When Jaydeen Vicente moved to Oakdale in 2009, she fell in love with its small-town charm. While volunteering at the local animal shelter, she learned it was built in the 1970s for 5,000 residents but was now serving 60,000+. Recognizing the limits of city resources, she envisioned a no-kill shelter—one that could partner with the city so every animal has a second chance at life. From that vision, ASTRO Foundation was born. 

Founded in 2012 by Jaydeen and fellow animal lovers, ASTRO has grown into a thriving nonprofit animal welfare organization. ASTRO has since rescued more than 10,000 animals. Each life was saved thanks to a remarkable network of volunteers, foster families, and veterinary partners who work tirelessly to give abandoned and at-risk pets a second chance. Current board members include Jaydeen Vicente, Anita Morphew, Lynette Fletcher, Laurette Neumann, and Jennifer Gowans.

Every year, ASTRO helps hundreds of cats and dogs find loving homes. But the mission doesn’t stop there. The Foundation also tackles the root causes of animal homelessness. Programs like the Community Cat Program, run in partnership with the City of Oakdale and Best Friends Animal Society, provide TNR (trap-neuter-return) services to reduce overpopulation. The Happy Pets Food Pantry supports families in crisis by helping them keep and care for their beloved pets.

Since 2021, under the leadership of Executive Director Megan Scoullar, ASTRO has expanded from focusing solely on adoption to offering these broader, community-driven programs that address animal welfare at its root.

In 2025, ASTRO reached a milestone with the opening of its new facility at 20 S. Stearns Road in Oakdale. Here, adoptable pets receive comprehensive care, including vaccinations, preventatives, microchipping, and any needed medications before joining their forever families. The facility also serves as a hub for adoptions, fostering, volunteering, and community engagement.

On August 17th, that dream was nearly crushed when an out-of-control car crashed into ASTRO’s Community Cat Room. Tragically, one cat was killed, six escaped, and a dedicated volunteer narrowly avoided serious injury. The building sustained major damage, forcing ASTRO to close to the public while rebuilding. This devastating setback has reduced adoptions, income, and the ability to fully function as a rescue. Yet ASTRO’s mission remains unchanged—and community support is needed now more than ever.

ASTRO is entirely sustained through public support. Donations, adoption fees, and proceeds from the Thrift & Gift Shop (generously supported by City of Oakdale) fuel operations, while animal welfare grants from Petco Love, Subaru, Best Friends, Maddie’s Fund, United Spay Alliance, Community Cats Podcast, and Walmart Sparks Good provide added help. 

The success of ASTRO depends on your compassion and generosity. 

Together, we can rebuild, recover, and ensure that no animal in our community is left behind. Learn more at astrofoundation.org or call (209) 604-2649.