If you’re looking for a doggo or puppy to join your family this Christmas, consider the thousands of abandoned good boys and girls looking for their forever homes.

Through no fault of their own, many pets are surrendered around the holiday season each year – and deserve a forever home that will look after them and give them plenty of love.

There’s no national body which monitors just how many dogs are surrendered and placed in pounds annually, but the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries estimates 3,200 pooches are rehomed a year in WA alone.

And that’s not taking into account the many pooches who don’t get rehomed.

Here’s what you can do to help. If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a fur baby into your home, particularly around Christmas time, consider adopting a doggo in need – you’ve no doubt heard the slogan ‘Adopt don’t Shop’.

We’ve asked some of our favourite animal organisations to share the canines in their care which desperately need a bit of TLC, especially this holiday season.

Your dog can tell when you’re upset, and they want to help. Post continues below.

From Kevin the Great Dane X Mastiff who’s about to spend his second Christmas at the shelter, to Roxy, the Jack Russell Terrier who has so much love to give, if you’re searching for a four-legged friend, consider these 11 pooches who would love your care and attention.

If you live outside these areas, however, you can get in contact with your local pound or rescue shelter and see what animals need your help.

Flynn – Kelpie X (1 year, 4 months)

Based in: Lonsdale Shelter, SA

I’m what you could call a ‘Busy Bee’. I’m a naturally playful, curious, and trusting canine. Take me for a big walk every day and give me something to do. After my job’s done, I’ll curl up with you on the sofa.

I’m looking for an active family and one that is able to help me gain confidence in the home, and around new humans. For this reason, I will need a family that can take me to force-free training classes to gain confidence and learn how to act in the home.

My favourite things are rope, soft and large ball toys, TREATS!, wobble kongs, and walking adventures with my human parents.

Further adoption details: You can call the RSPCA SA on 1300 4 777 22.

Roxy - Jack Russell Terrier (2 years, 7 months)

Based in: Epping Animal Welfare Facility, VIC

If you're patient with me, in time I'll reward you with years of affection. I really enjoy being around people and I've got a lot of love to give.

I like to follow my nose, so I enjoy taking a daily walk to explore my neighbourhood. I am full of potential, I just need a buddy who will put in the hard yards with me.

I don't need a huge amount of grooming, but I'd enjoy a quick brush every few days. Ideally, I'd like to live with an adult family, as kids can be a bit overwhelming for me.

Further adoption details: You can contact the RSPCA Epping Animal Welfare Facility directly on (03) 8401 6600.

Tex - Greyhound (5 years, 4 months)

Based in: Pearcedale, VIC

Hi there, my name is Tex and I'm friendly to everyone I meet. I really enjoy being around people, I'm very family-orientated and would love to live with a family and kids.

I'm a bit of a couch potato, so a gentle daily walk is all I'll need. Also, I'd be keen for some extra training, but rest assured, I'm a fast learner.

Further adoption details: You can contact the RSPCA Pearcedale Animal Welfare Facility directly via this link.

Lily - Staffy (1 year, 7 months)

Based in: Malaga, WA

Lily's my name and learning is my game (past times also include being a cheeky monkey and conquering puzzle toys). When I came into the shelter, I was so scared I couldn't stand up straight! Thanks to the wonderful staff, foster carers and volunteers, my confidence has grown, I'm healthy and happy and ready to find my forever home.

I need a home where you'll focus on my training and improving my handling because I didn't get off to the best start, so I'm still learning the ropes and learning not to jump up. Life can be really exciting sometimes and I just can't contain my springs! Group training classes would be great fun 'cause I'll get to meet some friends too.

I'm an active, clever pupper who will need someone that can keep up with me, but also chill out with me.

Further adoption details: You can call the RSPCA on (08) 9209 9300.

Ripley - Bull Arab (2 years, 2 months)

Based in: Weston, ACT

Hi, I'm Ripley. I'm a two-year-old Bull Arab, who's ready to live my life to the fullest. I'm a big girl, and I'm working really hard to improve my manners. I really, really love toys, especially tennis balls, and I'm always ready to play catch. Always.

I'd love a puppy parent who'll take me to training classes. I'm ready to learn and to meet some other friendly doggos.

Further adoption details: You can call the RSPCA on (02) 6287 8100.

Kevin - Great Dane X Mastiff (4 years, 5 months)

Based in: Sydney, NSW

It'll be my second Christmas spent at the animal shelter and I'd really love to find my forever home. I was adopted this February, but through no fault of my own, it didn't work out and I was returned.

