Find your new ‘BOO’ in time for Halloween at Huntsville Animal Services
Published on October 29, 2022
Huntsville Animal Services invites anyone thinking about adopting a pet to come “find your new boo” just in time for Halloween.
The shelter is combatting black dog syndrome (BDS) this weekend with a promotion that can’t be beat. Adoption fees are waived for all adult cats and dogs with black or mostly black fur Oct. 29-31.
“There is nothing scary about a black animal,” Director Dr. Karen Sheppard said. “Statistically, they are the hardest for us to adopt out, but they are really as sweet, loyal, goofy, playful or easygoing as any other animal.”
Research shows that some people opt for animals with lighter fur due to old superstitions, such as a black cat being bad luck, or fear bred from how black pets are portrayed in movies and TV shows. In a study published to the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science in 2002, the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California said adoption rates were much lower for pure-black animals.
The Animal Services webpage featuring adoptable pets shows that black and mostly black animals currently make up about one-third of pets for adoption.
“We want people to come out to our Trunk or Treat on Saturday, have some fun and come meet the great dogs and cats we have ready for loving homes,” Sheppard said.
The Howl-o-ween Trunk or Treat will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29. In addition to waiving adoption fees for adult black or mostly black cats and dogs, the shelter will reduce fees for all other animals by $10 through Halloween.
Adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and come with a City license and free bag of pet food. Those unable to adopt are asked to consider fostering an animal through the shelter’s foster program.
Click here to see photos, ages and descriptions of available animals.
Located at 4950 Triana Blvd. SW, the shelter is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call 256-883-3783, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal or check them out on Facebook or Instagram to learn more.
