33 pc Brits would rather spend Valentine's Day with pets than lovers!

London, Feb 14 (ANI): On the most romantic day of the year, a survey has revealed that a third of Brit pet owners are more affectionate to their furry friends than their human lovers.

It also found that 80 percent would never date someone who didn't like their pet - while 20 percent admit they would rather have a pet than a relationship, reports the Daily Express.

The poll of 3,000 dog and cat owners in Britain also showed that, faced with giving up their pet for the sake of love, 79 percent would refuse to do it.

Pets can even take the place of starting a family.

Almost a third - 29 percent - of people in a relationship prefer to have a pet than a child.

As some people spend more time stroking their cats and dogs than having physical contact with their partner, this extreme bond can understandably cause the green-eyed monster to rise up - and 12 percent blame it for putting a strain on their relationship.

Cat owners seem to be more willing to put up with a frosty atmosphere between their moggy and a loved one - with 43 percent happy to deal with someone who dislikes it.

Overall, however, more than half of all the people surveyed claimed that owning a pet had strengthened their relationship. (ANI)