You might think that discrimination based on skin color is a distinctly human problem, but the truth is that there’s ample evidence animals too can be shunned for that same reason.
Guilford County Animal Services is hoping a little elegance – and a little ice cream – will help some often-overlooked shelter pets find permanent homes.
The county will host a black-tie-themed adoption event called the “Black Tail Adoption Event” on Thursday, June 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Guilford County Animal Resource Center, located at 980 Guilford College Road in Greensboro.
The event is designed to highlight adoptable black cats and dogs, which animal shelters around the country have long said can face greater challenges finding homes than pets with lighter-colored coats.
The dog Banker, seen above, is just one of the adoptable dogs that is looking for a happy home.
Animal welfare groups often refer to the phenomenon as “black dog syndrome” or “black cat syndrome.”
While researchers and shelter officials continue to debate exactly how significant the effect is, many shelters report that black-colored pets tend to spend longer periods waiting for adoption than animals with lighter or more distinctive markings.
Some animal advocates believe that black pets are overlooked because they can be harder to photograph – making them less likely to stand out in online adoption listings and social media posts.
Others suggest that outdated superstitions surrounding black cats still influence some people’s perceptions. Shelter workers also note that when several animals are housed together, black pets can sometimes appear less distinctive than animals with unusual colors or markings.
Of course, none of that has anything to do with the animals’ personalities: Shelter officials routinely point out that coat color has no connection to whether a pet will be friendly, affectionate, playful or a good fit for a family.
The June 4 event is intended to give those animals a little extra attention and encourage potential adopters to take a closer look.
County officials are encouraging community members to dress up for the occasion and spend some time meeting the shelter’s available pets.
As an added incentive, attendees can enjoy ice cream from Alsies of the Triad while they browse the animals that are available for adoption.
The Guilford County Animal Resource Center is open for adoptions daily from noon to 4 p.m., except Tuesdays.
No appointment is required.
Residents interested in adopting can view available animals online at GuilfordCountyNC.gov/AdoptAPet.
Additional information about the event and Animal Services programs is available at GuilfordCountyNC.gov/AnimalServices or by calling Guilford County Animal Services at 336-641-3400.
