Some prefer hugging pets to a close relative

Many UK pet owners prefer to hug their animals rather than a close relative when they feel down and out, a poll for a social networking website suggests.

Many UK pet owners prefer to hug their animals rather than a close relative when they feel down and out, a poll for a social networking website suggests.

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Half of the 1,124 people quizzed for My Social Petwork said they acted in such a way and a third said they spend up to 30 days a year caring for their pets.

One in five have cancelled social plans to be with their pet, the survey conducted by OpinionMatters found.

About 7% of owners have cancelled a date and 4% have called in sick to work because of their pets, while 15% said their pet was someone that they confided in with their problems.