Children with pets 'do better with homework'

Owning a pet could help children with their homework, according to a new study.

The survey of 1,000 pet-owning children, aged between 5-16 years old, revealed that 79 percent believe their pet friends have a positive effect on their homework and schoolwork in general.

Children with rats or mice are the most likely to believe their pet could be beneficial academically, Followed by those owning dogs, with cat owners coming in third.

Wildlife TV presenter and animal lover Michaela Strachan said: “I have a seven-year-old and three older step children. We have a Jack Russell and my step daughter has two rescue dogs.

"Toto, our dog, is part of our family and has brought huge benefits to Ollie, my son. Jade's two rescue dogs, Marley and Timmy, have had a really positive impact.

“Owning a pet can bring so much pleasure to a family. It can increase a child's sense of responsibility, nurture a more caring attitude and develop self-confidence and, in the case of having a dog, it encourages kids to get outside more. There can be so many benefits.”

The study, commissioned by Pets at Home, found that Chinchillas and small rodent Degus, which originates from Chile, have the biggest influence on a child’s cleverness, with 55% of children owning such pets feeling more intelligent.