Veterinary Centre Oamaru veterinarian partner Felicity Morris said she did not want to see a repeat of the last long weekend.
During Queen's Birthday Weekend in June, five dogs and one cat were hit by vehicles around Oamaru and taken to Veterinary Centre Oamaru.
Miss Morris said three dogs were put down because of the severity of their injuries and a cat had a leg amputated.
''Another [dog] had severe skin lacerations requiring stitching, and one had a fractured pelvis but survived,'' she said.
''Two of the dogs were reversed over in their own driveways, because the [drivers] were in a hurry [to go away for the weekend].''
The other dogs injured during the long weekend were wandering on the streets, and found injured when the owners returned from holiday.
It was a horrible way to start, or end, a long weekend, she said.
''It's devastating for the owners and it's devastating for us when there's nothing we can do because the injuries are too severe,'' she said.
Miss Morris urged pet owners to take their time over the long weekend.
''Don't rush around [and] know where your animals are when you're driving out the driveway,'' she said.
She also suggested keeping pets at boarding kennels or catteries, or if at home, keeping them in an enclosed and safe place.
''We want to keep the road toll down for animals as well as people - safety for everyone on the roads,'' she said.
In the past two weeks, Veterinary Centre Oamaru has also treated four cats that were hit by vehicles.
The owner of one cat was never found and Miss Morris stressed the importance of microchipping.
She also suggested owners keep their cats inside at night, where possible, to avoid the risk of fighting or being hit.
Anyone who hit an animal on the road should attempt to track down the owner, or notify a vet clinic, she said.
