The RSPCA is urgently seeking adopters across County Durham as rescue centres struggle with cases involving dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of animals at one address.
The charity says it is facing a "capacity crisis" after frontline officers in England and Wales handled an average of 410 multi-animal cases a month this year.
In Durham, officers dealt with 87 such cases between January and August this year, compared with 105 in the whole of last year.
More than 7,000 animals are in RSPCA care, while over 1,000 more are stuck in private boarding facilities because its rescue centres are full.
Now, as part of its annual Adoptober campaign, the charity is desperately seeking experienced adopters and foster carers who can offer homes to animals rescued from difficult situations.
RSPCA chief executive Jo Rowland said: "We are struggling and we urgently need help.
"Our frontline officers are finding dozens, even hundreds of animals in need at single addresses.
"We are getting amazing support from other animal charities and our brilliant network of RSPCA branches but we are all under immense strain.
"Animals who have come from homes like this often have behavioural and medical needs due to the environment they had been living in and need a little more care and understanding."
The charity says these cases can involve mental health problems, breeding operations, financial pressure or owners overwhelmed after failing to neuter their pets.
Last year, RSPCA officers attended more than 4,200 incidents involving at least 10 animals at one address.
The cases involved around 88,000 animals, from dogs and cats to horses, small pets and exotic species.
Jo added: "We currently have more animals in our care than space in our centres and branches, and it's a heart-breaking situation.
"If you are considering adding a pet to your home, please consider rescuing and if you can't adopt, could you consider fostering?"
Among those waiting for a second chance are Skye and Bexley, two dogs currently being cared for at the RSPCA's Felledge Animal Centre in Chester-le-Street after being rescued from a multi-animal household.
Skye from RSPCA's Felledge Animal Centre. (Image: RSPCA)
Deputy manager Luka Atkinson said: "Both Skye and Bexley haven't had much luck finding a home, but we hope that this will change this Adoptober."
Bexley from RSPCA's Felledge Animal Centre. (Image: RSPCA)
Lurcher cross Skye needs a quiet, adult-only home where she can build confidence after a difficult start in a multi-dog household.
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Twelve-year-old crossbreed Bexley needs a peaceful home for his retirement years.
"He is a lovely chilled-out companion who asks for very little, just a soft bed, a steady routine and plenty of love," Luka said.
Every October, the RSPCA raises awareness of animals needing homes in its centres and branches.