February is the month of love, and not just because of Valentine’s Day.
Doting pet owners across the country have been celebrating National Love Your Pet Day, and showing the diversity of the nation’s lovable companions.
While roughly a quarter of people own a dog, making them the most popular choice to keep as a pet, animals from cockatiels to tarantulas have been included.
Whether they have two legs or four, hooves or fins, paws or claws, STV News audiences have been sharing images of their furry (and not so furry) friends.
Having a pet has been proven to reduce anxiety and stress, they often get owners outside exercising and even encourage social interaction in the local parks while out on a walk.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association said: “No matter where you sit on the cats versus dogs (or any other pet) debate, National Love Your Pet Day is for them. Even though they have our attention day in and day out, with all of the love and fuss, we can still treat them to something super special.
“Animals often give us the ‘no-questions asked unconditional love’ that as humans we crave, but there is more to it than just that.”
Here are some of the adorable pets receiving some extra love and recognition.
Karen Skinner
Stacey Kerr
Carolann Hunter
Hollie Winters
Linda Bolt
Angela Barnett
Aine Bidgood
Amy Jane Barker
Ann-Marie K Mackinnon
Susan Wilson
Susie Allan
Shannon Kerr
Charlene McConnachie
Lyndsey Gillhaney
Mike Scott
Andrew Anderson
Fabiana Cacace
Fergus Matheson
