The evening to support Albury-Wodonga Animal Rescue at The Bended Elbow will include live music, auctions, raffles, giveaways, finger food and a photo booth.

Danny Phegan and The Longreach Band will entertain the audience, with Mr Phegan also the auctioneer.

Organiser Kyra Humphrey said she was inspired to plan something after she began helping Albury-Wodonga Animal Rescue by photographing dogs that needed homes.

“I saw what everyone was doing and just how much they do while working full-time, they just give their lives up for this stuff,” she said.

“There is no shopfront, no shelter, so these people are just doing it from their house, on the phone, all the time and it’s a massive job.

“It’s mind-blowing what these people do for these animals.”

Miss Humphrey experienced the pressure for herself when she decided to foster a couple of dogs.

“I had that many phone calls, it’s hugely overwhelming,” she said.

 “I just think this could be handled and contained and everything by more community support and education on what goes on.”

Albury-Wodonga Animal Rescue only adopts out animals that have been desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and treated for fleas and worms. Vet bills alone could average between $6000 and $11,000 a month.

Friday’s auction items include a $4500 bedroom suite, a barbecue, photography and hair care packages and winery and helicopter offerings.

“Voucher mania, we’re calling it because it’s $100 vouchers for nearly all the dining and clothing shops in Albury, about $3000 worth,” Miss Humphrey said.

The organiser said the time of year also encouraged her to try and make a difference.

“It’s coming up to Christmas and that’s the worst time for dumped animals, especially in February and March when people just don’t want them any more,” she said.

“We take everything that we can, but there’s only so much you can do.”

Miss Humphrey urged people to think carefully before buying a dog.

“You need to look at it like a 15-year commitment,” she said.

“It’s like taking on anything and it’s a huge responsibility. It needs to be thought about a bit better before being impulsive.”