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.
13. Lizards
The 1 per cent of UK households who own a lizard have plenty of choice when it comes to breeds. The Bearded Dragon, Spiny-tailed Lizard, Leopard Gecko and Veiled Chameleon tend to tip the 'scales' when it comes to popularity. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
14. Pigeon
Famous for finding their way back home, 0.9 per cent of UK homes have pet pigeons. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
15. Frogs and Toads
They may be more associated with garden ponds, but there are a whole range of exotic and colourful frogs and toads that can be kept indoors as pets. Around 0.5 per cent of British homes have one of these amphibians under their roof. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
16. Gerbils
Not as popular as they once were, gerbils are owned by around 0.4 per cent of UK homes. Also known as the desert rat, they originally come from the sandy plains of the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Photo: Canva/Getty Images