A new study suggests as many as 37 percent of British pet owners will buy their dog or a cat a card for Valentine’s Day, while as many as four in ten (43 percent) will treat them to a gift.

In fact, nearly a tenth (eight percent) say their pet is more likely to get a Valentine’s Day gift than their partner.

The M&S Pet Insurance study found that more than two thirds (70 percent) will spend as much or more than they did last year on a treat for their pet – an average of £36, with Gen Z Brits (aged between 18-29) splurging the most (£41).

Four in ten (45 percent) believe their four-legged friend will understand the gift is a special treat.

A play toy (54 percent), edible treat (39 percent), special meal (29 percent) and a new outfit, (14 percent) were some of the most popular gifts the nation’s animals are most likely to receive on 14th February, while one in six (16 percent) can expect an extra-long walk .

A trip to the grooming parlour (11 percent) and an at-home pamper session (10 percent) are other ways the nation’s pet owners plan to spoil their furry friends this Valentine’s.

The nation’s love of their pets isn’t just for Valentine’s Day though, more than three quarters (80 percent) say that their pet should be involved in all celebrations, such as birthdays and Christmas.

Three quarters (75 percent) feel that their pet is part of their family, while two thirds (64 percent) get joy from seeing them happy.

Almost two in three (63 percent) say their pet has a positive impact on their wellbeing, with over half (60 percent) admitting they look forward to seeing their pets every day. And over half (54 percent) count sharing cuddles with them as one of the highlights of their day.

Highlighting how much our four-legged friends mean to us, four in ten (43 percent) tell their pet they love them every day, while a third (34 percent) say they have more photos of their pets on their phone than friends and family.

A fifth (20 percent) send a Valentine’s Day card every year, as a demonstration of their love for their animal (49 percent), because their pet is a valued part of their life (48 percent) and because it makes them happy (47 percent).

While one in three (29 percent) don’t want their pets to miss out on the Valentine’s Day love.

Neil Rogers, M&S Pet Insurance, said: “It’s great to see that many of us will be showing our beloved pets just how important they are, with a special Valentine’s Day treat.

“Having a happy, healthy pet is a top priority for every pet owner, but coping with unexpected costs for veterinary treatment can be difficult.

“Taking out insurance – and selecting a policy that’s right for you and your pet – can provide peace of mind for pet owners, and help to take away the worry of covering costly veterinary’s fees.”

However, over a quarter (26 percent) of pet owners do not have insurance for their animals, while a sixth (14 percent) admit to having it for some, but not all, of their pets.

Feeling that it’s too expensive (43 percent), not feeling like they need it (22 percent) and not considering it worth the money (17 percent) are the main reasons for not taking it out.

Despite this, nearly half (47 percent) admit to having had to pay an unexpected bill for their pet in the past.

When asked about whether they would be able to pay the average veterinary bill (£817 according to the Association of British Insurers), more than a third (38 percent) said they wouldn’t be able to cover the cost.