Black dogs are less likely to be adopted from shelters.
Charlotte Black Dogs, a (501c3) non-profit organization founded in 2013, works to promote awareness and education about Black Dog Syndrome.
What is Black Dog Syndrome?
Black Dog Syndrome describes the difficulty black dogs face in shelters. Compared to lighter-colored animals, they are significantly less likely to be adopted and more likely to be euthanized as a result.
Through greater awareness and education, our aim is to change perceptions and find homes for all dogs - no matter the color of their coats.
We are out in the community helping bring awareness to Black Dog Syndrome.
We do several events throughout the year to promote awareness to Black Dog Syndrome.
The largest of these events is Paws in the Park, which annually draws thousands of attendees.
Paws in the Park Event
Free Family Event
Saturday, April 13, 2024
10am to 3pm
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnson Drive, Pineville, NC 28134
Paws in the Park is one of the largest dog events in the Charlotte area.
Our annual event, features Dog Rescue Groups and Shelters with dogs available for adoption, Food Trucks, Arts/Crafts and Business Vendors, Blessing of the Animals, Photo Booth, Kids Playground, Dog Contests at noon and Award-Winning Entertainment.
Family Fun & Entertainment
Therapy Dog Demos, Blessing of the Animals, Photo Booth, Dog Contests, Circus Stella, and Chairmen of the Board!
Circus Stella will be performing 3 shows! 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm
All events are subject to change.
Our Dj is Darin Page Henley
Chairmen of the Board will be performing from approx. 1-3pm
All events are subject to change.
Animal Rescue & Adoptions
We will have Dog Rescue Groups/ Animal Shelters with fundraising items and dogs available for adoption.
(We do not allow onsite adoptions, unless the adopter has been pre-approved by the rescue/shelter)
“Rescue Row” is down behind the stage. The rescues/shelters will have dogs for adoption and items for sale.
Dog Contests at Noon (Trophies & Cash Prizes)
Smallest Dog (1 year old & up)
Largest Dog (Measured around the chest/waist)
Best Dog Trick
Best Dressed Female
Best Dressed Male
Best Themed Group (Max of 5 dogs per group)
Our dog contests will be emceed by WBTV’s Rachel Coulter
Dog contests are FREE to enter.
Sign up is required by 11:30 am at the Charlotte Black Dogs Tent and we limit to 15 dogs per category.
Event Sponsors
Sponsorships serve as the lifeblood for Paws in the Park, our most important event of the year. Along with serving a wonderful cause, sponsorship provides businesses with valuable avenues for community outreach and engagement. We’d love to have you on board!
Our work is supported strictly through donations.
Get in touch
Want to volunteer? Care to make a donation? Want to sponsor our popular Paws in the Park event? Maybe you just want to learn more.
We’d love to hear from you. Just reach out using the contact form and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can!