Turn Spring Cleaning Into A Chance To Help Local Animals in Rochester

It's spring cleaning time! And if, for you, that means going through and getting rid of items you no longer want or need, I have the perfect place for you to bring those items.

Each year, Paws and Claws Humane Society in Rochester, MN has their version of a giant garage sale. They call it their Rummage Sale, and they want your items that you no longer want or need.

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Paws and Claws in Rochester, MN

Paws and Claws has been in the community for many years.

Back in 1974, a woman named Marge Mourning started helping animals in need in the area. Two years later, in 1976, she started Paws and Claws Humane Society.

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Paws and Claws became an official non-profit in 1979. They've moved to a few different locations over the years, but their current building had its big grand opening in July of 2013.

Well over 1,000 cats and dogs are adopted from Paws and Claws every year, which is amazing! But taking care of all of those animals costs lots of money.

One of the big ways that they make that money is through their Rummage Sale.

Paws and Claws Rummage Sale 2025

Last year, the Rummage Sale made around $27,000. If you want to be a part of this huge fundraiser this year, there are two main ways you can help.

First, is by donating any of those unwanted items for Paws and Claws to sell during the sale.

You can drop off donations at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, Building 41. Dates and times you can drop off donations are Sunday, May 25th noon - 4 PM and Monday, May 26th through Thrusday, May 29th 11 AM - 7 PM for all of those days.

There are some items that they do not accept, like clothing, holiday items, computers, exercise equipment, major appliances, and baby furniture. There are others, which you can find on the Paws and Claws website.

The other way you can help is by shopping the Rummage Sale! I know, so difficult.

This year, the sale will be Saturday, May 31st 7 AM - 4 PM, and Sunday, June 1st 8 AM - noon. You can also get early access to the sale by buying a pre-sale ticket at Paws and Claws. It costs $30 per person and the pre-sale will be Friday, May 30th 5 - 7:30 PM.