A New Chapter for The American Foundation for Animal Rescue (AFAR)

The American Foundation for Animal Rescue, Inc. (AFAR) is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1997 by Dr. Robert DeFranco. After a courageous battle with cancer, Dr. DeFranco passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication to animals in need.

In his final years, Dr. DeFranco worked tirelessly to care for the sanctuary and the animals he loved. However, his illness brought significant challenges which led to deferred maintenance, and the need for major restoration. Shortly after his passing, Hurricane Milton impacted Crescent City, Florida. In addition to the hurricane, the sanctuary experienced a tornado that caused additional damage throughout the sanctuary, destroying smaller shelters, damaging the barn, and leaving numerous fallen trees across the property. By the grace of God, no animals were injured or lost. The overwhelming cost of removing hazardous aging trees and crushed buildings and, addressing property damage exhausted much of the remaining resources Dr. DeFranco left that was intended for the sanctuary and animals.

Today, new management is committed to honoring Dr. DeFranco’s vision by rebuilding AFAR into the safe, welcoming sanctuary he worked so hard to create. Significant progress has already been made through property improvements, shelter repairs, and renewed focus on the health and well-being of the animals, but much work remains.

For nearly three decades, the generosity of supporters has allowed AFAR to provide rescued animals with food, medical care, shelter, and compassion. At the Animal Sanctuary and Reserve in Crescent City, Florida, animals receive a second chance to live safely and with dignity while awaiting adoption or enjoying lifelong sanctuary.

Our immediate priority is caring for the animals currently in our care by providing daily support, veterinary care, nutrition, and safe housing. Due to the number of cats still currently residing at the sanctuary, our primary focus will be on the cats as we rebuild our resources and capabilities. In time, we hope to expand our ability to help domestic dogs and barn animals as space and resources allow.

Animals who are suitable for adoption will be placed in responsible, loving homes, while those who cannot be adopted will continue receiving lifelong sanctuary care. As AFAR grows, our mission is to expand programs that support animals through responsible adoptions, veterinary assistance, spay and neuter initiatives, community education, and advocacy for humane treatment.

We are developing future programs to provide peace of mind for animal caretakers who are concerned about the future of their beloved animal families due to illness, disability, advanced age, or the loss of a caretaker. Through thoughtful planning, legal arrangements, and dedicated funding, AFAR hopes to create a pathway for owners to make provisions for the lifelong care of their animals, ensuring they remain safe, together, and properly cared for.

Our goal is to work with individuals who have farm animals or companion animals they consider family and who want the reassurance that their animals will have a secure future together. Through planned giving, estate arrangements, and sanctuary support, caretakers may be able to leave resources designated for the continued care, shelter, and well-being of their animals while allowing AFAR to honor the bond they shared. Developing this program will require careful planning, appropriate legal documentation, additional resources, and funding to provide the necessary shelters, facilities, veterinary care, and daily support these animals deserve.

Although the sanctuary property has the space and potential to welcome additional animals and animal families in the future, our current shelters, staffing, supplies, food resources, and funding limitations prevent us from accepting more animals at this time. Our priority is to ensure that every animal currently in our care receives the quality of life, attention, and protection they deserve.

With increased funding, sponsorships, volunteers, and community support, AFAR can continue rebuilding and expanding its capacity to provide safe shelters, proper facilities, daily care, veterinary support, and lifelong protection for more animals and families in need. Our goal is to responsibly grow our resources so we can honor our commitment to animals while creating a secure future for those who may one day need our sanctuary.

At this time, AFAR is not licensed to accept wildlife and cannot provide wildlife rehabilitation or care.

The future of AFAR depends on the support of our community. Volunteers, donors, and sponsors are essential to helping provide food, medical care, supplies, safe shelters, and critical property improvements. Whether through volunteering, donating, sponsoring an animal, or sharing our story, every act of kindness helps us rebuild and continue Dr. DeFranco’s mission of providing a safe haven for animals in need.

Join AFAR American Foundation for Animal Rescue as we begin this new chapter. Together, we can restore the sanctuary and continue giving animals the care, compassion, and second chance they deserve.

American Foundation for Animal Rescue, Inc.

Crescent City, Florida

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