In 2013 Ruff Start Rescue created an Education Department whose primary focus is to encourage community members of all ages to become more responsible and compassionate pet owners and animal advocates. This is accomplished by delivering age-appropriate information on topics such as the importance of spay/neuter, animal safety, pet care, rescue and adoption. Through classroom presentations, presentations to youth and adult organizations, community outreach events, and unique programming, Ruff Start Rescue’s education program has reached over 12,000 individuals since 2013. We believe that educating the masses is a necessary and highly effective way to help produce responsible guardians of companion animals, ultimately leading to a decrease in abandoned and mistreated pets.
Customized educational programs for schools and community groups.
Community Connections brings animal welfare education and hands-on learning opportunities to schools, daycares, homeschool groups, youth organizations, libraries, senior centers, community groups, and more. Programs are tailored to the age, interests, and needs of your audience and can cover a variety of topics related to animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, careers in animal welfare, rescue operations, and more.
Programs can be offered in person or virtually and may include educational presentations, interactive activities, service projects, and opportunities to engage with rescue animals.
For in-person programs, we generally include one or two Ruff Start Rescue representatives and one or more friendly rescue animals when available. Visual aids, educational materials, and take-home resources may be provided to help participants continue learning and advocating for animals. Depending on the program length and audience, hands-on activities such as creating enrichment toys for animals in rescue care can also be incorporated.
These presentations are a great fit for:
Schools and classrooms • Homeschool groups • Libraries • Youth organizations • Senior communities • Community groups • Service-learning programs • Workplace events • and more!
We’re happy to build ongoing relationships with schools and organizations through annual, recurring, or customized programming.
A special thank you to Tails That Teach for supporting our humane education programs with compassion-centered books for young learners. Through their generous book donation program, children in grades K-5 and those who participate in our Community Connections programs can receive a book to take home, helping extend lessons about responsible pet care and empathy.
Our education department is primarily volunteer driven and we are always looking for help to keep our programing going. Some of the roles we have include Ranger Committee member, Education Committee member, education presenter, and education recruiter. To see what roles we are looking to add to the team, check out the volunteer page to learn more and fill out a volunteer application.
Ruff Start Rangers aims to educate youth through service and activities in hopes the future of animal welfare sees fewer homeless pets and more responsible pet owners than in the past. As a Ranger, you will join a community of like-minded youth to grow your knowledge of animal health and wellness, and begin a positive, lifelong relationship with animals. Ruff Start Rangers is for anyone entering grades K-12.
Each quarter, our Education Department hosts an evening class designed to encourage children 15 and under and their families to volunteer their time and talents to help the animals Ruff Start works with! Junior Volunteer Events focus on creating a hands-on project that benefits animals in our care as well as serve as an opportunity to educate and discuss various animal welfare topics with youth and their families. Previous projects we’ve worked on during Junior Volunteer Events include:
Sign up for these free events on our Events Page.
Cat Storytime is a chance for kids to come read stories to our cats at the facility in Princeton, MN. This program helps kids practice their reading skills and allows cats a chance to socialize with many new families while they are here!
These are 30 minute shifts during the week (M-F) where kids can come with a parent or guardian to read stories to our cat here at the RSR office. You may bring your own book(s) or choose from our selection.
Cat Storytime is available for children aged 6 and up. A parent or guardian must remain with the child at all times. Each time slot is limited to 1 parent/guardian and 2 children aged 6 and up.
To sign up for this program, please email education@ruffstartrescue.org.
Looking for a unique and memorable experience for your Girl Scouts? Ruff Start Rescue is proud to offer workshops that give scouts hands-on, behind-the-scenes experiences centered on the Girl Scouts of the USA and Scouts BSA badge requirements.
Our scout programs support troop leaders, complementing their goals while sharing our vision. Programs are led by our education staff and/or volunteer docents and their trained animal ambassadors.
For more information or to schedule any of our educational offerings, please email education@ruffstartrescue.org.
Want updates when Ruff Start Rescue shares education, campaign opportunities, or ways to take action?
If you are interested in animal welfare education or want to check out volunteer opportunities, please contact us.
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