Back to News
It is with great honor that the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) announces Perry Fanzo, a beloved and longstanding AHS volunteer and Pets on Parade dog whisperer, was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award. Fanzo, who resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, was awarded this incredible honor after dedicating more than 21 years and 15,481 hours (and counting) of service to AHS’ sick, injured and abused homeless pets.
AHS President and CEO, Dr. Steven Hansen, surprised Fanzo with this honor during a filming of Pets on Parade, AHS’ weekly TV show, in which he volunteers showing off adoptable pets. He has spent more than 15 years volunteering on the beloved TV show. Additionally, over the course of 21 years, Fanzo has volunteered in almost every capacity possible at AHS from adoptions and media segments to dog walking and events and even helped welcome in, and adopt out, more than 200 dogs that were rescued by AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ from Hurricane Katrina more than a decade ago. Perry recently became an AHS Foster Hero as well bringing pets who need further growing or healing into his home.
“It truly is an honor to receive this award and I’ve loved every single moment of my 21 years volunteering with AHS,” said Perry Fanzo after being presented with the award. “It was actually this show [Pets on Parade] that inspired me to start volunteering with the organization so many years ago and I just really appreciate the opportunity.”
As part of receiving the Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award, Fanzo received a Lifetime Achievement token, a padfolio with a certificate and a sealed letter of thanks, both signed by President Biden. The requirements to receive such an honor included being a U.S. Citizen, a nomination by a credible non-profit with 501c3 status, 4,000+ hours over a lifetime and for the nomination to be accepted by AmeriCorps.
“Our volunteers are so critical to what we do, we couldn’t save the lives of our pets without our volunteers,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, President and CEO of AHS. “Perry is the epitome of a very dedicated and wonderful volunteer, I am proud to know him and have him as a part of the Arizona Humane Society.”
To learn more about how to become a volunteer with AHS, visit azhumane.org/volunteer.
AHS' Volunteer Spotlight