Pet-owners 'often put animal before love'

More than half of pet-owners would cancel going on a date if their beloved animal was ill, it has been revealed.

Valentine's Day may have only been yesterday but new research shows that a significant number of Britons appear to have a closer bond with their pets than human partners.

M&S Pet Insurance reveals that nearly two-thirds of dog and cat owners would cancel going out on a date if their four-legged friend became ill.

However, having pet plan insurance in place could help animal owners meet the cost of medical treatment for their prized animal.

"Pet-owners often have a close bond with their animals as they are often a predictable presence in our ever changing lives; providing unconditional love, emotional support and companionship," David Wells, head of insurance for M&S, states.

And while 42 per cent of respondents claim that in an 'it's me or the pet' scenario they would always pick their animal, this rises to 52 per cent among women.

Seeking out direct pet insurance at this time of year could be advisable as previous research from the organisation noted that as spring starts plants such as daffodils and rhubarb can be pose a danger to dog's health.

By Emma North