Pets are a huge part of our lives and are often considered family members, but what is their relationship to you?

People are debating that exact question thanks to a viral TikTok video which claims most owners see their pets in one of two ways.

CAT ALLERGIES: Life-changing pet food hack could stop your cat allergy for good

A young woman holds her 12 week old golden retriever puppy in a domestic environment. She holds him like a baby, and smiles down at him, as he look…

How pet owners view themselves

“Do you view yourself as your pet’s parent or your pet’s best friend?” the TikTok user, Isabel Klee, asked before recalling a date with a guy who had a really cute dog.

“I referred to his dog as his son and he quickly corrected me and said ‘He’s not my son’. And I was like ‘What do you mean?'” she explained.

He said he sees his dog as his best friend and doesn’t view himself as his father, which absolutely “baffled” her.

“I am 1000% Simon’s mother,” she said referring to her own dog. “Sure he’s my little buddy but I would not call him my friend.”

@simonsits
I NEED TO KNOW
♬ original sound – Isabel Klee

There’s no right or wrong way to view your pet, but it’s interesting that we all see them differently, and people are debating in the comments.

One person wrote: “My pets are my kids. My pets are my childrens’ siblings.”

“Friend!!! Being her mom implies a power imbalance that doesn’t work for me,” argued another.

A third person added: “One of my dogs is my best friend and the other is my son.”

Child or best friend?

A 2020 report in the Frontiers in Psychology journal titled “Would the Dog Be a Person’s Child or Best Friend? Revisiting the Dog-Tutor Attachment” studied this idea.

They revealed that owners have a number of different relationships with their pets, one of which is the “Child-Caregiver Attachment” meaning you see them as your child.

Another is the “Adult and Friendship Attachment” which views them more like a best friend. It also delves into how the dog sees their owner, usually as a “caregiver” and “tutor”.

Animal Themes, Domestic Animals, Fur, Pets, Canada. Credit: Linda Raymond (Getty Images)

Purina asked 2,000 pet owners in the UK a series of questions to reveal the true depth of owner-pet relationships and found owners are more likely to see their furry friends as friends.

73% said they view their pet as one of their best friends, while only 53% revealed that they consider their dog or cat as one of their children.

Many also make sure their pets are included in daily activities, with 65% revealing they allow their pets to sleep on their bed at night.

79% of participants also agreed that they talk to their pets as if they were human, including asking them questions or for advice.

SO COOL: Scientists are using AI to match owners with their ideal dog