Dallas Pets Alive’s Leslie Sans Appointed to Best Friends Network Strategy Council

Dallas, TX, September 2025

Dallas Pets Alive (DPA) is proud to announce that our Founder & CEO, Leslie Sans, has been appointed to the Best Friends Animal Society’s Network Strategy Council (NSC).

The NSC is a volunteer committee of 16 animal welfare leaders from across the country who advise on how to best support the work of animal rescue groups and shelter organizations in the U.S. The council is part of the Best Friends Network, a coalition of more than 5,500 partners nationwide including shelters, rescue groups, and spay and neuter organizations. Together these groups share one mission: saving the lives of dogs and cats who can be saved and building communities where every pet has a chance at a loving home.

Leslie was selected because of her innovative approach to rescue, her proven record in building lifesaving programs, and her dedication to advancing the no-kill philosophy.

Leslie shared: “I am truly honored to represent Dallas Pets Alive on the Best Friends Network Strategy Council. This appointment is an incredible opportunity to share our innovative, community-driven approach to rescue. I look forward to working alongside leaders from across the country to advance lifesaving practices that will bring us closer to a no-kill nation.”

Why This Appointment Matters

This appointment is not only a recognition of Leslie’s leadership but also a reflection of how far Dallas Pets Alive has come in building community based solutions to lifesaving. By bringing DPA’s perspective to the national stage, we are able to share what works in Dallas and learn from other leaders across the country.

At the same time, being part of the council allows us to connect more deeply with the Best Friends Network and benefit from the resources, mentorship, and innovation that fuel no-kill progress nationwide. It is a partnership that strengthens both organizations and, most importantly, saves more lives.

As a member of the NSC, Leslie will work alongside Best Friends CEO Julie Castle and other council members to:

• Identify emerging issues, solutions, and resources to accelerate the no-kill mission
  
• Provide feedback on the needs of shelters and rescue groups across the country
  
• Mentor future leaders in animal welfare and help organizations striving to increase lifesaving
  

Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, shared:
“We are thrilled to have Leslie join the Best Friends Network Strategy Council. Collaboration, innovation, strategic use of data, and dedication to saving every dog and cat who can be saved are at the heart of no-kill. That is exactly how the NSC’s animal welfare leaders approach the challenges of lifesaving in their communities and across the country. We have the momentum and the know-how to get every shelter in the U.S. to no-kill. Together with these dedicated individuals, we are closer than ever to reaching that urgent, necessary, and absolutely achievable goal.”

At Dallas Pets Alive, we know that collaboration is the key to change. This appointment reflects the power of partnership between local and national leaders in animal welfare. Together, we are moving closer to a future where every dog and cat can live, and live well.

Who We Are at Dallas Pets Alive

Dallas Pets Alive is a volunteer based rescue organization that focuses on saving animals most at risk in our city’s shelters. By working alongside fosters, adopters, volunteers, and community partners, we provide the resources and programs needed to prevent unnecessary euthanasia and to give every pet the chance to thrive. Our vision is to make Dallas a no-kill community, where innovation and collaboration drive change.

Who Best Friends Animal Society Is

Best Friends Animal Society is a national leader in animal welfare, founded in 1984 with the mission to end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters across the country. From their headquarters in Kanab, Utah, they operate the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and partner with thousands of shelters and rescues nationwide. Through collaboration, information sharing, and data driven strategies, Best Friends empowers communities to save more lives and move closer to a no-kill country.