Having a cat or a dog could make you happier, richer and healthier, according to a new survey, Daily Mail reports.

Pet owners tend to earn £3,000 more a year than those without an animal and are more like to work full time. They are also happier in general, spend more time with their families and have jobs they enjoy.

It was revealed more non pet owners are out of work than those with a four legged friend - four in 10 without a pet are currently unemployed. Despite this, 47 percent of those without pets are educated to degree level or higher while three in ten pet owners have only got as far as their A Levels.

In fact, 10 percent more pet owners agreed they were 'definitely' truly happy in their current job roles. Researchers found pet owner are also fitter as they complete at least two hours more exercise a week than those who don't have any pets. The survey of 1,000 dog and cat owners, and 1,000 non pet owners, was commissioned by Blue Cross pet charity.

Alyson Jones, Blue Cross Head of Rehoming, said, "We've always known what a wonderful additions pets can be to our lives. It is great to see how their positive impact goes can affect so many areas - bringing families closer together and helping us to stay fit and healthy. This research suggests that a family pet not only reflects positively on our lives in general, but can possibly even rub off on our careers too!" Even after pet owners spend an average of £70.27 on the, compared to £56.93 for non-pet owners, they still have more disposable income at £323.67 a month rather than £306.67. They'll also be responsible for more people in the work place, managing an average of five people while those without pets will only manage two colleagues.

It was revealed more non pet owners are out of work than those with a four legged friend - four in 10 without a pet are currently unemployed. Despite this, 47 percent of those without pets are educated to degree level or higher while three in ten pet owners have only got as far as their A Levels.

The charity conducted the survey as part of its Blue Cross Medal, awarded to hero pets that have done something amazing to change or even save a life.