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.

“Harnessing that power in the pet-human bond, creates tangible benefits to people’s wellbeing.

“As well as in everyday households, we see this truly come to life in the work we do to help our amazing charity partners.

“Like Cats Protection and their Lifeline service – a specialist cat fostering service for those fleeing domestic abuse; and Canine Partners, who partner highly trained assistance dogs with people with physical disabilities, providing them with greater independence and increased quality of life.

“It is life-changing and that’s why we have an ambition to help one million people in vulnerable situations improve their health and wellbeing by 2030.”

The research revealed the top ways people show appreciation to their pets, which 59 per cent do by cuddling them.

Almost half (45 per cent) get them a new toy, and 11 per cent even put their favourite TV show on.

It also emerged 20 per cent initially got their pet to encourage them to do more exercise, while 16 per cent wanted a sense of responsibility and 14 per cent did so to combat loneliness.

But cats and dogs have gone on to help people overcome feelings of stress (52 per cent), loneliness (47 per cent) and anxiety (41 per cent).

Almost three quarters (73 per cent) even believe their pet can tell how they’re feeling and 54 per cent have voiced their issues out loud to them.

While 22 per cent have some days where they only speak to their pet, with those polled spending an average of three hours and 45 minutes a week chatting to them.

But 51 per cent think it’s amazing how their pet can make them feel better without being able to talk, and 43 per cent claim the companionship has helped them in life massively.

Half of those surveyed, via OnePoll.com, don’t think animals get enough credit for the support they provide humans, and 58 per cent couldn’t envisage their life without their furry friend.

A fifth have referred to their pet as a therapist, while 19 per cent have even asked them for advice when feeling low.

And 32 per cent feel they’d suffer from loneliness if it wasn’t for their pet, with 56 per cent claiming really are their best friend.

Professional footballer Lucy Bronze MBE, who is mum to West Highland Terrier, Narla, who is teaming up with Purina on the campaign, said: “Narla has been the best thing ever for me – being a footballer is an absolute dream come true, and I couldn’t do it without her by my side.

“Being able to come home to someone who is so happy to see you after a long day is a great feeling, and I’m so grateful that she is there for me through all life’s ups and downs.”