For Debbie Jagger, regional manager RSPCA Hunter, a new pet can be a fantastic present – but only if you take precautionary steps first.

“There’s nothing worse than seeing a beautiful animal returned to a shelter after Christmas – it’s a concern,” she said. “But there are steps you can take.

“We have a matching process here, a series of questions people answer to tell us exactly what they are looking for from their animal.

“We encourage pets as presents, but we like it to be a considered decision from all parties not a complete surprise.”

Ms  Jaggers said the two biggest reasons pets end up at the shelter are because they don’t get on with existing pets, and because they cause allergies in their owners.

For that reason she also encourages potential owners to bring their existing pets along to see how they get along.

“I know it might seem a bit of a pain, but it’s time well spent,” she said. 

“These sort of precautions are the reason we don’t see a massive spike of animals returned to us after Christmas.

“That’s the last thing we want to see, both for disappointed owners and the animals.”

To give older dogs a chance of being adopted, they come with a cheaper price tag.

“Sometimes a slightly older dog that’s happy to lie in the sun is exactly what the less active family requires,” she explained.

“But now is a good time for families to take on new pets. As Christmas is here so are the school holidays, which gives children and new family pets a wonderful chance to bond and get to know each other.”

Any final tips?

“Dogs and chocolate don’t mix – full stop.”