It's reigning cats and dogs in Australia

Most Australian pet owners say their animals are more loving and dependable than their partners - and they are happy to lavish money on their pets in return, a survey has found.

A report compiled by the Australian Companion Animal Council this month also showed pet ownership now contributes $6.02 billion to the national economy, a $1.4 billion increase since 2005. Council president Dr Kersti Seksel said the increase was mainly due to expensive ''treats'' and pet luxuries such as doggy daycare and customised pet beds.