Today we’d like to introduce you to Karol Lopez.
Hi Karol, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Florida Animal Rescue Alliance (FARA) began with a simple mission: to show up where we’re needed most. Our very first rescue was a pig saved from a local slaughterhouse—a request from my mentee, who wanted to make a real difference for an animal in need. While as activists there are protests at the only slaughterhouse here in South Florida, we don’t have organized vigils, so this act became our way of bearing witness and creating change in a tangible, life-saving way.
Florida Animal Rescue Alliance (FARA) began with a planned rescue during the holiday season. We initially set out to rescue a turkey for Thanksgiving, but after discovering there were no turkey slaughterhouses nearby, we redirected our efforts. That’s when we found a pig at a local slaughterhouse and made arrangements to save him—inspired by a request from my mentee who wanted to do something meaningful for an animal in need.
That rescue became the seed for what FARA is today: a statewide rescue network supporting animals in crisis—farmed, feral, wild, and companion. We provide direct rescue, emergency response, education, and legal support, all grounded in compassion, collaboration, and community.
Our mission is simple: to show up where we’re needed most and stand up for those who have no voice. Every life matters—and no act of compassion is ever too small.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many grassroots efforts, we’ve faced our share of losses, challenges, and growing pains. There have been moments of heartbreak—animals we couldn’t save, setbacks in cases we were fighting for, and times when donations didn’t come in and we had to stretch every resource just to keep going.
But through it all, we’ve managed to persevere. The dedication of our team, volunteers, and partner sanctuaries keeps us moving forward. What started with just a handful of sanctuaries in our network has now grown into a much larger, statewide community of rescues and supporters who share a vision for a kinder, more compassionate world for animals.
Every struggle has taught us something, and every small win reminds us why we do this work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Florida Animal Rescue Alliance (FARA), our work bridges hands-on animal rescue, nonprofit leadership, and legal advocacy. I’m a senior paralegal working in corporate contracts, and over the years I’ve gained extensive experience in corporate law, intellectual property, privacy, regulatory law, criminal law, and litigation—often collaborating with attorneys from around the world.
While I’m not an attorney and not legally authorized to practice law, my background has helped me structure FARA responsibly from the ground up. I’ve also built strong relationships with attorneys who generously offer pro bono support when needed, ensuring we stay compliant and protected as we navigate everything as well as other challenges.
In addition to my legal experience, I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and an Associate’s in Business Administration—all of which have helped me manage the emotional, operational, and strategic aspects of leading a rescue organization.
FARA specializes in building a statewide rescue network—connecting sanctuaries, veterinarians, volunteers, and transporters to respond to animals in crisis. We’re known for being reliable, compassionate, and solutions-focused, especially when others may not have the resources to step in.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve grown from a handful of sanctuaries and volunteers into a trusted alliance rooted in collaboration and care. We don’t just rescue animals—we support the people who care for them and create systems that allow this work to endure.
What sets us apart is that although we’re all volunteers, our team is made up of professionals who lead with compassion—and we’re backed by strategy. That balance is what keeps us moving forward, even when the work is hard.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has definitely played a role—but I’d say it’s often shown up in the form of unexpected opportunities or meaningful connections at just the right time. Whether it was finding a last-minute foster for an animal in crisis, meeting someone who became a core volunteer, or receiving a donation when we needed it most—those moments have felt like good luck, but they were also met with a lot of hard work and preparation behind the scenes.
We’ve had our share of tough breaks too—rescues that didn’t go as planned, financial challenges, or moments when we felt completely overwhelmed. But even in those difficult times, we’ve learned, adapted, and grown stronger.
So, I’d say luck has definitely played a part—but it’s what we do with it that really shapes the outcome. For FARA, it’s been about meeting luck with action, compassion, and persistence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://floridaanimalrescuealliance.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fl.animal.rescue.alliance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/110110108617235
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloridaAnimalRescueAlliance
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fara_nonprofit
Image Credits:
FARA
