All of your pet’s applicable veterinary records are sent in an email, so you’ll know what types of vetting they received in our care. We strongly suggest you bring these records to your pet’s first vet appointment so your veterinary provider can review your pet’s history and ensure all vaccinations are kept up-to-date moving forward.
We have also submitted paperwork for your pet’s microchip ownership to be transferred to you. The process can take up to two weeks to complete, so be on the lookout for an email in your inbox! Be sure to keep all contact information (like phone numbers and addresses) on your pet’s microchip up-to-date.*
If you have any questions regarding your pet’s medical history, please don’t hesitate to contact our vetting team by emailing vetting@ruffstartrescue.org.
*Please note that Ruff Start Rescue will remain the primary contact on your pet’s microchip; your information will be listed as the secondary contact. We do this for multiple reasons to ensure your pet’s safety at all times. If you need any information changed on the microchip, please contact our vetting team.
New Adopter Resources
Welcome to the Ruff Start Family!
Many congratulations are in order during these happiest of times – you’ve adopted your new best friend and become a superhero in the process! Your decision to adopt has saved not only one but two lives: the lucky pet you brought home and the next animal who can enter the rescue’s care because of the opening you created by adopting.
Now that you’re the rightful human to a rescued pet, you can proudly boast that you are officially a part of the Ruff Start family too! You’re joining a fantastic community of animal advocates who have been dedicated to saving, loving, and helping animals since 2010. Thanks to adopters just like you, we’ve been able to give over 20,000 amazing animals a second chance at health and happiness since our foundation in 2010, leading to many happy tails of love and companionship. You’re now one of those pawsitive stories, and we couldn’t be more excited to have you!
Your Pet's Veterinary History
All of your pet’s applicable veterinary records are sent in an email, so you’ll know what types of vetting they received in our care. We strongly suggest you bring these records to your pet’s first vet appointment so your veterinary provider can review your pet’s history and ensure all vaccinations are kept up-to-date moving forward.
We have also submitted paperwork for your pet’s microchip ownership to be transferred to you. The process can take up to two weeks to complete, so be on the lookout for an email in your inbox! Be sure to keep all contact information (like phone numbers and addresses) on your pet’s microchip up-to-date.*
If you have any questions regarding your pet’s medical history, please don’t hesitate to contact our vetting team by emailing vetting@ruffstartrescue.org.
*Please note that Ruff Start Rescue will remain the primary contact on your pet’s microchip; your information will be listed as the secondary contact. We do this for multiple reasons to ensure your pet’s safety at all times. If you need any information changed on the microchip, please contact our vetting team.
Complimentary Adopter Resources
As a Ruff Start Rescue adopter, you receive lots of added benefits to make life with your new best friend a little easier.
Veterinary Clinics We Recommend
Access Veterinary Care
Garrison Animal Hospital
Granite City Pet Hospital
Happy Tails Animal Hospital
Mission Animal Hospital
Monticello Pet Hospital
PetCare of Duluth
Scenic Hills Animal Hospital
St. Francis Veterinary Clinic
The Ark Animal Hospital
Value Care Veterinary Clinic
Ramsey Animal Hospital
Dog Trainers & Behaviorists
Animal Humane Society – Twin Cities Metro
Leaps and Hounds Behavior – Twin Cities Metro and Western Wisconsin
Down Dog Studio – Fargo, ND
For Keeps Pet Training – Twin Cities, MN
Giffy Dog – St. Paul, MN
Hippie Dog – Edina, MN
Kristy Francis Dog Training – Albertville, MN
Lucky Mutt Dog Training – Oak Grove/Minneapolis, MN
Tenacious Dog Training – Sioux Falls, SD
Dog Training Basics
Cat Training Basics
Pet Health & Veterinary Assistance
Pet Health
Vetting Assistance
Lost & Found Pet Resources
Stay Connected with Us
Each animal taken in by Ruff Start touches the lives of countless Ruff Start volunteers during their time in rescue. From the intake representative who brings your pet into rescue to the application manager who processes your adoption application, many people have a special place in their heart for your new best friend!
As such, providing us updates about your new lives together is always appreciated. Seeing those waggin’ tails and rainy day cuddle sessions is an added incentive for our team to keep saving the lives of animals just like your pet!
Join our Facebook group, Ruff Start Rescue Reunions! This group is a place for adopters to share stories about their new family members and correspond with other Ruff Start adopters. It’s a great resource when you need advice, too!
Subscribe to receive updates from us! From adoptable animals to true tales of rescue, we’ve always got something Ruff Start related to share. You definitely don’t want to miss this!
Share your adventures with us! Whenever you post a cute photo or video on your social networks, make sure you tag us (@ruffstartrescuemn on Instagram) and use the hashtags #ruffstartrescuemn and #ruffstartalumni!
Visit us anytime! We LOVE seeing Ruff Start alums at events, so if you see us in your neighborhood make sure you stop by to say hello. You can see all events we’re scheduled to be at on our website.
Sign up to volunteer if you want to help us save the lives of pets in need! A multitude of volunteer opportunities is available, whether you’re near or far. Fill out a volunteer application today!
Thank You for Adopting!
On behalf of the entire Ruff Start Rescue team, THANK YOU for choosing to adopt a pet with our organization. We wish you and your pet the happiest of lives together!