An influx of 'Covid dogs' has exacerbated the issue.
Unwanted dogs are being sent to Italy and Sweden, because they can't find a home in Ireland.
There's been a spike in pets returned to shelters during the pandemic, known as 'covid dogs,' which has seen shelters plea for homes to submit a foster application.
Greyhounds, Pitbulls and Staffys are the hardest to rehome, according to Billy Gallagher of Athlone Animal Haven.
The organisation's chairperson says there's too many people buying a dog without realising the challenges that come with it:
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