More than a third of pet owners admit they were totally unprepared for the commitment

dailystar.co.uk:

More than a third of devoted pet owners admit they were totally unprepared for the commitment - and mess - their furry friends would bring to the household.But vet bills (27 per cent), picking up poo (26 per cent) and barking or meowing all hours of the night (19 per cent) are nothing compared to the chaos caused by the moulting (31 per cent) of four-legged family members.A poll of 2,000 dog and cat owners revealed half are disgusted by the hair and mess their pets create in their home.And 27 per cent admitted to finding cat or dog hair in their food, while one in 10 have even found them on their toothbrush.As a result, nearly a fifth went as far as to say they weren’t prepared for the hair and muck their furry friend would create.It also emerged 32 per cent have been left red-faced after guests had pet hair in their food, with 15 per cent refusing to invite people into their home as a result.Luke Harding, general manager of Electrolux UK & Ireland for home and kitchen appliance maker AEG, which commissioned the research, said: “Pets always make a great addition to the home, but they come with a number of commitments.“Whether it’s paying vet bills or insurance, ruining furniture or shedding all over the house - they can be a handful.“But they can also give back so much more, and I think our research just goes to show that no matter how much hair or embarrassment your pet may cause, they are still worth the graft.”The study also found 35 per cent of pet owners wished their fluffy pals didn’t shed so much hair, with 28 per cent feeling like they spend all of their time cleaning up fur from around the house.In fact, the average owner estimates they spend two hours and 18 minutes a week sweeping and vacuuming up unsightly.