The Scary Truth About Black Cat and Dog Adoption Rates
As Halloween approaches, images of black cats with piercing yellow eyes or shadowy black dogs on the prowl become a staple in our decorations. These ebony-furred animals have long been associated with superstition and the supernatural. But what’s truly unsettling is the real-world disadvantage black dogs and black cats for adoption face when it comes to finding a forever home.
Black Cats and Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates
Despite their equally loving and loyal nature, black pets are often overlooked in shelters, leading to lower adoption rates compared to their lighter-colored counterparts. This phenomenon, often referred to as “Black Dog Syndrome” or “Black Cat Syndrome,” is a form of color bias well documented in animal rescue and adoption communities.
Research verifies that black dogs and cats have a lower chance of being adopted. It’s a tragic fact that they tend to stay in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding than animals of other colors.
Why Black Pets for Adoption Are at a Disadvantage
But why are black cats and dogs at such a disadvantage? The reasons are varied and complex, ranging from deep-seated myths and superstitions to more superficial factors like appearance and visibility.
Why Don’t Black Cats Get Adopted? Myths and Superstitions
One of the most persistent threats to black cat adoption rates is the centuries-old superstition that they are harbingers of bad luck. This myth, rooted in medieval Europe, paints black cats as witches’ familiars or omens of misfortune. Yet black cats are conversely seen as good-luck bringers in ancient Egyptian beliefs and Welsh folklore, for example.
Even today, the negative side of these beliefs can influence people’s decisions on a conscious or unconscious level, leading them to bypass black cats in favor of those with lighter fur. Around Halloween, some shelters halt the adoption of black cats to prevent them from being used in cruel pranks or rituals.
Why Don’t Black Dogs Get Adopted? Media Portrayal
Black dogs, on the other hand, suffer from a different kind of bad publicity. Some people associate them with aggression or danger due to their portrayal in books, movies, and TV shows. Examples include:
- The menacing black dog in The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Cerberus (the hound of Hades in Greek mythology)
- The Grim (omen of death) in the Harry Potter series
- Guard dogs in countless films and shows
Dark-colored dogs are often depicted as threatening and unapproachable. These negative stereotypes can make potential adopters hesitate, mistakenly worrying that a black dog might be more difficult to handle or train. Sadly, this often leads to disproportionately low black dog adoption rates.
Other Factors That Can Hinder Black Pet Adoptions
Beyond superstition, there are more practical reasons why black pets are often overlooked:
- Visibility. In shelters, where animals are often kept in dimly lit spaces or behind bars, black cats and dogs can be harder to see in detail. This can make it more difficult for them to stand out to potential adopters visiting shelters in person.
- Contrast in photographs. Black fur doesn’t always translate well in photographs. The lack of contrast can make it hard to capture the animal’s expressions and personality in a picture, making them appear less appealing compared to their lighter-colored counterparts. Some shelters work with professional photographers to help black pets shine in their photos for online listings, showing off their unique features and lovable personalities.
- Number of black pets available. Black is a common color for many breeds, which means there are simply more black cats and dogs available for adoption at any given time. This can lead to a sort of “black pet overload,” where potential adopters feel overwhelmed by the number of similar-looking animals, making it harder for any one black cat or dog to stand out.
It’s crucial to remember that black cats and dogs are just as beautiful, loving, loyal, and deserving as any other pet. By raising awareness about the myths and misconceptions that contribute to lower adoption rates, we can help more black pets find the homes they deserve. So, this Halloween, let’s work together to give black pets the treat they truly deserve — a loving home.
Help Black Cats and Dogs Find Homes With PAWS
Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is helping cats, dogs, and wild animals go home and thrive — whether home is the family room or the forest. We do this by sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action for animals.
For over five decades, PAWS Companion Animal Shelter has led the way in providing expert, compassionate care for animals in need. PAWS cares for more than 4,000 dogs and cats each year, provides training and education to strengthen the human-animal bond, and works to end animal cruelty and overpopulation. No healthy, adoptable animal is euthanized at PAWS. Please consider adopting a black dog or cat. You can use these resources to help you decide if adopting a pet is right for your household.
Since 1967, PAWS has united more than 150,000 cats and dogs with loving families, cared for more than 160,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals, and made the world a better place for countless others through outreach, education, and advocacy.
However, we can’t do it without you. Please consider making a donation or volunteering with us today!