The UK is clearly a nation of pet lovers, with nearly half of households (47%) owning a pet – accounting for 24 million animals. There are approximately 16 million cats and dogs in the UK and 1 million rabbits.

Latest research reveals that pets can have a positive impact on the health of their owners. People with a cat are 30% less likely to suffer from a heart attack and dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and are less likely to suffer from stress. Across the UK, dogs are utilised to aid us everyday, with 2,500 currently working as police dogs and 4,538 as guide dogs.

Pets can be our heroes; dogs are being tested for their detection of human cancers whilst other pets save lives. Bilbo, a Newfoundland dog, has been credited with saving the lives of three people to date. He has lifeguard duties and is involved in sea safety classes at schools. New rules saw him ‘sacked’ in 2008, but following public outrage and a petition featuring over 10,000 signatures, then PM, Gordon Brown, had him reinstated.