They offer comfort and love in return for food, warmth, cuddles and games.
When we asked owners to post photos of their pets and tell us why they’re the best, touching stories flooded our Facebook site.
9. Cute kitty
Selina Tracey posts: "My baby girl Dolly she's 2 and a little diva ❤️" Photo: Selina Tracey
10. Cuddle time
"This special special boy is 6 months old husky 💙" writes Kelly Louise Willetts. "He has helped me with depression and my disabled son, he sleeps with him, follows him and when he has a meltdown blizzard will comfort him. He is truly one in a million and we love him so much." Photo: Kelly Louise Willetts
11. Leading light
Stefanie Joy Reardon-Golding posts: "Wilbur our Wirehaired Dachshund ❤️🐾 He brings so much joy to everyone on his Instagram page :
@wirehairedwilbursworld." Photo: Stefanie Joy Reardon-Golding
12. Loving pet
Alison Byard wrotes: "Agnes is so loving but bonkers." Photo: Alison Byard