Question 1

What is Ruff Rough?

Accepted Answer

Ruff Rough INC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in San Antonio and South-East Texas. We recognize and celebrate heroic acts of K-9 rescue, present awards to dogs and the people who save them, and operate Drones4Dogs — a drone-based search-and-rescue program for lost dogs. Founded after Hurricane Katrina by journalist Kaye Cruz.

Question 2

When was Ruff Rough founded and why?

Accepted Answer

Ruff Rough was born in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. While covering the disaster as a national news crew in Gulfport, Mississippi, founder Kaye Cruz witnessed dogs dying on the beach after drinking saltwater searching for water. That experience sparked a movement to organize K-9 rescue during disasters and to honor the heroes — both human and canine — who answer the call.

Question 3

Is Ruff Rough a registered nonprofit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ruff Rough INC is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. View our financials and filings on our Transparency page.

Question 4

What is Drones4Dogs?

Accepted Answer

Drones4Dogs is our volunteer drone search-and-rescue program for lost dogs. FAA Part 107 certified pilots deploy drones — often equipped with thermal imaging — to cover large areas quickly and locate missing dogs that ground searches can miss.

Question 5

How does drone dog rescue actually work?

Accepted Answer

When a family reports a lost dog in our service area, our team gathers details (last-seen location, terrain, dog description, behavior). A volunteer pilot deploys to the area, flies a grid pattern using visual and/or thermal cameras, and relays sightings to ground teams. The goal is rapid location followed by safe ground recovery — drones never attempt direct contact with the dog.

Question 6

How much does a Drones4Dogs search cost?

Accepted Answer

Searches are provided free to families. We're funded entirely by donations, sponsorships, and grants — which is why every donation directly enables more rescues.

Question 7

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our primary service region is San Antonio and South-East Texas. We also support disaster-response operations across the Gulf Coast when storms hit, and partner with organizations nationally for K-9 hero recognition. Outside our region, contact us — we may be able to refer you to a partner team.

Question 8

How do I nominate a hero?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Submit a Hero page and tell us the story — the dog, the people, what happened, and why it matters. We accept nominations year-round for both K-9 heroes (dogs that saved lives) and human heroes (people who rescued dogs in extraordinary circumstances).

Question 9

Who qualifies as a Ruff Rough hero?

Accepted Answer

Any dog or person whose actions during a disaster, emergency, or moment of crisis resulted in a life saved or a meaningful rescue. Police K-9s, search-and-rescue dogs, family pets who alerted owners to danger, ordinary citizens who waded into floodwaters for a stranger's dog — all are welcome nominations.

Question 10

What happens after I submit a nomination?

Accepted Answer

Our team reviews each story, may follow up for additional details or photos, and selects honorees for award recognition, press features, and possible inclusion at our annual ceremony.

Question 11

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ruff Rough INC is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN available upon request). Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. law. You'll receive a receipt for your records via email.

Question 12

How are donations used?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 80% of every donation funds programs and rescue operations (Drones4Dogs, disaster response, awards), 12% supports outreach and education, and 8% covers administration. See our Transparency page for full breakdowns and 990 filings.

Question 13

Can I make a recurring donation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Donate page supports both one-time and monthly recurring gifts via secure Stripe processing. Monthly support is the single most impactful way to help us plan rescue capacity.

Question 14

Do you accept in-kind donations or corporate sponsorships?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Drones, thermal cameras, vehicles, fuel, and supplies are all welcome in-kind gifts. For corporate partnerships and sponsorship tiers, visit our Partners page.

Question 15

How do I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Get Involved page and tell us about your skills and location. We welcome FAA Part 107 drone pilots, ground search volunteers, disaster responders, storytellers, social-media helpers, and event coordinators.

Question 16

Do I need drone certification to help?

Accepted Answer

Only for active flight operations. Many other volunteer roles — ground spotting, family liaison, dispatch coordination, event support, content creation — require no certification, just your time and care.

Question 17

Can my company organize a volunteer day?

Accepted Answer

Yes — corporate volunteer days, team-building events, and matching-gift programs are great ways to engage employees. Contact us through the Partners page to set one up.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Ruff Rough

Drones4Dogs

Hero Nominations

Donations & Funding

Volunteering & Getting Involved

Still Have Questions?