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Unfortunately, 144,000 animals are surrendered to the RSPCA each year - and 63,000 of those are dogs.
Just after Christmas, when people go away on holidays, or when their cute puppy is becoming an adult, are the busiest time of year for animal shelters.
In December, Bree from the RSPCA was shocked to discover a young Rhodesian Ridgeback out the front of their shelter.
'The dog had been dropped off and he was in a really bad state. His ribs were sticking out and his fur was matted and dirty.
'He was so nervous, and he had obviously been mistreated by people who couldn't cope with him. While I wanted to break down and cry, I knew I had to be strong and do all that I could to save this poor, helpless dog.
'A month on, with love and constant care, he's put on 5kg and has learnt to trust humans. We've called him Tyson and he's like a different dog.
'We're still working with him but have started looking for his new home. He deserves it after all he's been though.'
Michelle Minehan from the RSPCA encourages people to consider the life-long commitment of owning a pet before they take one on.
'You should only buy a pet if you can dedicate time to playing, walking and taking care of the animal as part of the family, not just a pet in the backyard,' Michelle says. She has this advice for anyone who's thinking about adopting an animal.
Look past the cute and cuddly factor. Will you still be devoted when your pet is no longer a cute baby?
Pets cost money, not only initially, but over their entire lifespan. Can you afford it?
Weigh up whether or not you can give the animal a good life. Are you at work all day, leaving the pet home alone? Who will look after them while you're on holiday?
If you are struggling to look after your pet, especially during the current economic crisis, you can surrender them to your local RSPCA.
'We prefer people to bring their pets to us, rather than dump them,' Michelle explains. 'Once an animal has been surrendered, they go through behavioural and vet checks, which determine if the animal will go up for adoption.'
Unfortunately, 144,000 animals are surrendered to the RSPCA each year - and 63,000 of those are dogs.
Just after Christmas, when people go away on holidays, or when their cute puppy is becoming an adult, are the busiest time of year for animal shelters.
In December, Bree from the RSPCA was shocked to discover a young Rhodesian Ridgeback out the front of their shelter.
'The dog had been dropped off and he was in a really bad state. His ribs were sticking out and his fur was matted and dirty.
'He was so nervous, and he had obviously been mistreated by people who couldn't cope with him. While I wanted to break down and cry, I knew I had to be strong and do all that I could to save this poor, helpless dog.
'A month on, with love and constant care, he's put on 5kg and has learnt to trust humans. We've called him Tyson and he's like a different dog.
'We're still working with him but have started looking for his new home. He deserves it after all he's been though.'
Michelle Minehan from the RSPCA encourages people to consider the life-long commitment of owning a pet before they take one on.
'You should only buy a pet if you can dedicate time to playing, walking and taking care of the animal as part of the family, not just a pet in the backyard,' Michelle says. She has this advice for anyone who's thinking about adopting an animal.
Look past the cute and cuddly factor. Will you still be devoted when your pet is no longer a cute baby?
Pets cost money, not only initially, but over their entire lifespan. Can you afford it?
Weigh up whether or not you can give the animal a good life. Are you at work all day, leaving the pet home alone? Who will look after them while you're on holiday?
If you are struggling to look after your pet, especially during the current economic crisis, you can surrender them to your local RSPCA.
'We prefer people to bring their pets to us, rather than dump them,' Michelle explains. 'Once an animal has been surrendered, they go through behavioural and vet checks, which determine if the animal will go up for adoption.'
