New research reveals pets are kid's best friends

Dogs truly are man's best friend.

New research has revealed that kids have better relationships with their pets than siblings - which probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone who grew up calling the family dog their best friend.

Not only do kids report getting more satisfaction from their relationships with the dog or cat than their brothers and sisters, they also get along better with lower levels of conflict in the family.

The research, from the Cambridge University, suggests owning a pet also has a positive impact on your child's social skills and emotional well-being.

"Even though pets may not fully understand or respond verbally, the level of disclosure to pets was no less than siblings," says lead researcher Dr Matthew Cassels. He added that the fact the pets cannot understand or talk back could even benefit, because it means that they are completely non-judgemental. Also, pets will not disagree and will never share a secret.

Kids felt more accepted and emotionally supported by their pets than their siblings, which boosted their self-esteem.

The research team surveyed 12-year-old kids from over 70 families with one or more pets of any type, and with more than one child at home.