Virtual Puppy and Kitten Parties Hosted By Ruff Start Rescue

There’s a spike in pet adoption due to more people being at home. But animal rescue services are having a hard time keeping up with all the expenses that come with the demand. 

“Our increase has been over 50 percent,” said Azure Davis, founder and executive director for Ruff Start Rescue.

Ruff Start Rescue, a nonprofit based in Princeton that saves animals, is seeing well over 1,000 adoption applications a month since the start of the global pandemic.

“So many people want dogs and cats. We’re trying to take advantage of that and save as many as we can, but with that comes medical expenses and unexpected medical expense,” explained Davis.

With COVID-19 and canceled events, Davis said it’s tough to get revenue.

“We use to have in-person puppy and kitten parties for corporations or birthday parties, you name it,” she said. “We would have people make a donation to play with puppies and kittens all day long. Well, can’t do that anymore.”

Online Animal Parties

Instead, the nonprofit is offering puppy and kitten parties virtually. 

“We’re asking for $100 donation. $100 is the minimum and it’s a half hour where people just get to watch cute puppies and kittens play on their screen,” Davis said.

Virtual puppy party

The donations will provide pets in need with food, vaccinations, shelter and veterinarian expenses. 

“We’re really gearing it toward corporations, organizations, employers that want to offer some type of out of the box feel good situation for their employees.”

Davis said it’s not just for employees, anyone can schedule a virtual puppy or kitten party.

“We feel that its really a mental health break for people,” Davis said. “It reduces stress, brings joy to their life, to their workday and it’s something different.”

• Click here for more information on the virtual puppy and kitten parties. 

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