The North East Animal Sanctuary Tasmania was established in February 2016 to take in stray, unwanted, or abandoned domestic pets.

The sanctuary is run by a small group of volunteers who identified a gap in the animal welfare in the Dorset and Break O'Day regions.

Sanctuary coordinator Michelle Jesson said quite a few special needs animals came through their doors.

One such dog, Dutch, is coming up to his fourth surgery in coming months.

The bull breed-cross was first diagnosed with a luxating left patella at the vet.

The injury was fixed, and Dutch's owners had a great set up for his recovery.

However, within the week his right knee also luxated.

"This meant that Dutch would require a lot more physical involvement to help him out to the toilet, along with the cost and the same convalescence of healing from yet another knee surgery," Ms Jesson said.

"His owners were heartbroken as they were just not in a position to be able to cope with the emotional, physical and financial ramifications."

The sanctuary is now working with vets at Scottsdale to get him well enough to rehome. However, Ms Jesson said Dutch had another six to eight weeks recovery before his second knee could be operated on, and once that surgery is complete a further six weeks recovery would be needed.

Much-needed donations can be made to the sanctuary to help support Dutch and his furry friends.

To donate, foster, or adopt a pet, visit neast.com.au.