According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) the number of pets in UK homes is now a staggering 34 million.
The surge in demand for domestic animals is being driven by younger people, with two thirds of new pet owners aged 16-34, while over half have children at home.
Here are the 20 most popular types of pet in Britain.
9. Tortoises and turtles
We're not shell-fish in sharing our homes with turtles and tortoises. 1.4 per cent of households have one of these reptiles as part of their animal family. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pigs enjoyed a surge in popularity over the pandemic - 1.3 per cent of UK households now have one of the adorable creatures who originally came from South America. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
11. Horses and ponies
Cantering into the top 20 most popular pets are horses and ponies. They may not be the cheapest of pets to buy or look after, but 1.1 per cent of UK households are saddling up in 2022. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
12. Snakes
Having a snake in your house would be some people's idea of a nightmare, but for 1 per cent of British households it's a dream. Popular (and safe) breeds include the garter snake and the corn snake. Photo: Canva/Getty Images