THE RSPCA is dealing with an influx of unwanted pets over the holiday period, as the shelter looks to find homes for dozens of cats, dogs, guinea pigs and even rats.

Cairns RSPCA manager Yoni Rankin said the shelter had received between 20 and 30 animals in varying states of health over the Christmas and New Year period.

"The most popular reason for surrender is they're moving house and they can no longer take their pet," Ms Rankin said.

"They're doing the responsible thing by bringing the animals to us ... we'd rather have them come in to the shelter here than just let them go on the streets of Cairns.

"A lot of times, this is their last resort and we encourage people to use us as a last resort."

Ms Rankin encouraged animal lovers to stop by the shelter and help give a pet a much-needed home, with dogs available for adoption at $199, cats at $20 and $199 for two kittens for the price of one.

"Before they've even purchased a pet, we ask them to consider the long-term responsibility of pet ownership and the commitment it does take to have an animal for its lifetime," she said.

Meanwhile, YAPS treasurer Carol Clifton said while her shelter had been inundated with unwanted cats and dogs in the lead-up to Christmas, the New Year had been a welcome relief with 19 animals re-housed over the last five days.

"We put a lot of our dogs out on foster over Christmas. They're just coming back in this weekend, and fortunately, a few people have decided they just can't live without them and said they're going to keep them," Ms Clifton said.

"That gives us that window of opportunity to take in other animals."

To adopt a pet, visit adoptapet.com.auor yaps.org.au

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