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Dogs and cats whose owners are not organised may be left to fend for themselves this Christmas or have to rely on scrounging off the neighbours.
The "no room at the inn" sign has been hung out at all catteries and kennels around the region, some having been booked up for many months.
It's quite a normal occurrence, according to Karen Hansen from Beetham Grange boarding kennels in Pahiatua. She cares for around 25 cats and up to 30 dogs over the holiday period. There are a few gaps but for most of January the kennels are full up.
At Ladymeade kennels and cattery in Masterton there are a few gaps after January 5, but until then it is completely full.
Marie Dew, at Gladstone Kennels, is up to her eyeballs with 28 dogs over the Christmas/New Year break and may have a few gaps late in January.
Asked if people book well in advance, Ms Dew said: "No they do not. In fact, my phone rings about 10 times a day with desperate dog owners looking for care for their pets.
"I tell them Christmas is the same time every year."
Fluffies cattery in Carterton tells a similar story, with a few vacancies late in January.
One of the largest pet care establishments is Orton Lodge, which for the past decade has catered for 50 dogs and 40 cats.
It's full until mid January and is fielding scores of calls each day.
No room at the inn for cats and dogs
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