Last year the RSPCA took more than 4,300 calls from the public between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

This year is expected to be just as busy for the staff and volunteers in our animal centres, vets and nurses in our animal hospitals and inspectors out on the road.

"Christmas is a very busy time for the RSPCA, for its officers on the frontline and in fact for our animal hospitals and wildlife centres. But it is only busy because we are busy every day of the year," said inspector Tony Woodley.

"Our officers are out there 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Our animal hospitals and staff in our wildlife centres are the same, so Christmas is pretty much like any other day for the RSPCA.

"We provide the same service for animals across the country, around the clock, be it July, August, January or in fact Christmas Day.

"It is special for lots of people, but it is not special for the animals and we need to be there for them." 

Mike Puddy, an animal care assistant at the RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre, said: "The Christmas spirit, particularly on Christmas Day, does help the day go a lot easier. But you come to work with a smile on your face anyway, because this is a brilliant job.

"All the dogs will get their Christmas treats. We give them toys stuffed with meat, so they get a present as well.

"It just makes you enjoy your Christmas a bit more because you’ve helped out. You’ve done that extra bit."

For more festive advice and ideas from the RSPCA visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/helpandadvice/festiveseason