One rescue organisation in the NSW Central West is preparing for an increase in surrenders as the nation emerges from the immediate threat of the pandemic.

Before COVID-19, the animals at the Orange branch of the Animal Welfare League NSW deemed "long term" fosters were those in their care for at least six months.

So popular did rescue dogs become, now any dog that's still with them after four weeks is considered a "long term".

But now their thoughts are turning to what happens once people begin to return to work and separation anxiety plus other behavioural issues float to the surface.

"There's that concern that once COVID's over that there will be an increase in surrenders," branch secretary Tina Pacey said.

"It's great that they're all getting adopted but we want them to stay adopted."

To try and mitigate the fall-out from the COVID-19 dog demand, the Orange-based rescue is trying to encourage dog owners to start preparing for when they do return to work.

"We recommend during covid (that owners take dogs to) doggie day-care to help them socialise while you're at work. We also recommend pet-sitters," Ms Pacey said.

"We're really stressing that you need to leave them at home on a regular basis so that they're used to it when you do go back to work."