Here at St Giles, we have noticed a sad but familiar pattern. Our beautiful black dogs and cats, like Dandy, Dax and Preston, often wait the longest for their forever homes. They are sweet, loving and full of personality, yet they simply do not receive as many applications as their lighter coated friends.
Sadly, they are not alone. Across rescues, black pets are often overlooked, a trend sometimes called Black Pet Syndrome. Studies have shown that black cats can take up to 20 percent longer to be adopted than others, and black dogs are often the last to be chosen, sometimes waiting months or even years longer for a home.
There are a few reasons why. Old superstitions still linger, especially for cats who are unfairly linked to bad luck. Darker coats also do not photograph as well, meaning their lovely faces and bright eyes can be lost in the shadows. And because black is such a common colour, these pets often have more lookalikes to compete with on rehoming pages.
But those of us who know them can tell you this: once you look beyond the colour of their fur, these animals shine just as brightly as any other. Dandy, Dax and Preston have so much love to give. They are affectionate, gentle and simply waiting for someone to see them for who they are.
So if you are thinking about adopting, please do not scroll past the black dogs and cats. Take a closer look. Behind those dark coats are hearts full of love, ready to light up your home. 🏡💛
