OUR STORY
How a love for music and animals created a movement on the Montenegrin coast.
How It Started
FROM A BEACH PARTY TO A MOVEMENT
It all started in June 2024, when a group of music lovers and animal welfare advocates came together on Safari Beach in Ulcinj, Montenegro, for the very first Dancing For The Dogs event.
The idea was simple: combine the power of electronic music with the urgency of helping Montenegro's stray dog population. The first event raised over €5,500 through raffle ticket sales alone — every cent going directly to the SOS Street Dog Project.
Now in its second year, DFTD has grown into a full-scale charity festival with two stages, 13 DJs, and 14 hours of music. But the mission remains the same: dance for a cause.
The People Behind DFTD
A TEAM DRIVEN BY PASSION
MAREK & MONIKA
Dance For Shelters · Co-Organizers
Belgium-based DJs and founders of THE LOFT BELGIUM VZW. Marek and Monika created Dance For Shelters to use the power of music for animal welfare across Europe. They handle logistics and coordination for DFTD, focusing entirely on making the event happen rather than performing.
BARBARA & ANDREW KATZ
SOS Street Dog Project · Founders
Founded in the USA in 2017, Barbara and Andrew (Andy) Katz brought their passion for animal welfare to Montenegro in 2021. Their organization provides essential veterinary care — spaying, neutering, and vaccinating approximately 300 dogs per year in the region.
THE JOURNEY
SOS Street Dog Project Founded
Barbara and Andrew Katz establish the organization in the USA.
Montenegro Chapter
SOS Street Dog Project expands to Montenegro, beginning on-the-ground rescue operations.
First DFTD Event
The inaugural Dancing For The Dogs party at Safari Beach raises over €5,500 for the cause.
Dance For Shelters Partnership
Marek and Monika join forces to scale up the festival with international support.
DFTD Festival
2 stages, 13 DJs, 14 hours of music. The biggest edition yet. June 13, Safari Beach, Ulcinj.