A Tipperary dog rescue centre has had to close its doors to new entrants because it is unable to find anywhere to house them.

The Haven Rescue Centre has said it has been forced to send dogs to kennels because all of its foster homes are full and there is “no space anywhere else”.

It now believes it is going to be “seriously over capacity” by the time the weekend comes.

The centre is pleading with the public to consider adopting a pup.

Zac (middle two-years-old) is up for adoption at The Haven Rescue Centre. Image: Haven Rescue

Seven-month-old collie Brody is up for adoption at the Haven Rescue Centre. Image: Haven Rescue Centre

Co-founder Jenny Nolan told Newstalk there are a range of reasons why so many dogs are being surrendered.

“People just are not putting the thought into these animals,” she said. “Dogs are going to be with you for 15 years, all going well.

“There is a housing crisis as well. People are moving back in with parents, people are moving houses, they are moving back in with parents and they can’t bring the dog with them.

“Some people are emigrating and they can’t bring the dog with them.”

Three-year-old whippet Izzy is up for adoption at the Haven Rescue Centre. Image: Haven Rescue Centre

She said rescue centres around the country are under extreme pressure and people are going to heartbreaking lengths to surrender their dogs.

“They can’t get it into a rescue, they can’t get it into the pound, they can’t rehome it themselves, so they are just saying, ‘Oh this is a stray that wandered into me,’” she said.

“We know in our heart and soul that this dog sitting wagging its tail, looking up at their mum or dad, is their own pet.

“But what can we say?

“They are saying they found it and it is not microchipped so there is no way of tracing it back to an owner.

“Some dogs are coming in chipped by their breeders and the breeders are saying, ‘No we don’t want them; we’re not taking them back.’”

Ms Nolan is urging anyone who comes across a stray to “do the kind thing” and take it in until help is available.

Main image shows two-year-old Guinness, who is up for adoption at The Haven Rescue Centre. Image: Haven Rescue Centre.