“They ring when they are back from holidays and ask if they can adopt their own pet back. We would never allow that,” Ms Thompson said. Loading She said boarding kennels and catteries “may be expensive, but they should be included in the Christmas plan”. “They are safe. Some people leave a huge bag of food and what they think is enough water in the backyard for their dog, but it can end up nasty. “A lot of people will do the same thing with cats, leaving them inside, but over summer it can get too hot.”

Fae Pawley from the Lost Dogs Home said there had also been an increase in the number of animals surrendered to its North Melbourne shelter. “We will always take animals at this time of year,” she said. “We are overloaded ... with cats and kittens because people don’t desex their cats.” She said people surrendering their pets was “definitely a trend coming up to the holidays”. A dog at The Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

She said some people also left their gates open or let their dogs get out knowing council rangers would pick up the animals and take them to the shelter, noting some people thought it would be cheaper than paying for a boarding kennel. Loading “We do receive an influx of dogs as people are having events at this time of year, with gates and doors being left open,” she explained. “Occasionally, people let their dogs out knowing they will be picked by the council. They let them out on purpose because they don’t want to pay for the boarding fees.” But she said fines and fees from councils could be just as much as paying for boarding kennels or catteries.

If dogs in the City of Melbourne are picked up and taken to the council pound at the Lost Dogs Home, owners are charged ​$65 for the first day, then $15 each day after that. Cats owners are charged $30 for the first day and then an additional $15 a day. Animals must be microchipped and registered with the council before they can be released from the pound. Every year there is that terrible element of humanity which dispenses with their animal companions and then they get another when they come back from holidays. Save A Dog founder and president Pam Weaver Melbourne council’s dog-at-large fine is ​$248 during daylight hours and $330 at night. Save A Dog founder and president Pam Weaver said the rescue shelter had “noticed an enormous increase in voluntary surrenders over the past few months”.

“We don’t have any concrete evidence why,” she said. “A certain percentage of people are dumping their dogs, but it’s been growing over the past two or three months.” She said there was “no rhyme or reason to why people surrendered their dogs”. “Every year there is that terrible element of humanity which dispenses with their animal companions and then they get another when they come back from holidays,” she said. RSPCA chief executive officer Liz Walker said responsible ownership did not "start and stop when it is convenient for a pet owner”. “It is an ongoing commitment,” Dr Walker said.

“We would remind everyone that being a responsible pet owner is vital in ensuring the health and happiness of your companion animal throughout its lifetime.” She said RSPCA Victoria had not seen any evidence of increased numbers of animals being surrendered before the festive season. Dogs waiting to be adopted at The Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui It does not recommend pets as a surprise Christmas gift. “The adoption process should be carefully considered and planned, as pet ownership is a commitment that can last 10 to 20 years,” Dr Walker said.

“It’s important that the receiver has already expressed a strong desire for a pet. Ensure that they have the ability to be a responsible pet owner for both the type of animal and the animal’s individual needs.”