I’m a very active boy so a family that loves the great outdoors and wants to do fun activities (whether that's going for a big run, playing fetch at the park or going hiking on the weekend) would be amazing. I am very smart and I already know ‘sit’ and ‘down’. I also freaking LOVE FETCH! I can fetch for hours and hours! Then when we are finished with my game of fetch we can chill out and watch some TV or maybe just go for another hike. Being an active boy, the more space I have the better which is why I must have indoor and outdoor access to a decent-sized backyard.

I have met some dogs here at the shelter and they’re OK, but I much prefer the company of my human friends. I really need to be an only dog. I know there will be times when you have to leave me alone at home and that’s fine with me as long as you make sure I have lots of things to do like toys, a kong or maybe a pig’s ear and I will do my best not to miss you too much while you are gone.

Further adoption details: You can call the RSPCA on (02) 9770 7575, or visit them at their Sydney Shelter.

Rebel - Boxer X (4 years, 4 months)

Based in: Glendale, NSW

Hello! I'm a super friendly and affectionate Boxer who is 100 per cent ready to shower you with all the love and affection. I sometimes get a bit anxious, and sometimes this means I have problems controlling my bladder, but I promise I'm house trained.

I like to be an obedient doggo, and I'm good at following instructions. Oh and one of my talents is seeking out food wherever it is. I love food. Yum.

If possible, I'd LOVE a friend to hang out with, I'm even pretty good with cats! I just don't love being left alone. It makes me nervous and sometimes it can make me a bit barky.

Further adoption details: Visit Pet Rescue's website.

Nora - American Staffy X (3 years)

Based in: Sydney, NSW

Nora is my name, and cruising is my game. I think car rides are one the most fun things to do, and I'm always up for a drive. Sometimes people say I'm a bit reserved when they first meet me, just you wait. You won't be able to stop me from cuddling you after we get to know each other. I love being active and getting scratches behind my ear. I almost like it more than going for walkies. Almost.

I wouldn't mind another quiet doggo friend to play with, but if it were just me and my human, that's okay too. It just means there's more play time for me.

Further adoption details: Visit the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home's website.

Yoshi - Kelpie X (1 year, 4 months)

Based in: Newcastle, NSW

I came to foster care about a month ago. I was stacked in a cage for a month at the kennel and was waiting for someone to get me out of there. As you know I am a working breed, so I'm a very energetic young boy who needs lots of exercise every day. I don’t live in a big yard but my foster parents take me to the park and walk me two times in a day. It makes me so happy to be able to stretch my legs.

I really enjoy chasing and bringing the ball back and I love fetch too. I visited the beach and I love running on the sandy beach. Because of the weather, I haven’t tried swimming yet but I am very interested in the waves. I really need someone who wants an active companion who is loving and loyal and lots of fun.

Further adoption details: Visit Pet Rescue's website.

Athena - Great Dane (5 years, 6 months)

Based in: Sydney (Yagoona)

I'm Athena and I want to win your heart over not only with my pretty as a picture face, but also my loving personality. I'm a big goofy girl who just loves lots of affection. I've had a lot of changes in my life, and I like to be given some time to get used to new things.

My favourite things to do are getting lots of cuddles, hanging out with people I know, and spending some special quiet time in front of the TV with my humans. I have a few kids in my foster home and I love them. I love to play! I can't wait to run around the backyard with you and all of my new toys.

Tug of war is the best game ever and I like to hide my soft toys in secret spots for you. I'm great when my foster family leave me alone, I don't worry too much at all, it gives me time to lay around and sun-bake which is my (other) favourite thing to do!

Further adoption details: Email: [email protected] or call: 02 9770 7503.

Vincent - American Staffordshire Terrier X (4 years)

Based in: Sydney, NSW

Hello, I'm Vincent! I'm looking for an active family who will take me on walks and new adventures. Don't worry if I'm a bit reserved at first, I just sometimes take a little while to warm up.

I'm slowly getting used to my new busy city life, but I'm stilling working on my confidence. If you take me to the park and go on a few walks, I'm sure I'll get there really soon.

I've been with Sydney Dogs and Cats Home since February 2019, and while they're really lovely people, I'm so excited to meet my forever parents and shower them with all the doggo cuddles and kisses.

Further adoption details: Visit the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home's website.

Feature image: Supplied.

Will you be adopting a new family member these holidays? Tell us in a comment below.