Black Animal Syndrome: The Overlooked Shelter Inhabitants

 

Have you ever wandered down the lines of a shelter looking at all the lost and abandoned animals there? You should.  It is an eye-opening experience and will probably cause you to rethink everything you know or thought you knew about having pets.  

There is one "dirty little secret" in most shelters and that is that black animals rarely get adopted.  These are perfectly healthy, friendly, loveable, playful animals who, because of the color of their fur, are continually overlooked by most people.

This phenomenon, often dubbed the "Black Dog Syndrome" or "Black Cat Syndrome," highlights a disconcerting bias against darker-furred animals. But why does this happen, and how can we help these animals find their forever homes? 

Here is an article, "Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Are Less Likely To Be Adopted" that talks about why this happens.

Why Black Dogs and Cats Are Overlooked 

1. Superstitions and Stigmas: Historically, black cats have been associated with superstitions, often being branded as omens of bad luck. Though these beliefs are largely outdated, remnants of these superstitions may linger in modern society, influencing adoption decisions.

In the 21st century, it is disheartening to think that there is still superstitions and stigmas about black cats and dogs.  Surely we have moved way past that, but alas, I see we have not.  There is no reason to believe that a black animal is "cursed" or that it is "evil".  That is ridiculous.  These are living, breathing beings who deserve to have forever homes like any other animal.

2. Appearance in Photographs: Black animals, particularly in subpar lighting conditions, don’t photograph as well as their lighter counterparts. Their features can blend together, making them less distinguishable in online listings.

This is unfortunate because shelters and rescues don't spend resources to have the animals professionally photographed.  It would seem that as an adult you would be able to see past the bad lighting and see the animal.  

3. Perceived Aggression: Some believe that darker animals appear more menacing, leading to unjust associations with aggression, particularly in breeds already contending with negative stereotypes.

This is a stereotype that is encouraged by media, but certainly not true.  I know that when you see an aggressive animal in a film, it will most likely be black.  However, aggression is not controlled by the color of the animal's fur.  It is determined by the treatment of the animal and the breeding.

4. Aging Appearance: Black fur can sometimes show signs of graying earlier, which can be misinterpreted as the animal being older than they actually are. All animals begin to have gray hair on the face by age 2, so this is plain, old fashion ageism at play.  Pets live long lives if taken care of properly, so 2 is a baby.

How to Help Black Dogs and Cats Find Their Forever Homes

1. Awareness: The first step is acknowledging the issue. By educating the public about this unintentional bias, we can help shift perceptions and encourage more adoptions of black animals.

2. Better Photography: Investing in professional photography can make a significant difference. Using brighter backgrounds, proper lighting, and showcasing their personalities can make black animals stand out in online listings.

3. Promotional Events: Shelters can host events highlighting black animals. Offering reduced adoption fees or themed events like “Black Fur Friday” can draw attention to these overlooked pets.

4. Storytelling: Sharing heartwarming stories of black animals and their successful adoption journeys can tug at potential adopters’ heartstrings.

5. Advocacy: Harness the power of social media. Sharing posts, pictures, and stories of black dogs and cats can increase their visibility.

6. Education: Dispel myths and superstitions associated with black pets. Inform potential adopters about the loving and gentle nature of these animals, irrespective of their color.

Black dogs and cats, like all animals, deserve loving homes. With concerted efforts and awareness, we can shift the narrative and ensure these animals are no longer overlooked. We can all do our part to remove the "Black Dog and Cat Syndrome" from our shelters and rescues and help these deserving animals all find forever homes if we do our parts.

No matter the color of the fur, please adopt from shelters and rescues instead of buying dogs.  This blog post tells you about the benefits of adoption and just how to go about doing so: Adopting a Dog: Things to Think About