Art Munoz, Chief Government Relations Officer
Art Munoz joined Operation Kindness as Chief Government Relations Officer in March 2025. He is a dedicated leader with a passion for guiding and developing people, backed by extensive leadership training and certifications. With over 20 years of experience in animal welfare, he has served as Chief Investigator with the SPCA of Texas and as Director of Animal Services for the City of Garland, Texas.
Art has been pivotal in shaping animal cruelty investigations in Texas and fostering partnerships between Garland Animal Services and nonprofit organizations, significantly advancing lifesaving initiatives. Under his leadership, Garland became one of the top-performing animal shelters in the state.
With broad expertise in humane law enforcement, shelter operations, animal care, rehabilitation, and placement, Art has shifted his focus from traditional animal control to modern animal services. He and his team actively engage with residents, building trust and connecting pet owners with essential resources and services.
Art spearheaded numerous programs at Garland Animal Services, including an animal cruelty division, a community engagement task force, a Shelter-Neuter-Return program, and the newly revamped Snip-n-Tip initiative. His collaborative approach with regional animal services organizations has given him a unique perspective on industry challenges and innovative solutions.
A graduate of the Collin County Police Academy in 2004, Art has conducted thousands of animal cruelty investigations and is recognized as an expert witness in court. His casework includes dogfighting, cockfighting, animal hoarding, and large-scale livestock and equine cruelty cases, many resulting in criminal convictions.
Art holds numerous specialized certifications in both animal welfare and law enforcement, including Basic ACO/THHS/TDSHS, Blood Sport Investigations/NYPD Humane Law Enforcement Division, NACHO Levels I & II, NACIS Levels I & II, Equine Investigations Levels I & II, Multiple Gang Trainings, Crisis Intervention Training, Large Animal Behavior and Handling, and Disaster Animal Response. His commitment to leadership, innovation, and progressive animal welfare practices continues to drive positive change in the field.
