Dee Walton, manager at Maitland Animal Management Facility, has always been an animal lover and is trying to get the message across that they're "here to help".

The facility, which provides impounding for Maitland City, Cessnock City and Dungog Shire councils, has a number of programs to help owners including assisted rehoming, subsidised desexing and free microchipping.

"We always believe we need to be part of the solution and not part of the problem, so we will take surrenders when we can and we fundraise for people when they need help," Ms Walton said.

"I think pounds to get a bad rap, I think because people think once pets go to the pound they will never come out."

"If your animal ends up in the pound it's not the worst case scenario, there are people to help you and your pet is safe, they're not running around getting hit by a car or having somebody being cruel to them."

Ms Walton said their team are seeing way too many animals finding themselves homeless, and it's all being done the wrong way with animals being dumped on their doorstep.

"We want to drive home the message of responsible pet ownership," Ms Walton said.

"Once you've taken on an animal, you are responsible for that animal and you need to step up and do things the right way, and ask for help when things get tough."

"Animals aren't just animals anymore, they're a part of people's family."

Ms Walton, who has a bleeding heart for the animals, said the acts of irresponsible ownership is the thing that really hurts.

"I'm the one who has to pick up the pieces, pounds are picking up the pieces for these abandoned animals," she said.

"A lot of the time we don't even know their name, and that means they've lost their identity.

"Sometimes knowing their name breaks down barriers and helps the animal because they think 'you know me'.

Ms Walton said she understands sometimes people need to leave their pet right away, but that doesn't mean they should rob them of their identity.

"There's a right way and a wrong way, and it all comes down to responsible pet ownership and remembering that when you took that animal on, you promised to love it," she said.

"Even if your circumstances change, do what you can to help that animal go on to a new life."

To help people who are really struggling with their animals, the facility has started a new rehoming program called Saturday solutions.

"What we're saying to people who are struggling is don't do something silly, don't go dumping your animal or anything like that. Let us help you," Ms Walton said.

"Tell us a bit about the animal, we'll put it on our page and share it out into the community, and we'll see if we can help you rehome that animal safely."

Ms Walton said the most rewarding parts of the job are adopting out animals, and helping people get their animals back home.

"Seeing the emotion that they've got their dog back makes it all worth it, and it keeps us going."

Ms Walton said her and the team know things can happen, and that it's not a bad thing for pets to come into care of the pound.

"Animals escape, storms scare them, and they do end up in pounds but it's not a bad thing," she said.

"They're safe with us."