At its Monday Dec. 16 meeting, the Oakdale City Council adopted a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Oakdale Animal Services, Best Friends Animal Society, and the ASTRO Foundation to implement a Community Cat Program aimed at humane feline population management.

Oakdale Police Department Support Division Lieutenant Gary Vanderheiden explained the purpose of the program, “This initiative is expected to improve the survival rate, reduce the burden on the shelter, and create a sustainable pathway for cat management in Oakdale.”

The program, funded by a $50,000 grant from Best Friends Animal Society, will focus on sterilization, vaccination, and public outreach.

Vanderheiden said, “The strength of partnership between the city of Oakdale, ASTRO, and Best Friends should enable us to have a more efficient operation and reduce resource sharing for the benefit of the community,” highlighting the importance of collaboration.

Vanderheiden further outlined the program’s operations, stating that Best Friends Animal Society will provide materials such as door hangers and flyers and educate the public on the Community Cat Program, to include nuisance mitigation and how to be responsible pet owners.

The ASTRO Foundation will handle program administration, including care for cats and intake diversion.

Vanderheiden noted ASTRO’s key role, saying, “They’ll administer the cat community program, ensuring the cats receive the necessary vaccinations and care and facilitate the intake diversion of healthy outdoor cats.”

The program carries no anticipated fiscal impact to the city, as Vanderheiden confirmed, the $50,000 grant should cover all operational costs, trainings, and marketing expenses.

The program aims at providing a humane solution to feline overpopulation while alleviating pressure on Oakdale’s animal shelter.