Adoptions Half Off For Black-Furred Pets

As classes resume for another school year, Hillsborough County Animal Services has teamed up with the Best Friends Animal Society to go "Back in Black," by offering reduced adoption fees on a special group of needy shelter pets.  There's no better time to adopt and save money!

Through mid-September, all black and mostly black-colored dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens will be offered at 50 percent off of their regular adoption fee.  

Like all of the county's adoptable pets, Back in Black animals will come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, health checked, and receive the required Hillsborough County tag. 

Shelter dogs now in obedience classes can even continue their training free of charge.

 "Back in Black" is a national awareness campaign targeting overlooked black and mostly black-colored adoptable animals of all ages, breeds, sizes, and personalities.  

These darker dogs and cats suffer from what shelters around the country commonly call "black pet syndrome," a preference by shoppers to select more fair-haired companions.  

This behavior is likely the result of outdated superstitions about black pets.  It may also result from an adopter's inability to connect with black animals whose fur appears to obscure their equally dark eyes.  Whatever the case, evidence has shown that black animals are undeniably the most challenging to adopt out.

Hillsborough County Animal Services is one of more than 70 shelters nationwide participating in the "Back in Black" adoption special and awareness campaign through Sept. 17.  

The shelter is open for adoptions Tuesday - Saturday at 440 N. Falkenburg Road in Tampa. With a large selection of animals in every size and shade waiting, adopters need only bring valid photo ID, proof of address, a happy heart, and an open mind.

For more information, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744- 5660 or hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.