It's been dubbed the "perfect storm". There are too many animals being bred in New Zealand, and with the 'cost of living crisis', there aren't enough homes willing to take in animals and that extra expense. And some families are offloading animals that they can no longer look after.
So what can we do to help during this crisis?
Chief Executive Carolyn Press-McKenzie is from HUHA (Helping You Help Animals), and their charity is dedicated to teaching empathy to the community and providing shelter for those less fortunate animals.
Chatting with Jay-Jay & Flynny, Carolyn tells us the SPCA had seen a 20 percent increase in strays arriving into their care, mainly puppies and kittens, in the last six months.
"So slowing down on the breeding, getting your animal desexed is probably the most important thing," Carolyn says.
"And then I guess just looking out for each other and helping support friends and family, helping them get help if they need it. We're finding a lot of people who are, you know, getting displaced from their homes, can't find a rental that will take a pet."
If you can't adopt, don't own a pet or are not in a place to help a pet, Carolyn has great suggestions on how you can support animal charities - like using the op shop!
Hear all of Carolyn's tips and advice in the Jay-Jay & Flynny Podcast Highlight above.
