Introduced in 2003, the program offers those on a pension or low income earners the chance to have their cat or dog desexed at a cheap rate.

Ms Gaal said the program’s aim was to have less unwanted pets in the city, and while it has had an impact, many pets are still surrendered during the school holidays.

She said some pet owners say their dog or cat has got in the way of the family’s festive celebrations or planned holiday.

“They’re [pet owners] going on holidays a lot of them and they can’t afford boarding fees,” Ms Gaal said.

“It costs money and if you don’t have the money they just dump them.”

And, the result is heartbreaking for staff at the pound and in a veterinary surgeries as not all surrendered animals will find a new home and some are euthanised.

“We would get 100-plus puppies in December and January,” she said of previous festive periods before the program was introduced.

“It’s very stressful for the staff and it’s very stressful for the vets.”

WITH New Year’s Eve celebrations this Sunday, Ms Gaal has encouraged people to take a few simple steps to ensure their pets are kept safe.

Fireworks and loud noises can often frighten dogs and cats and result in some fleeing from their home.

Ms Gaal said pets should be kept inside, or alternatively taken for a drive during the fireworks.

However, for people planning to go out and enjoy the celebrations, a little bit of planning was essential.

“Make sure they’re inside somewhere it can’t get out, so maybe the garage or the laundry,” she said.

“Just make sure all your chemicals are up and out of the way.”

Ms Gaal encouraged people to ensure their pet’s microchip details were up-to-date which can be done online by visiting the NSW Pet Registry.