Johny Sandoval, a dedicated professional with over ten years of experience in animal welfare, has been named the new Animal Welfare Superintendent for Oklahoma City, stepping up from his previous role as the supervisor of the division. Sandoval, who started his journey as an animal care technician, worked his way up the ranks and made a significant impact during his tenure at the Ark-Valley Human Society in Colorado, according to the City of Oklahoma City.
During his stint in Arkansas Valley, Sandoval was instrumental in achieving an impressive live release rate of between 97–99% and played a key role in overseeing facility renovations as well as launching initiatives aimed at improving pet retention. His transfer to Oklahoma City in 2023 opened up a new avenue for his expertise. In a statement obtained by the City of Oklahoma City's news announcement, Development Services Director Brock Rowe expressed enthusiasm about Sandoval's promotion, noting his "proven operational leadership, a deep commitment to animal welfare, and a clear focus on accountability and results."
One of Sandoval's notable achievements at Ark-Valley includes co-creating the PAWS team culture framework, which is focused on professionalism, accountability, wellness, and sustainability — principles that he intends to integrate into his new position. His philosophy underscores a balance of compassion and pragmatism, hallmarks of an effective leader in this field.
"I care deeply about OKC Animal Welfare’s mission and the progress we worked hard to achieve as a team," Sandoval told the City of Oklahoma City's news announcement, expressing his eagerness "to lead the next chapter through collaboration, operational consistency and a continued commitment to data-driven, humane, and community-centered animal services." He steps in as a successor to Ronnie Schlabs, taking the helm of a division that is crucial for upholding the animal welfare standards in the city.
