Quality of Life
Ensure that your shelter's long-term
residents remain happy and healthy.
Transcript from a No More
Homeless Pets forum.

Francis Battista, Advisor

Francis Battista is one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. Along with his wife, Silva, Francis created Best Friends' Los Angeles Programs, launching many model programs such as the Best Friends Brigade, the Animal Helpline, the Catnippers spay/neuter program for feral cats, celebrity events such as the Lint Roller Party, Pet Adoption Festivals and public awareness campaigns such as DeSex and the City, a spay/neuter campaign.

Francis' and Silva's work in Los Angeles has brought Best Friends to the attention of the entertainment industry, which has very generously supported the society's work with public service announcements, public appearances, campaign support and promotions to help homeless pets.

Francis was part of the team of founders who developed the animal care protocols that are the foundation of all of Best Friends' outreach work. He is also a contributing writer for Best Friends magazine.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Francis devoted six months to the rescue effort. He spent four months on the ground in the Gulf Coast region helping to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home lost and abandoned pets.

Francis is currently on the Best Friends Board of Directors and works as an advisor to Best Friends Community Programs and Services.

Francis was born in New York City and attended New York University and the State University of New York at Albany, where he studied engineering. Prior to his involvement with Best Friends, he worked in his father's business in suburban New York. He has been active in social and animal causes since 1970.