NEARLY half of pet owners would willingly risk their lives to save their pets from a dangerous situation, according to a recent survey.

Devoted animal lovers admitted they would either run back into a burning building to rescue a pet still inside, or jump into treacherous waters to prevent their pet from drowning.

Pet insurance provider helpucover conducted the survey to find out how much people love their pets after a report by the Pet Food Manufacturing Association estimated 11 million households in the UK have pets.

While 42 per cent of pet owners would risk their life to save their pet, 12 per cent revealed they would remortgage their home if they had to come up with the funds for an expensive operation for their pet.

Over a third (35%) said they would sue someone if they thought they had harmed their pet in any way.

In contrast, despite the growth of pet fashion franchises and ‘Insta-famous’ animals, only ten per cent said they would spend over £100 on presents for their pets, and only eight per cent said they would start a social media account for their beloved animal.

However, a third of pet owners said they would sell their most valuable possessions and 40 percent said they would give up an expensive hobby if they were struggling financially and it meant being able to keep their pets in the lap of luxury. Taking things a step further, 18 percent said they are planning to (or already have) include their pet in their will.

Speaking about the survey results, Rachel Mulheron, director of pet insurance, said: “As Valentine’s Day approaches, our minds are even more focused on the ones we love the most, and our survey clearly indicates the UK really is a nation obsessed with its pets.

It seems for many people, the bond they have with their animals is deeply important, with owners more devoted than ever before.”

Experts claim we typically ‘infantilise’ our pets because they are entirely dependent on us and probably trigger some of the same protective and nurturing instincts as do our own children. These findings are also reflected in helpucover’s survey, with 20 percent of pet owners admitting to throwing birthday parties for their pets and nearly half (46%) buying their pets birthday and Christmas presents every year.