The City of Toronto has waived its adoption fee for black cats on Black Friday.
This is not a joke. The city notes that black cats are traditionally the last to find “forever” homes and is making a special effort to find them a permanent spot.
“Our shelters are really full right now and we always look for creative ways to bring the public’s attention to the fact that these cats need homes,” Mary Lou Leiher, program manager at Animal Services, told CityNews on Wednesday.
“Traditionally, black cats are harder to re-home and we’re really not sure why. Just like any other cat, the make lovely pets.”
Leiher said the connection between black cats and Black Friday started at shelters in the United States and has spread. More than 150 cats are up for adoption at Toronto’s four animal shelters, as well as at a number of the city’s adoption partner locations.
“If we bring it to the public’s attention, that our shelters are full, [these pets] have a better chance of getting a home,” she said.
The adoption blitz runs until Sunday and the regular $75 fee is waived for any kitten or cat with any black colouring.
Residents will still pay the $15 license fee ($7.50 for seniors).
All cats and kittens are sterilized (either spayed or neutered), micro-chipped, vet-checked, de-wormed and vaccinated.
During a recent autumn campaign, dubbed Fall in Love, 210 cats and kittens were adopted across the city.
“When we do a campaign and we reduce adoption fees, it’s always very successful – it’s always an increase over the year before,” Leiher said.
The city has a campaign planned for mid-December, called the 12 Strays of Christmas.
For questions and to find a shelter, call 416-338-PAWS (7297) or click here.
