Lori Mastrantoni – Founder & President, A Forever Home Animal Rescue
Lori Mastrantoni is the dedicated founder and driving force behind A Forever Home Animal Rescue (AFHAR), now located at 1400 S. Bay Street in Eustis, Florida. For more than 15 years, AFHAR has worked tirelessly to save dogs across the state, rescuing and rehoming thousands who might otherwise have been lost.
Lori’s journey in animal rescue began long before AFHAR was established. In her late 30s, she volunteered at Seminole County Animal Services, caring for cats and witnessing firsthand how often pets were abandoned or neglected. Determined to make a difference, she began fostering cats on euthanasia lists, arranging safe adoptions through family and friends.
Her compassion soon extended further. She volunteered at The Haven in Maitland, a wildlife sanctuary caring for injured animals, and later turned her attention to the feral cat population surrounding her workplace. Using trap-neuter-release (TNR) methods, Lori helped prevent uncontrolled breeding while personally rescuing and bottle-feeding kittens before finding them loving homes. Through these efforts, she played a significant role in reducing feral cat overpopulation and improving countless lives.
In 2009, Lori adopted a small dog in poor condition—a turning point that inspired her to pursue organized dog rescue. In April 2010, she officially established A Forever Home Animal Rescue as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Starting with a network of foster homes, the rescue later moved into a leased facility in Yalaha. After being forced to relocate in 2016, Lori continued her mission in Tavares for seven years until losing that lease at the end of 2023.
Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and supporters, a successful fundraising effort made it possible to secure a new, permanent—though modest—home in Eustis. Today, AFHAR continues to grow, with Lori actively seeking additional foster families to expand the organization’s capacity and reach.
Beyond rescue and adoption, Lori’s work extends deeply into the community. She collaborates with trusted contacts to identify animals in urgent need, provides food assistance to struggling pet owners, and has even offered temporary boarding for dogs belonging to victims of domestic violence.
Over the years, Lori has remained unwavering in her commitment to animal welfare. She ensures every dog in her care receives proper medical attention, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, microchipping, exercise, and, most importantly, love. Often, she personally contributes her own resources to ensure no animal is left behind.
Respected and admired by volunteers, adopters, and fellow advocates, Lori Mastrantoni has made a lasting impact in the world of animal rescue—giving countless dogs the second chance they deserve and helping them find their forever homes.
Lori’s journey in animal rescue began long before AFHAR was established. In her late 30s, she volunteered at Seminole County Animal Services, caring for cats and witnessing firsthand how often pets were abandoned or neglected. Determined to make a difference, she began fostering cats on euthanasia lists, arranging safe adoptions through family and friends.
Her compassion soon extended further. She volunteered at The Haven in Maitland, a wildlife sanctuary caring for injured animals, and later turned her attention to the feral cat population surrounding her workplace. Using trap-neuter-release (TNR) methods, Lori helped prevent uncontrolled breeding while personally rescuing and bottle-feeding kittens before finding them loving homes. Through these efforts, she played a significant role in reducing feral cat overpopulation and improving countless lives.
In 2009, Lori adopted a small dog in poor condition—a turning point that inspired her to pursue organized dog rescue. In April 2010, she officially established A Forever Home Animal Rescue as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Starting with a network of foster homes, the rescue later moved into a leased facility in Yalaha. After being forced to relocate in 2016, Lori continued her mission in Tavares for seven years until losing that lease at the end of 2023.
Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and supporters, a successful fundraising effort made it possible to secure a new, permanent—though modest—home in Eustis. Today, AFHAR continues to grow, with Lori actively seeking additional foster families to expand the organization’s capacity and reach.
Beyond rescue and adoption, Lori’s work extends deeply into the community. She collaborates with trusted contacts to identify animals in urgent need, provides food assistance to struggling pet owners, and has even offered temporary boarding for dogs belonging to victims of domestic violence.
Over the years, Lori has remained unwavering in her commitment to animal welfare. She ensures every dog in her care receives proper medical attention, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, microchipping, exercise, and, most importantly, love. Often, she personally contributes her own resources to ensure no animal is left behind.
Respected and admired by volunteers, adopters, and fellow advocates, Lori Mastrantoni has made a lasting impact in the world of animal rescue—giving countless dogs the second chance they deserve and helping them find their forever homes.
