Couples are lavishing love onto their pets and giving them human names, according to the results of a poll.

Molly was ranked as the favourite pet name for dogs by British animal lovers - which could include those looking for a quote for household insurance.

Petplan noted some couples were opting to have a four-legged friend instead of a child and the animals were tagged with human monikers.

A spokesperson for the company said: "This research shows that we are treating our pets more like members of our family than ever before and we are even naming them as we would our children."

The name Alfie was given as the most popular for a cat, while Charlie was a hit with rabbit owners.

More than a third of those polled said they would "get their broody partner a pet instead of having children", Petplan added.

Pets as well as children might have an impact on a UK insurance home contents policy, couples looking at extending their families should note.

In other doggy news, Lassie is the most-loved television dog ever, according to National Geographic channel's Dog Whisperer show.

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