Pickleball for Paws: How Grace Lopez is Rallying the Pickleball Community to Save Pets and Support Families

In South Florida, Pickleball for Paws, an initiative by Women for Paws, is turning time on the court into real‑world impact for pets and the families who love them. Through tournaments, merchandise, and community events, players are rallying not just for points, but for paws—helping families in need cover unexpected costs for their pets.

Grace Lopez: Turning Compassion into Action

Grace Lopez and her volunteer team at Women for Paws

At the heart of it all is Grace Lopez, the founder of Women for Paws.

Grace’s journey began with a deep love for animals and a desire to make a difference after witnessing firsthand how illness and financial hardship can force families to give up their beloved pets. While volunteering with The Susan G. Komen Foundation, she saw the heartbreak of women struggling with treatment who were forced to surrender their pets because they were unable to care for them or afford unexpected veterinary bills. That experience stayed with her.

It ultimately inspired Grace to launch Women for Paws, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping pets with their families. Today, the organization offers financial support for veterinary care, food, medications, vaccines, and boarding so that pet families can stay together during difficult times.

Grace’s energy and vision are what sparked Pickleball for Paws. Shortly after picking up the game, she saw a natural opportunity to combine her love for animals with community.

“I never thought I would like pickleball as much as I do, and now, I am addicted to playing the sport, but for a cause,” she said in a recent press release. “After playing for several months, I decided that it would be so much fun to create fundraisers where people can play, connect, and also help save a pet’s life. Pickleball is a great way to create awareness in South Florida while helping pet owners in need of financial help pay for their pet’s medical emergencies.”

Real Stories, Real Impact

What makes this work tangible are the stories of pets and families who have been helped.

Women for Paws regularly highlights pets who received medical treatment and were able to stay in a loving home thanks to organizational support. In some cases, the organization has also helped place displaced animals with forever families.

Beyond individual pet stories, Women for Paws partners with shelters and community groups to provide larger‑scale assistance—including efforts where over 200 pets received food, veterinary care, and basic necessities while their owners navigated health crises, domestic violence, unexpected moves, and other life transitions.

Pickleball With a Purpose

Under Grace’s leadership, Pickleball for Paws has grown into both an on-court and online presence, complete with its own logo, tournament sign‑ups, and merchandise like t‑shirts, caps, and visors. The goal is simple: raise as much money as possible to help pet owners cover unexpected medical emergencies and urgent needs that might otherwise lead to devastating choices.

The first official event, a Halloween Pawty fundraiser, brought families, players, and their pups together for a day of clinics, friendly matches, and community celebrations. Since then, Women for Paws has participated in local pickleball tournaments, building awareness and connecting players, organizers, and donors who can help further the mission.

“It is fun to play pickleball, and it is so much more rewarding when you are doing it for a cause,” Grace explained. “My goal is not to win a trophy or be recognized as a great player. Instead, it is about creating a brand, reputation, and momentum about helping pet owners.”

Even Grace’s newest family member, a mini Aussiedoodle puppy named Pickles, has become the official mascot for Pickleball for Paws—a joyful reminder of why this work is so important.

Why It Matters

Pickleball for Paws is more than just a fundraising initiative—it’s a community‑building effort rooted in compassion.

Players of all ages and skill levels come together for events that make a meaningful impact. Every rally, donation, and sign‑up directly helps families keep their pets where they belong—at home. Grace Lopez and the Women for Paws volunteer team have channeled the pickleball’s community spirit into awareness, action, and real support for those facing hard moments.

Whether you’re a first‑time dinker or a seasoned competitor, stepping onto a Pickleball for Paws court means you’re not only playing for points. You’re playing for paws, for families, and for a mission that truly matters.

Play with heart. Play with purpose. Play for paws.