The number of unwanted dogs in Victoria is reaching a crisis point as a record number of owners continue to abandon their pets, while fewer people are wanting to adopt them.

The surge in the number of dogs being surrendered to RSPCA Victoria began just before Christmas and has not slowed down for the past seven months.

Shelters were receiving about 50 unwanted dogs a month towards the end of last year, but have been inundated with around 150 abandoned pets every month of 2022.

Nine abandoned dogs were handed to RSPCA Victoria on Tuesday alone.

RSPCA Victoria animal care manager Nadia Peiris said all kinds of dogs were being surrendered – even small dogs and puppies.

"Puppies coming in is just mind blowing," she said

"During COVID, we probably saw one puppy coming in during the whole two years.

"That really shows you the dilemma that we're in."

She said small dogs being surrendered "almost never happened" before this year.

The organisation is also seeing its reclaim rates drop, with owners choosing not to collect their dogs that have been found unattended and turned in.

"When we call the owner to let them know that the dog is in the shelter we're hearing people say, 'Oh, we'd just like to surrender the dog,'" Peiris said.

Around 50 dogs a month are being left unclaimed by their owners.

Have you got a story? Contact Serena at rspcavic.org to find out more about adoption.