Dogs Trust Ireland has said it has taken in 54 puppies in the space of three weeks, including eight ten-day-old puppies who need round the clock care.
The charity has received over 2,100 surrender requests since January, compared to 1,638 requests for the same period last year – an increase of 33%.
Maciej Trojanowicz, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, said they also have an "overwhelming" list of dogs waiting to come into their care from local authority dog pounds.
"While we would love to be able to help every single dog we are asked to, sadly, we just don't have the kennel space to do so," Ms Trojanowicz said.
"That's why we are urgently appealing for foster homes, so we can help as many dogs as possible.
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"People who foster are often asked if it's hard to say goodbye to the dog they have cared for. As a fosterer myself, I can tell you first-hand that the feeling of knowing the dog is going to a family who will love them, far outweighs the temporary sadness."
Ciara Murran, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust Ireland, said they are continuing to deal with the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to RTÉ's News at One, she said: "Unfortunately, with people going back to work and lives returning to normal, we're seeing that more dogs are coming through our doors and also there are less people willing to take on a dog because they've got their busy lives and things are going back to normal now.
"Fundamentally, it comes down to the fact that there are a lot more puppies being bred than there are people to give them homes.
"What we're really looking for is more foster homes, so that we can get dogs into safe homes without them even needing to come into the centre.
"we really are calling out for homes for adoption, but more importantly fostering, at least that way it will give us more space in our centre as well."
She said the charity is appealing to people to support their work by fostering, adopting or donating what they can.
"We care for hundreds of dogs every year but without the generosity of our supporters, this simply wouldn't be possible.
"We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them, especially as we all face the increased cost of living."
A number of the puppies came in without mothers, including those being hand reared.
Other breeds surrendered include labrador crosses, Belgian shepard crosses, and chihuahua crosses.
