EIGHT in ten people who have taken in a rescue shelter pet say it is the most rewarding thing they have ever done.
A poll of 600 people who have adopted their furry friend found 76 per cent consider it as valuable as bringing up a child.
2
An estimated 664,000 dogs enter UK shelters each year, according to Napo Pet Insurance Credit: SWNS
Nearly six in 10 believe they have "saved its life" and 30 per cent feel fulfilled by bringing it into a loving home.
Other key reasons a new pet has brought such satisfaction include witnessing it becoming happier and gaining its total trust - after coming from an abusive background.
Half also loved seeing it become less afraid, and the same amount treasured watching it understanding how to love its new family.
And 76 per cent said it made them learn to care about someone other than themselves.
read more on UK news BURNING BUS Panic as THIRD London electric bus catches fire in just weeks
VAPE WOE Five teens hospitalised after using dodgy vapes contaminated with dangerous drugs
The research was commissioned by pet food brand Purina, whose spokesperson, Martina McChowat, said: "Pet adoption allows people to make a compassionate choice, however, it should be considered carefully.
"Anyone thinking of adopting a pet should take time to make an informed decision, understand the responsibilities and sometimes the possible challenges involved, and take care to find the right pet for them.
"It’s amazing to see that so many people feel hugely fulfilled when they have made that choice.
"Adopting a pet can really feel like you’ve saved a life, as well as enriching your own through the multiple benefits that we know owning a pet can bring."
Most read in The Sun
KEN TAX HELL Corrie legend Bill Roache facing bankruptcy hell aged 91 over mystery tax debt
FIGHT CHAOS Five injured in mass brawl as fight of 20 people breaks out - & cops arrest one
HEALTH BLOW Homes Under The Hammer’s Tommy Walsh, 67, reveals he has lung cancer
EXHAUSTED Terminally ill Jonnie Irwin reveals he's in hospital & hasn't slept for 6 nights
The research later found, that if they were to get another pet, just five per cent would buy from a breeder instead of rescuing another pet, due to the positive experience they have had.
Cats, dogs and rabbits are the animals most likely to be adopted - with a handful having rescued chinchillas, budgies, and snakes.
And almost two-thirds believe that their family unit has become stronger since adopting their pet, according to the Poll.
Martina McChowat added: "The fact people are keen to adopt another pet from a shelter is really heartwarming because actions like these make a big impact on the animal’s life."
For those considering pet adoption, Purina interviewed someone who recently adopted a dog.
2
Around 57 per cent of households in the UK have a pet, according to Veterinary Practice Credit: SWNS