In a historic moment for animal welfare in South Africa, Tracy McQuarrie, founder of BarkingMad and Dogtown SA, has become the first animal advocate to win the Community category at the Woman of Stature Awards. The recognition signals a shift in how society views the role of animal welfare in community upliftment.
Held in Johannesburg, the tenth season of the awards saw over 700 nominations and 134 finalists. Each woman recognised has made a lasting impact in her field, with Tracy’s win marking a milestone for shelters and rescue organisations across the country.
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Changing lives, one dog at a time
Tracy’s journey began with a simple click-to-feed website, which over the last decade has funded more than six million bowls of food for shelter animals. From that modest beginning, she went on to establish Dogtown SA, a dedicated sanctuary that has rehomed over 1,000 dogs. At its core, the project is focused on rehabilitation, matching each dog with the individual care it needs to thrive and ultimately find a forever home.
Speaking after the event, Tracy said the award was not just a personal achievement, but a win for every person who works behind the scenes to give animals a second chance. “This recognition isn’t about me alone. It’s about every shelter worker, volunteer, and supporter who believes animals deserve love, dignity, and a better life. For too long, animal welfare has been left out of the community development conversation. This shows that our work matters.”
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Tackling youth unemployment through animal care
Beyond rescue work, Tracy has created opportunities for young people through a pioneering skills development programme. After identifying a lack of formal training for animal carers, she launched a year-long learnership designed to bridge the gap between youth unemployment and the need for skilled shelter staff.
In partnership with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), Dogtown offers school leavers the chance to earn a Level 3 diploma in dog care and behaviour. During the programme, participants complete a six-month placement at Dogtown followed by a further six months at a partner shelter in the BarkingMad network. This model not only uplifts shelter standards but also ensures graduates are equipped with sought-after skills in the growing pet industry.
Global recognition for local innovation
Tracy’s work has earned praise beyond South Africa’s borders. In 2023, she received the International Training Programme Award at the International Companion Animal Welfare Conference in Cyprus. The accolade highlighted the success of her learnership programme and its impact on improving shelter practices across the country.
Empowering women through recognition
Founded by Charlotte du Plessis, the Woman of Stature Awards aim to celebrate the achievements of women who lead with purpose. “Recognition is a powerful tool for empowerment,” said Du Plessis. “By highlighting the impact of women like Tracy, we inspire others to step into leadership and create meaningful change in their own communities.”
Looking to the future, Tracy hopes the award will draw more support from businesses, communities, and sponsors who are now more aware of the critical need for funding in animal welfare. “My journey in this space is far from over. This is only the beginning of what we can achieve together,” she concluded.
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About BarkingMad
BarkingMad is South Africa’s largest online network supporting animal rescue organisations. Founded by Tracy McQuarrie, it connects shelters, pet lovers, and volunteers across the country through initiatives like the Click-to-Feed programme and home-to-home adoptions. In partnership with Dogtown SA, BarkingMad also empowers unemployed youth through an accredited training programme in dog care and behaviour. Their goal is to redefine animal welfare in South Africa, one life at a time.
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