FROM letting pets sleep in the bed, allowing them to jump up on the kitchen table and worktop, to letting them lick your face - new research released today delves into some of the secrets of our furry friends and their owners.

• New research released today asks pet owners about what they let their pets do

• Almost a third say their pet usually sleeps in the bed with them

• One in ten say their pet climbs on surfaces where food is prepared

• Almost one in five cat owners say they never clean the area where their cat does its business, while the same number of dog owners only do so once a fortnight at best

• That could be why two thirds of pet owners admit their homes have that 'pet smell'

The study saw more than half say their pet has been known to sleep in their bed with them, while almost a third say their furry friend is a regular in their bed.

And our love for getting up close and personal with our pets is clear to see with 63% of dog owners and 28% cat owners of cat owners saying they let their animals lick their faces regularly.

Many of us are so used to treating our pets as one of the family that we don't bat an eyelid when they climb up on surfaces such as the kitchen table or worktop, with one in ten saying their pets regularly do so.

The research from Zoflora also looks at how diligent pet owners are when it comes to cleaning up after their pets, from cleaning their pet's bed, to the areas where they do their business.

A quarter say they only clean their pets' beds every few months a year at best, while almost a fifth of cat owners say they never clean the area their cat goes to the toilet, while the same number of dog and bird owners say they only clean the area once a fortnight.

That could be why two thirds of pet owners say they notice a 'pet smell'

in their home.

Furthermore, the thing the like least about having a pet is cleaning up after them, so what's the best way to keep your pet, yourself and your home clean?