We all know a dog is not just for Christmas, yet a Kent dogs home is seeing a steady increase of unwanted pets shortly after each festive season ends.

The number of dogs and cats being dumped at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Brands Hatch has almost tripled since 2011 - a rise of 70%.

January and April remain the centre's busiest months, as those who impulsively buy pets as Christmas gifts realise that they cannot take on the responsibility.

VIDEO: Reporter Ben Kennedy meets the dogs who'll spend Christmas Day at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Brands Hatch

"When I started work here I was surprised to find out how many people still buy their dogs from a man down the pub," said Michelle Bevan, rehoming and welfare manager at Battersea Brands Hatch.

"Unfortunately, people still think they're helping ... but it doesn't always work out. The dogs can be from an disreputable source and they are often not a right match for the owner.

"You need to make the decision with your head, and not just your heart. You need to think about what financially you can give a dog, the amount of time you can give them day-to-day."

For some dogs, finding a new home is tough, no matter how cute and cuddly they might be.

Back in September we reported how Theo, an Alaskan Malamute, had been turned down by almost 400 potential owners during his mammoth stay at Brands Hatch.

438 days later, Theo is still stuck at the centre, making this the second Christmas he will spend without an owner. That's nine times the average stay for a dog at the centre.

The three-year-old came in as a stray, but needs an experienced owner with sufficient training time.

Other sad cases include Roxy - a two-year-old Bull Mastiff who has suffered from depression after recently being moved from her foster home because they could no longer care for her.

Staff described her as "completely irresistible" and is looking for an owner who can help build her confidence, particularly around new people.

Also set to spend this new year in the doghouse is Chester, an adorable Saluki puppy who has already had a lot to deal with in his short life.

Staff suspect that Chester could have been taken away from his mother too early, causing him to be a little insecure. To add to his stress, he has been moved between five different homes.

But despite a tough start in life, he loves interacting with people - particularly jumping on their laps.

However, he is set to more than double in size, so he won’t be doing that for much longer.

There’s also Funky, a food-loving Lurcher who enjoys lots of attention, walks, and lazing around.

He came in as a stray, so he might need a take a little time to adjust to the rules of the house. But his love of food should make training easy.

But just because these cats and canines are stuck behind bars doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a Christmas treat.

Michelle added: "We always make [Christmas Day] extra special with lots of festive music and decorations.

"We try and give the dogs and cats what they want, whether that's lots of cuddles, an extra walk, and we always make sure they get a nice turkey dinner."

For more information, visit the Battersea website.