According to a new poll, 6% of British pet owners admit to spending more money on their pets at Christmas than on individual gifts for their family, friends or loved ones.

And a further 9% admitted to preferring to spend their time with their pet over their family, friends and loved ones during the festive period.

Janet Ashby, manager of Pets Corner in Guildford, said they notice a big rise in sales through the festive season.

She said: "You certainly see that people will spend money on their pets, like they would their kids.

"They get new beds, or scratch posts. I think the minimum spend is £20-25.

"Animal are treated as part of the family now. There is so much available for them, even advent calendars and Christmas jumpers."

Nick Swan, Founder and CEO of VoucherCodesPro.co.uk who carried out the survey, said: "Cats and dogs are part of the family. Just because they are not human doesn’t mean you can’t treat them occasionally."

Pet lovers in South-West England topped the list of spenders, with owners willing to spend more than £75 on their pets over the Christmas season.

Dog fanatic Stephanie Mariam, 21, is a prime example as she admits to shelling out more on her pooches at Christmas than she does on her family, spending £4,000 on luxury beds, crystal collars and a full doggy dinner.