Why Aren’t People Adopting Black Pets?

There are many animals waiting to be adopted into loving forever homes in animal shelters all across the country, but for some of them this is only a dream. For animals with black fur, the wait time for adoption is four times longer than their lighter-coated friends—if they are ever adopted at all. Often referred to as Big Black Dog Syndrome by many animal shelters, black dogs, especially larger ones, face higher rates of Euthanasia. The same phenomenon is found with black cats. But why on Earth could something like coat color determine an animal’s adoptability?

Stigma

Black animals are often associated with bad luck, bad omens, and general evil. Many people know the superstition of a black cat crossing your path and causing you to have bad luck. Black cats are also often portrayed as the companions of witches (think Sabrina the Teenage Witch or the holiday favorite, Hocus Pocus.

In a UC Berkeley survey, it was found that people felt that orange cats were “friendly,” white cats were “shy,” but the majority admitted to having negative or no opinion at all about black cats.

There is a similar stigma applied to black dogs. They are often seen as menacing, aggressive, or a sign of coming evil.

In the popular Sherlock Holmes story, The Hounds of Baskerville, the dogs are big, black, and very aggressive. In more recent pop culture, the grim—a sign of oncoming death—is a big, black dog in the Harry Potter franchise.

This stigma of aggressiveness is further escalated by the belief that common black breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and Pitbulls are dangerous.

Notably associated with Winston Churchill, “the black dog” is also often an expression used in reference to Depression.

Marketability

One unbelievable reason why black pets get adopted less is simply because they don’t photograph as well. When shelters post photos of their adoptable animals, it’s easier for people to connect with the photos of those who are lighter-colored.

Their facial features are all easily made out and it’s much easier to connect a personality with the animal. When black animals are photographed, facial features can blend together,

it can be hard to really make out what the animal looks like, and people aren’t quite sure what they’re getting into.

Along that same line, inside dimly lit shelters, black pets are harder to see inside their cages making them appear less approachable. To help combat this, many shelters have started to train the black dogs to sit at the front of their cages when visitors are there.

Other Common Misconceptions

There are a few other reasons that experts believe that black pets are less likely to be adopted:

1.They are More Common

Many people believe that because they see a lot of black animals in shelters, that they are more common or “generic.” They want a more interesting, unique pet, so they opt for the lighter-colored. What a lot of people don’t realize is that black animals aren’t more common, there are just more of them in shelters and more of them who need a loving home.

2. They Shed More

Lots of people think that black animals shed more than other animals (which isn’t true!) and they worry about the fur sticking to their furniture or clothes. The amount of shedding has much more to do with the breed and grooming habits of the animal and much less to do with the color of their coat.

3. They Appear Older

Black pets tend to go grey quicker (and more noticeably) around the mouth area which makes them appear older. Along with black animals, senior animals are another group who are less likely to be adopted. If someone is looking to adopt a pet, they are going to be less likely to adopt an animal that they feel might come with extra worries (vet bills, less active, etc.)

How Do We Help This?

There are many wonderful organizations like Black Pearl Dogs and Lulu’s Locker Rescue that are working to help black cats and dogs get adopted. These organizations seek to provide better education to the public on Big Black Dog (or cat) Syndrome and to help homes for the often overlooked. Many Animal Shelters host events such as “Back in Black,” “Adopt your Own Panther,” and even going so far as giving them away free on Black Friday. Some organizations, however, forbid people from adopting black cats during the Halloween season to insure they are not being purchased as a holiday prop or short-term pet.

If you are looking for a new pet, consider adopting one with black fur! All animals deserve a loving home, but just be sure that you aren’t walking passed the cages of our dark-colored furry friends without even realizing it.