In a monumental win for South African animal welfare, Dogtown South Africa clinched the prestigious International Training Programme Award at the recently concluded International Companion Animal Welfare Conference (ICAWC) 2023 in Nicosia, Cyprus.

The International Companion Animal Welfare Conference (ICAWC) serves as a hub for animal welfare experts, advocates, and stakeholders worldwide and Tracy McQuarrie's recognition is a testament to her ground-breaking contributions to the welfare and rehabilitation of shelter animals through Dogtown South Africa.

Dogtown South Africa's victory at ICAWC 2023 stands as a triumph for South African animal welfare on the global stage. Tracy’s visionary leadership and commitment have elevated the profile of Dogtown South Africa, showcasing the transformative impact achievable in shelters. 

Tracy's dynamic talk, titled ‘From Stress to Success: Transforming Shelter Dogs Through Behaviour Rehabilitation and Enrichment’, addressed the critical need for affordable and practical enrichment techniques in resource-limited environments, spotlighting Dogtown South Africa's innovative approach in the context of South Africa's unique challenges.

In her engaging presentation, Tracy shed light on practical, cost-effective enrichment techniques uniquely tailored for shelters, focusing on resource-limited environments such as South Africa. Her message resonated deeply, emphasising the pivotal role of crafting personalised enrichment plans that cater to each shelter dog's distinctive background and challenges. 

Tracy brought her presentation to life with heart-warming success stories from her own shelter, Dogtown South Africa. These narratives vividly demonstrated the profound transformations that shelters can achieve through dedication and ingenuity, even when faced with budget constraints. 

This recognition is a testament to Tracy's steadfast dedication to the welfare and rehabilitation of shelter animals. Notably, her commitment is further underscored by creating the Barking Lot monthly Lottery—a fundraising initiative designed exclusively to support shelters throughout South Africa. 

Tracy was the sole South African attendee and reflects on the impact her talk has had on the worldwide community. “It was an honour to be invited to present the work Dogtown South Africa does on a world stage. Networking with leaders in Animal Welfare from across the globe was an incredible experience," Tracy shares as she returns back to South Africa from Cyprus. 

Tracy's work at Dogtown South Africa serves as an inspiration for shelters worldwide, emphasising the significance of providing mental and physical stimulation to enhance the overall well-being and rehabilitation of shelter animals. Through her learnings and change-making efforts, Tracy McQuarrie has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the field of companion animal welfare.

Every year thousands of precious dogs lose their homes and their lives. With your help, Dogtown can SAVE more lives and provide the best care for the abandoned and abused, while we search for loving families that will give them their happy ever after. To find out how you can donate, visit https://dogtownsa.org/donate/.