Half of pet owners believe animals are the hidden support network of the UK - helping them overcome bereavements, break-ups and simply a bad day at work.

A poll of 2,000 adults who have a cat or dog found their four-legged friends regularly help them when they’re feeling down.

They claim pets have helped improve their mood when they’ve been ill (47 per cent), after a bad day at work (39 per cent) and following an argument (22 per cent).

Actions that give humans the boost they need are their cat or dog snuggling into them (65 per cent) or greeting them when arriving home (58 per cent).

It also emerged 54 per cent believe spending time with animals acts as therapy, while three quarters feel being a cat or dog owner has helped improve their mental health.

Nearly half (49 per cent) also claim it’s had a positive impact on their physical health.

The research was commissioned by pet care specialists Purina, which is launching a campaign to spotlight the support pets provide to people in need.

Calum Macrae, CEO of Purina UK & Ireland, said: “We believe that pets are absolutely the UK’s hidden support network – they really are the ones there by our side, often when we need them most.