The number of dog owners requesting to surrender their pets since Christmas has risen by 73% on the same period last year, Dogs Trust Ireland has said.
The charity has received 297 surrender requests from Christmas Day to the end of January, compared to 172 requests made to the charity in the same period of 2021.
The charity, which currently receives eight requests per day to surrender dogs, is appealing for foster families to help rehome the animals.
As well as the 'Christmas factor', the charity believes that increased dog ownership during the pandemic, coupled with the recent easing of restrictions and a return to the workplace for many has contributed to the surge in surrender requests.
"One of the most common reasons that we are hearing at the moment is that they are struggling to cope with (a dog's) behaviour issues", said Ciara Murran, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust Ireland.
These can stem from "separation anxiety" as people return to the workplace, she explained.
Some families are also falling victim to unscrupulous breeders who are falsely advertising dogs as being "hypoallergenic", Ms Murran said.
"We are continuing to see victims of unscrupulous breeders and families being 'dogfished', as misleading and often illegal online advertisements continue.
"Dogs are often advertised as being 'hypoallergenic' but as the causes of individual’s allergies can vary, no dog can be said to be 100% hypoallergenic, even if the breed or crossbreed doesn’t shed very much or the dog doesn’t have much or any hair."
'poor breeding' and 'the environment she was born into'
Dogs Trust Ireland described the case of Maggie, a five-month-old Spaniel puppy who was "fictitiously advertised as a hypoallergenic Poodle cross".
She was surrendered to Dogs Trust after her owners' allergies flared up while she was in their care, the charity said.
A foster home has since been sought for Maggie.
Dogs Trust Ireland is appealing to those who are interested in fostering to contact them.
"Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience for any dog lover," Kate Horgan, Fostering Coordinator at Dogs Trust Ireland said.
"Fostering not only provides invaluable experience in caring for a dog but it plays a fundamental role in helping the most vulnerable dogs get back on their paws and gives them a better chance of finding their forever home.
"If you are over 18, have access to dog friendly transport for vet visits and meeting potential adopters, a secure garden and time to temporarily care for a dog in need, we would love to hear from you."
