Two out of three Irish people would end a relationship, if their partner could not accept their dog or cat.

A new survey carried out by Aldi found that 96% of people regard their pet as a member of the family

While 33% let their dog or cat sleep on the bed each night.

Some 72% of people surveyed had a dog, 19% had a cat and 9% had both a dog and a cat.

Almost 70% of people said that they could never get rid of their pet - so if their partner could not accept it, they would have to go.

Just over 30% said that they let their dog or cat sleep on their bed every night, with 43% of pet owner's dogs or cats sleeping on the floor or in their own bed.

Image: Aldi

More than 50% of people said that they would find it harder to leave their dog or cat for a week than their family or partner, because they can keep in touch with their partner/family on the phone.

After a long day at work, school or college 80% of people admitted to greeting their dog or cat first - before any member of their family, partner or roommate.

The survey found 43% of people got their dog or cat from a rescue centre, 40% bought their car or dog from a breeder or otherwise, and 17% said their dogs or cats were either strays or given to them by friends.