But in some cases, some furry family members are being left behind at home.

The ACT RSPCA said it had received a surge in calls in the past few weeks about pets potentially being left at home alone while their owners go away on holiday.

Jacqueline Bunt from the organisation said the scenario was a common occurrence every year for the animal welfare group.

"We see it every year, yet it still happens: people going on holiday and not making plans for their pets while they're gone," she said.

"We urge people to make proper arrangements for someone to care for their pet or, alternatively, put them in pet boarding."

Ms Bunt said a majority of the calls had been from concerned neighbours who believe pets living next door have been abandoned over the summer break.

However, she said in a majority of cases, most animals left at home over the holiday period are being looked after by a pet sitter, who might not always be around during the day.

"We have been getting a lot of calls from people who think dogs or cats are being abandoned, and when our inspectors go over for a visit, there's someone there," Ms Bunt said.

"Much of the time, our inspectors are asking people to have a look around and try and contact the neighbours before our inspectors visit the premises."

A spokeswoman for Transport Canberra and City Services said 42 dogs have been impounded at the Domestic Animal Services over the Christmas period to January 2.

Out of those dogs, 23 were strays and 11 dropped in the front pen outside the animal service’s compound in Symonston.

The spokeswoman said the increase in dogs being impounded over the Christmas period was due to dogs escaping backyards while owners were away on holidays.

"There were no impoundments of puppies or younger dogs, suggesting these dogs were not unwanted Christmas gifts," the spokeswoman said.

The RSPCA also reported there hasn't been a post-Christmas surge of unwanted dogs or cats who were given as presents.

Ms Bunt said it's good to see the message surrounding responsible pet ownership was getting through. She said neighbours should undertake initial checks of the house and the situation of the pet before ringing inspectors over the holiday period.

"If they think the pet has been abandoned, ring the neighbours or knock on their door or keep an eye out for people around or if the pet has food and water," Ms Bunt said.