The animal well-being community lost a true visionary on September 20, 2026. Rich Avanzino, affectionately and widely known as the father of the 'no-kill' movement, passed away peacefully at the age of 84. While we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, we also celebrate a remarkable life dedicated to transforming the animal well-being industry into a more collaborative, inclusive, and hopeful space and that forever changed the destiny of countless companion animals and the people who love them.  

Rich was my boss for 24 years, starting with the San Francisco SPCA and then Maddie's Fund.  Working with Rich in San Francisco was one of the best educations in animal sheltering  I could ever hope to receive.  It was an exciting place to work...and keeping up with Rich was no small feat.  Brenda Barnette, who was the development director at that time, always said that when Rich spoke publicly, we needed to be there.....because invariably, he'd talk about a new program or service he was starting....and since we needed to raise money for it,  we needed to know what he wanted to do.   Rich lead with his heart and operated from the strength of his convictions and always believed in the goodness and compassion of the people in San Francisco.  

I'm happy to post other recollections of my tenure with Rich.  And I'd like to invite you to share any stories  or memories you may have of Rich....thank you.  

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Mary Ippoliti-Smith
Executive Leadership Team
Maddie's Fund
Oakland CA
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This is very sad news. I think the loss of anyone in the Rescue community is felt deeply, but especially someone who had such an enormous influence on the care and treatment of animals. I hope waiting on the other side of the rainbow bridge  were all of those beautiful souls that were saved because of his work. My condolences to friends and family. Judy

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JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
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I must share that Rich remained deeply committed to animal welfare well into his retirement.

Last year, Rich moved to Placer County. I had no idea he had relocated until, shortly after arriving in our community, he attended a Placer SPCA volunteer orientation. Following the orientation, he signed up to become a Volunteer Greeter. Still, I had no idea.

Then one day, a member of our team came into my office and said, "Guess who is sitting in our lobby greeting customers?"

I didn't believe her. I walked out to the lobby, and sure enough, there was Rich!

We went to lunch soon afterward, where he shared stories, caught me up on his life, and offered his support to the Placer SPCA in any way he could. He continued volunteering with us until he needed to take a medical leave. We talked about his returning when he was able, and I truly hoped we would see him back in our lobby.

Sadly, that day will not come. But I am so grateful that Rich chose to spend part of his retirement continuing to serve animals and our community. It was a wonderful surprise to have him back in our lives, and a privilege to know him.

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Leilani Fratis
CEO
Placer SPCA
CA
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I have two. 

I initially met Rich at a no-kill conference in Chicago in 1999. It was there that he introduced Maddie's Fund and the community life-saving grants. It was one of the most exciting, inspiring presentations I've seen. Rich was a superstar, a man with a plan, and the financial power of Maddie'sFund to put it within reach. That announcement changed our field, incentivizing organizations to collaborate like never before, driving innovation, setting standards for data collection where we had none. There had never been anything like it in animal welfare. 

I still remember that conference room, the layout and the lighting, and how it felt to be there when this dazzling guy made this incredible announcement that changed everything. 

Rich was a regular speaker at Best Friends' conferences in subsequent years, conferences I helped plan. He was always a draw and a pleasure to work with. That brings me to my second memory. One year, Rich was in serious car accident on his way to the conference. He was badly injured, but before he was taken away in an ambulance, he called from the scene to let us know that he wouldn't be able to make it. Always the professional.

I'm grateful I got to meet Rich and be part of what he created in so many ways. 

Sincerely, 

Karen

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Karen Green, CAWA
Ask Karen Green
http://askkarengreen.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 9/30/2026 11:14:00 PM
From: Karen Green (she/her)
Subject: RE: Share your memories of Rich Avanzino

I have two. 

I initially met Rich at a no-kill conference in Chicago in 1999. It was there that he introduced Maddie's Fund and the community life-saving grants. It was one of the most exciting, inspiring presentations I've seen. Rich was a superstar, a man with a plan, and the financial power of Maddie'sFund to put it within reach. That announcement changed our field, incentivizing organizations to collaborate like never before, driving innovation, setting standards for data collection where we had none. There had never been anything like it in animal welfare. 

I still remember that conference room, the layout and the lighting, and how it felt to be there when this dazzling guy made this incredible announcement that changed everything. 

Rich was a regular speaker at Best Friends' conferences in subsequent years, conferences I helped plan. He was always a draw and a pleasure to work with. That brings me to my second memory. One year, Rich was in serious car accident on his way to the conference. He was badly injured, but before he was taken away in an ambulance, he called from the scene to let us know that he wouldn't be able to make it. Always the professional.

I'm grateful I got to meet Rich and be part of what he created in so many ways. 

Sincerely, 

Karen

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Karen Green, CAWA
Ask Karen Green
http://askkarengreen.com
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I met Rich back when he was running the San Francisco SPCA. I have many warm memories of him, but the one I most want to focus on today was his tremendous generosity with support and knowledge. I was living in a neighboring county that was having a lot of turmoil in its municipal shelter and with animal issues county-wide. Rich opened his heart and brain to me and provided me with so much information and so many ideas about how I could make change. Many of his ideas were rejected by the county, but we did make some headway with community cats and limit laws. 

I remember sitting with him on the stairs at the SFSPCA while he listened to my frustration and offered so much kindness and understanding.

I went on to work for Maddie's Fund for more than a decade, mostly under Rich's leadership. He was always the same: generous, kind, supportive. 

Others have spoken of his leadership and status as an animal welfare visionary, and I honor him for that, too. But I'll always remember sitting on those stairs at the shelter with him while he tried to help me make change for animals in another county. Thank you, Rich. I'll never forget you.

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Christie Keith
Davisburg, Michigan
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Richard Avanzino spent his career challenging the animal welfare field to reimagine what was possible - and then helping make it real.

Rich was a visionary, a practical trailblazer and an extraordinary champion for animals. His influence can be seen across our field today, and his impact will continue for generations.

My condolences to his family, friends and everyone at Maddie's Fund who carries his legacy forward.

Sincerely,

Matt

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Matt Bershadker
President & CEO
ASPCA
NY
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