With most of us having spent more time at home this year than usual, Shoalhaven Animal Shelter has seen an unprecedented spike in their adoption rates.

Rescue pets are being placed in their new homes almost as soon as they enter the shelter.

American staffordshire terrier Benji is one of those lucky enough to have gained a new family this year.

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The three-year-old has had a tough start to life, mistreated by his former owners and eventually surrendered to the shelter.

After losing their two beloveds staffies around five years, Kristofer, his two children and his partner Christi, were ready for another to fill the void.

After a month of searching, Benji's face popped up on their screen.

He joined the family the next day.

"He was just the friendliest dog as soon as we met him. He's just beautiful," Kristofer said.

"He's our first rescue because we know that so many dogs need rescuing.

"I'd encourage anyone to adopt first and I just hope people realise that dogs have feelings too, they need an emotional connection and they're not something you can discard."

Having been mistreated, Benji is working with a dog behavioral specialist to work on his aggression towards other dogs and Kristofer said he's improving everyday.

He's caring and loving towards people but occasionally shows signs of fear - something Kristofer said he never needs to worry about again.

Shoalhaven Animal Shelter team leader Jodie Parnell said while pets have been adopted at rapid rates this year, she doesn't hold concerns over their future longevity in their new homes.

"We don't have a fear of those animals coming back because they're so entrenched in their new lives," she said.

"When we get an email with a little update and photo of that pet in their new home, it's the best."

That's certainly the case for Benji. The lucky pup is going nowhere.

"Goodness, no. He's here to stay," Kristofer confirmed.