Please Consider Adopting A Black Dog or Cat

Every pet deserves a loving home, but did you know that black dogs and cats are often the last to be adopted? When litters come into The Animal League, we often notice that the black puppies can be the most attentive puppy of the bunch. They can be patient, gentle and every bit as wonderful as any other dog, but we know they will likely be the last of their litter to find a home. We call it “Black Dog Syndrome” in the rescue world, and “Black Cat Syndrome” or “Black Cat Bias”, as it applies equally to cats.

Take our latest fully adopted litter of puppies as an example. Puppies and kittens are the most sought-after and get adopted the fastest on average. This litter of Labrador/Beagle blends was added to our online pet searches on March 4, 2026. The first two puppies, with distinctive markings, had contracts signed 8 days later, whereas the last, black puppy was waiting 49 days for adoption. For fast growing and developing puppies, those considerable extra days make a lot of difference, and black puppies of larger or less desirable breeds, and adult or senior black dogs, can easily be left waiting for many more months. The story is the same for our cats.

Of course, there are many other factors that affect adoption rates, and the actual date of adoption can be influenced by human factors too, such as an adoption falling through, causing delays. The puppies above, though, are typical of what we see, and are a fairly good standardization, as a litter is as near to equal as you will find in terms of breed, history, and environmental factors. Perhaps you might like to keep an eye on our next litter, who became available to adopt on May 3, to see what happens. The first two, with a blue merle coat pattern, were adopted within just three days. Will the black puppies be left waiting a long time, or perhaps you might be the kind-hearted soul that soon provides them with a home?

why does Black Animal bias exist?

1. The Myth That Black Animals Are Unlucky

The myth of black dogs and cats being unlucky can be dated all the way back to Medieval superstitions linking black animals to demons, the devil himself, and evil forces. Even today, many people have heard the saying that a black cat crossing their path will bring them bad luck. Though this is often said jokingly, when children hear it, it may introduce an early bias or uncertainty into their consciousness. Black cats are also often associated with Halloween and witchcraft, and pictures of black cats at night, visible only by their shining eyes, can strengthen this idea of black pets being spooky.

In many cultures, however, black animals are actually symbols of good luck. The Japanese believe that owning a black cat brings good fortune, and in some areas of Britain and Asia, a black cat crossing your path is considered a blessing rather than a curse. Some people say that a black dog at night is sent as a guardian to lead you away from danger, or a black dog at your door is a sign that you’ll reconnect with an old friend. Despite these favorable beliefs, the negative superstitions still prevail and may lead people to overlook some truly wonderful pets.

2. The Misconception That Black Animals Are Aggressive

Whether it is due to superstition or perceived aggression, one common stigma is that of black pets instilling fear. There may be a subconscious idea that pets with dark fur have dark personalities to match, or perhaps a pet’s facial features being less defined makes them seem less approachable. The media and film industry also plays a part in perpetrating this feeling of fear, often portraying Big Black Dogs (BBDs) as hostile, intimidating and aggressive. As well as creating negative perceptions of specific breeds, this can also create an unjustified fear of all black animals in general.

Some studies have attempted to prove whether there is any connection between an animal’s color and behavior, but there is no clear conclusion. It is much more widely accepted by researchers that the way an animal behaves is influenced by environmental, genetic and physchological factors, as well as how a pet is trained to respond. The belief that black animals are more aggressive stems more from cultural bias and media stereotypes than from any actual evidence.

3. Black Animals Don’t Photograph So Well

Photos play a huge part in getting pets adopted. People are most likely to search for their new pet in online listings, or see photos on social media or in local press releases. Black pets tend not to stand out in photos as much as lighter colored or distinctively patterned pets. They get lost in a sea of black dogs and cats, and their features are less visible. A black dog will have black eyes that don’t stand out and hold the potential adopter’s attention in the same way. Conversely, a black cat has excess melanin, giving them their striking yellow eyes, but this perhaps adds to the perceived spookiness mentioned earlier. A lighter colored pet is much more likely to catch someone’s eye.

This can create a real challenge for us here at The Animal League. We do not euthanize, which means the continually overlooked pets remain in the shelter or foster care for longer. A black puppy or kitten might watch all its lighter colored siblings be adopted, or a black dog see its friends leaving, whilst they are left waiting longingly for that someone special to provide them with a loving home too. No matter the amount of love, care and attention we provide to the dogs and cats at The Animal League, each and every one deserves their special place in someone’s heart and home.

How You Can Help Our Black Pets

Adopt a Black Pet

If you are thinking about adopting, please keep an open mind. Take a closer look at the pets shown above, and whenever you browse our pet searches, please stop and spend a little extra time viewing our darker dogs and cats. Our talented photographers very kindly volunteer their time, using their skills and knowledge to showcase all our pets in a way that best highlights their features and personalities. So please do appreciate the extra efforts put into capturing our darker pets, and take a moment to recognize the loving, loyal companion a black dog or cat could be.

Give our Black Dogs and Cats The Spotlight

Promoting our black dogs and cats helps to get them seen. The more visibility a pet gets, the better chances they have of finding their forever home. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram and like, share and comment on our pet adoption posts, especially when we post a black dog or cat, or simply mention them to your family and friends. If you have ever owned a black pet, spreading the word about the special relationship you share/shared with them helps to build positive conversations and thoughts about our black furry friends.

Volunteer With Us

Would you like to volunteer at our adoption center or help care for our cats at Petco? You could spend time with our black shelter pets, getting to know them and being part of their stories. Accompanying our furry friends at public events and taking dogs on outings not only gives them a break from the shelter, but also helps them get noticed and meet potential adopters. You can share their stories, help their personalities shine through, and encourage people to consider adopting a black pet. You may even feel drawn to foster a black dog or cat, giving them the chance to be part of your family life while they wait for their own forever home. This has huge benefits for their development, well-being and chances of settling in more easily with a new family, whilst also freeing up space in the shelter for other pets in need.

Black dogs and cats are every bit as loving, playful and full of personality as their lighter colored friends. Their color doesn’t change who they are, but it does mean they are in great need of adoption. Here at The Animal League, we know that every dog and cat is deserving of a loving home, so please help us to ensure our black furry friends don’t miss out.

Thank you!