Friends for Folks

Please welcome Dr. John Otto!

Dr. John Otto is a veterinarian, educator, and community advocate whose career has combined animal welfare, service, and rehabilitation. A graduate of Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, he owned and operated University Animal Hospital in Norman for over 30 years.

Dr. Otto is the founder of Friends for Folks, a nonprofit prison dog training program that provides second chances for both shelter dogs and incarcerated individuals. His work has inspired similar initiatives at correctional facilities across Oklahoma and was featured in the Emmy-nominated documentary The Dogs of Lexington.

In addition to his work with Friends for Folks, Dr. Otto has led efforts to improve spay/neuter access, expand shelter medicine education, and champion pet therapy for veterans. His service has earned him numerous honors, including the American Red Cross Hero Award, OSU’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Veterinarian of the Year in 2022.