Cats, dogs and even the odd rabbit are expected to find homes this summer, with the annual adopt-a-pet campaign.
The three local SPCA shelters; Hastings and Districts, Napier and Central Hawke's Bay are inundated at this time of year with animals, with each one in desperate need of a permanent, loving home.
SPCA Napier centre manager Bruce Wills said they tend to fill up fairly quickly, with about 1200 animals coming through their doors over the year.
"It is quite an involved process to get animals to the stage of adoption. It can take up to three to four weeks before they are ready."
He believed it was "important to ensure that where possible people adopt through the SPCA".