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.









5. Indoor birds
More than 1.3 million of us have a budgie, canary, or other domesticated bird in a cage in our homes - around 2.4 per cent of the population. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

6. Rabbits
There's no shortage of rascally rabbits in the UK. They are the most popular small mammal by far, with 2.4 per cent of households having at least one. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

7. Hamster
Around 1.5 per cent of British households have at least one hamster enjoying running around on a wheel. The most popular breed of this cute rodent is the golden, or Syrian, hamster. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

8. Domestic fowl
Apparently a lot of us are keen on fresh eggs, with 1.4 per cent of households having pet chickens and other domestic fowl in the UK. Photo: Canva/Getty Images