This has prompted calls for residents to keep their distance.

Snake handler Tony Davis, who is based in Wagga, said snakes had very poor eye sight and encouraged people to stand still and let them go on their way.

"Keep away from it," he said.

"Don't try and be a hero and catch it."

NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) Riverina publicity officer Glenda Pym confirmed there had been a number of reported sightings around Griffith.

"There have been a number of reports of sightings, predominantly brown snakes," Ms Pym said.

"They are definitely on the move. At this time of the year they're active and they're looking for mates as well."

Ms Pym said snakes did not generally like being around people.

"The best thing you can do is bring your pets inside and make sure they're safe.

"Bring everyone inside and invariably they will move on."

Ms Pym said residents should remove rubbish or sheets of metal from their yard.

"They are looking for hiding places," she said. "Clear rubbish from your yard, keep the grass short and try and keep pet's water in an area that's very open."

Ms Pym said putting a container with water on the perimeter of a property could act as a good deterrant to snakes.

Griffith Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr Kim Martel reminded pet owners to be on the lookout for snakes in their yards and signs for snake envenomation in their pets.

"Snake bites affecting dogs and cats are a common occurrence during spring and summer throughout the Riverina area with many dogs and cats being bitten on a weekly or even daily basis, so people need to be vigilant," Dr Martel said.

He said signs a dog or cat had been bitten may be evident straight away or not until six to 12 hours later.

"The most common clinical signs of a snake bite in dogs is frothing at the mouth, shaking, hind limb weakness or paralysis, through to difficulty breathing, complete collapse and sudden death."

Dr Martel said a pet bitten by a snake would need to be treated immediately.

"It is an emergency and you will need to bring your pet to the hospital immediately as the sooner treatment is implemented the better the prognosis for the animal," he said.

"It is also a good idea to give us a quick ring to advise us you are on the way so we can be ready to start treatment on your arrival."

For more information contact Griffith Animal Hospital on 6964 1999.

Mr Davis can be contacted on 0419 448 350 to remove snakes, but a fee applies as he is based in Wagga.