
4. Become a Driving Force Sponsor. By sponsoring these lifesaving journeys on a dollar-per-mile basis, your organization becomes a critical partner in ensuring that “Rescue Knows No Zip Codes.” Join us in turning compassion into action, one mile at a time. Together, we can transform the lives of animals who need us most. Visit our Transport Sponsorship page for more information.
5. Become a transport volunteer. It takes a team to make each transport successful. Transport volunteers are always needed. Roles include: general volunteers, human leads, vetting leads, vetting helpers, preventative fillers, dog leads, dog lead assistants, photographers, photography assistants and drivers. Visit our Volunteer page for more information.
Let Us Tell You More
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the animals come from?
Ruff Start partners with 28 Texas shelters and 35 rescues from the Houston and surrounding area, providing the animals we bring into our care. Occasionally, we take a dog as a direct owner surrender.
How often are dogs brought to Minnesota?
A van full of dogs make their freedom ride from Texas to Minnesota twice a month.
How are dogs brought to Ruff Start?
Bringing the animals from Houston into Ruff Start care is a team effort. Starting with our dedicated fosters based in Texas, who lovingly care for the animals awaiting transport. Then, once a month, Ruff Start volunteers make the 18-hour drive to retrieve the dogs to safely transport them to Minnesota. The other half of the time, one of our rescue partners, Houston PetSet or Best Friends Animal Society, bring them from Houston to our office in Princeton.
Do dogs receive veterinary care before arriving?
Yes. We require two DHPPs vaccines, a rabies vaccine (for puppies over 12 weeks) and a health certificate to travel at minimum. Depending on the dog’s age and situation, more vetting may be required. Once they arrive at Ruff Start Rescue additional vetting is completed and vaccines administered as needed.
What happens when the dogs arrive in Minnesota?
A team of Ruff Start staff and volunteers stationed in our Princeton office welcome the dogs. Each dog is given an exam and photographed. Shy dogs are brought to quiet areas where expert volunteers help reduce their stress. Documentation and preventatives are prepared for fosters. Then, fosters pick them up and bring the dogs into their homes where they will stay until ready for adoption.
Why bring animals from Texas when so many in Minnesota are in need?
Due to the overpopulation issue seen in southern states, such as Texas, there are far fewer places for the dogs to go. Although the Texas shelters work tirelessly to help the animals in need, it’s common to have multiple dogs sharing a kennel in a Texas shelter due to the overwhelming need and lack of space. It’s also a state where even healthy and well-behaved animals are at risk for euthanasia. Texas is usually in the top three states for the highest number of animals being euthanized. In 2023 alone, over 83,000 pets were humanely killed there, highlighting the urgent need for rescue and transport efforts, causes we are deeply committed to.
Our goal is to carefully select dogs that enhance and diversify the adoption pool, appealing to as many people as possible. While these dogs may not be local, they are still helping the pet overpopulation issue as a whole.
Most of the animals we rescue are from Minnesota – and will continue to be – our commitment at Ruff Start Rescue extends far beyond our own backyard. We firmly believe we can continue supporting our local community while also helping others in need.
How does Ruff Start select their rescue partners?
We build partnerships organically, focusing on organizations that share our values. Some relationships originate through referrals, while others reach out to us directly. Some have been partnered with us for years and some are new to our network. Proximity to Houston is important, as it’s where our transport and our veterinary partners are. With fewer of our fosters in Houston, it’s incredibly helpful when a rescue has their own foster network to care for dogs until transport.
When did the Lone Star to North Texas Relief Program start?
The program goes back to our roots, beginning in 2010, the same year Ruff Start Rescue began. Since then, the program has grown significantly as has our impact.