No pet owner should ever have to choose between a roof over their head and their best friend. BarkingMad is calling on the public to participate in their nationwide survey as a vital step towards understanding the scope of South Africa’s pet surrender crisis.
Johannesburg, South Africa (17 September 2025) – No family deserves to be torn apart; similarly, no family should ever have to make the heartbreaking decision of being separated from their furry companions. It’s for this very reason that BarkingMad, South Africa’s largest animal welfare networking platform, has announced the launch of its powerful new initiative: “Not Without My Dog.”
This campaign aims to be an initiative dedicated to finding solutions that keep pets where they belong: at home, with the people who love them.
Every day across South Africa, families are forced to make an unthinkable decision: surrender their beloved pets because of housing restrictions, financial hardship, or temporary life challenges. Yet for these families, these aren’t just animals; they are best friends, protectors, and healers. They are family.
“This campaign is about keeping families together,” says Tracy McQuarrie, Founder of BarkingMad and leading voice in animal welfare advocacy.
“At BarkingMad, we believe no one should ever have to say goodbye to their pet because of circumstances beyond their control.”
“Not Without My Dog” Objectives
The campaign not only challenges no-pet policies and gives families a voice but also aims to ensure access to pet-friendly housing. It seeks to help families find homes where their pets are welcome and offers behavioural assistance through training. The campaign also hopes to provide temporary care solutions, ensuring that no pet is left behind during difficult times.
Through education, dialogue, and legal support resources provided on the campaign’s website, BarkingMad aims to empower residents to advocate for their rights and the well-being of their dogs.
A Movement for Every Dog Lover
Every surrender avoided means one less pet in an overcrowded shelter and one more family kept whole because a home without a pet isn’t the same.
BarkingMad hopes to create a country where “No Pets Allowed” becomes a thing of the past, and no family ever has to choose between a roof over their head and the love of their pet.
Call to Action: Take the Survey, Be the Voice for Change
BarkingMad is calling on the public to take part in our nationwide survey, a vital step towards understanding the scope of South Africa’s pet surrender crisis.
The results of this survey will help shape policy recommendations, raise awareness, and develop real, life-saving solutions to keep pets out of shelters and in the homes where they belong.
You can take the survey now at: www.notwithoutmydog.co.za/survey
“Your voice matters. Every answer helps us better understand the challenges faced by pet owners and find real solutions, so fewer pets end up in shelters and more families stay whole. Because no one should have to choose between a roof over their head and their best friend,” BarkingMad’s Media Official, Janet Gericke reiterates.
Sources: Supplied
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