Oakdale Animal Rescue Enlists Teens To Help Get Pets Adopted

OAKDALE (CBS13) – A homeless pet rescue has found a unique way to garner attention for their nonprofit – high school students.

"I love working with high school students.  They're enthusiastic, they ask great questions," said Jill Cadmus, a vet for the ASTRO Foundation.

Two Oakdale High School seniors started the ASTRO club on campus – and with more than 30 members, they're coming up with ideas to raise money and find animals forever homes.

"At our meetings we go over how the adoption events went and then we come up with fundraising ideas," said senior Stephanie Kupper.

On the weekends, they set up in front of pet stores.

"We're there to help them and let them hold them so they can get attached to these little guys," Kupper said.

And the shirts they're wearing they designed themselves. But the real thing they're good with is social media.

"Publicity. It's all about publicity," Cadmus said.

They're helping bring awareness of their goal to purchase a mobile adoption unit with the money.

"It's really going to be crucial in allowing us to take pets to adoption facilities," Cadmus said. "If you can drive there, you can take a pet there in this bus."

Even though the students are volunteering their time, they feel like they're the real winners.

"It's just something that makes you feel really good," Kupper said.

For more information on the ASTRO Foundation, head to their website: http://astrofoundation.org/.