Be the Change for an Underdog

Your support helps us rescue, rehab, and rehome the dogs of St. Croix.

Ways to Volunteer

Office Duty Animal Care

OFFICE DUTY: We have three (3) shifts per day. You would go anytime, within that timeframe, and walk, feed (if applicable), medicate (if applicable), clean up after and care for the office dog(s). The “shifts” are “Early AM” (anytime before 10am), “Afternoon” (anytime between 12-5pm) and “Late PM” (anytime after 6pm) and it usually takes about an hour. Volunteers must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult.

Apply to Volunteer

Cruise Ship Days

Cruise Ship Days at Victoria House in Frederiksted consists of caring for puppies or adult dogs, talking to cruise ship passengers about Ruff Start Stx and selling (and tracking) merchandise. We are usually there from 10am until about 3pm. We now have added a puppy kissing booth, for extra fun, but these days are pretty fun, laid back and chill.

Apply to Volunteer

Donation/Supply Runs

These volunteers will go across island to pick up donations at various collection sites, or other special donations. Sometimes picking up shipments or other supplies is part of the task too!

Apply to Volunteer

Airport/Vet Transport

These volunteers will meet up with foster parents to bring dogs to the airport and help them check in, or sometimes to/from vet appointments.

Apply to Volunteer

West End Community Clinic

The clinic is usually held the first Saturday of the month. We have various things you can help with from helping set up and break down to helping community members check in or buy preventatives, to helping guiding and handling the dogs or selling merchandise.

Apply to Volunteer

Stateside Ground Transport

We often send transports of large dogs to Miami, but then they need help getting to their forever homes across the US. These volunteers will be part of a team who drives different segments getting the dogs to their final destinations

Apply to Volunteer

Stateside Airport Overnight

These volunteers live in the states and are able to meet travelers at an airport and overnight a puppy or dog and meet up with their adopter the next day. Sometimes called upon incase of emergency when flight delays prohibit the adopter from meeting the new flight.

Apply to Volunteer

Other

Got a special talent? We need photographers, social media experts, event planners, and handy people for kennel maintenance. Use your expertise for the rescues.

Apply to Volunteer

Open your home. Change a life

Fostering is the bridge between a dog's past and their future. By opening your heart and home to a rescue pet, you provide the critical care, socialization, and love they need to become adoption-ready. Every foster home allows us to rescue one more dog from the streets of St. Croix, literally saving a life while they wait for their forever family.

Become a Foster

Turn Your Flight into a Lifesaving Journey

Already flying from St. Croix to the mainland? You can help a dog reach its forever home or one of our trusted rescue partners at no cost to you. A Ruff Start STX volunteer will meet you at the St. Croix airport with the dog, carrier, and all required paperwork, and will assist you with check-in. When you arrive, the adopter or partner rescue will be waiting at your destination airport to receive the dog. All you have to do is enjoy your flight knowing you've helped change a dog's life.

01 / 06

Become a Flight Escort

Fuel Our Lifesaving Mission

Your financial support provides safe shelter, medical care, and nutrition for dogs on their journey to forever homes. Every dollar directly impacts our ability to rescue and run vital community programs like our free vaccine clinics and humane education programs. Whether it's a one-time gift or a monthly commitment, your generosity saves lives and strengthens our St. Croix community. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Give Today