BESOTTED pet owners regularly spend time with their animals instead of friends or family, a study has revealed.

More than 51 per cent of people who took part in the RSPCA study don’t go on foreign holidays, while 29 per cent admitted to missing out on time with family and friends because they didn’t want their pets to be lonely.

A further 29 per cent said their pets meant they did not have as much time for hobbies and leisure activities as they would like, and a quarter didn’t go for meals out.

Additionally, nearly 24 per cent said they had turned down opportunities for better-paid jobs because a longer commute would mean they were away from their pets for longer.

The RSPCA and pet sitting website TrustedHousesitters.com have teamed up to find sitters who are happy to care for homes and pets when owners go away.

Andy Peck, TrustedHousesitters. com chief executive, said: “Partnering with the RSCPA is a huge moment in the history of the website. To be able to help our members become involved with such an important and well-established charity, for the good of all animals, fills us with pride.”