We’re often referred to as a nation of animal lovers and now a new study shows that our love of all things furry is firmly being passed on to our kids with a poll of children revealing they care more about their pets than they do about their brothers and sisters and their friends.

Over 70% of the children surveyed have a pet, with cats and dogs and goldfish the most likely animals to be found in British homes, but snakes, lizards, frogs and sheep are also getting pampered by their youthful in homes around the UK.

When asked what animal they would most like to have, dog’s were a clear winner, followed by followed by rabbits, hamsters and cats.

But it’s not just their own animals that British children care about with. Our fauna also looks to be in good hands for the future with over 90% of kids saying they are concerned about wildlife.

And their knowledge of what can be found in our backyards is also excellent with the majority saying they would recognise a robin, pigeon, blackbird, magpie, blue tit and a sparrow if they saw one frolicking outside. Over 90% say they have visited a farm and more than 70% a wildlife sanctuary. Nearly half of the 7-15 year olds surveyed by Wilkinson Petcare have helped an injured animal, while a quarter have fed a wild hedgehog.

Top Tips for Pet Care:

1. Pay your pet attention. Pets need love and affection as much as people

2. Exercise – prevents your pet becoming overweight

3. Visit a vet regularly to maintain your pets health

4. Get your pet Vaccinations. This will prevent them from catching any diseases that could affect their health.

5. Give your pet a comfortable and spacious home/bed – This is where they will sleep and get the rest they need so it needs to be somewhere they want to go

6. Go to a Vet to check you are feeding your pet the right food for them. I.e. the food you give your dog depends on the breed of the dog you have.

7. Allow your pet to adapt to its new environment and dogs/cats/horses allow to interact with other animals at an early stage in order for them to know how to react in social situations properly

8. Watch your pets teeth, bad breath could mean digestive problems

9. Give your pet toys, your pets need to have something to interest them as you cannot be their 24/7

10. Clean and groom your pet regularly, this will maintain their health and help prevent catching disease