FOR many animal lovers, the value of owning a pet is obvious - and most would agree that looking after one has a positive effect.

So it won't come as much of a surprise that a new survey, carried out by Pets At Home, found that animals can have a profound effect on the well-being of 12 to 16-year-olds.

The results showed that 81 per cent of the 500 children questioned talked frequently to their pets.

Qualified veterinary nurse Jan Stevenson, who works at the Severn Veterinary Centre, Tybridge Street, Worcester, agreed about the benefits of children owning a pet and how they can have a positive influence on youngsters and their families.

Miss Stevenson said: "A pet gives children a sense of companionship and something to love. It also helps them to get a sense of responsibility - by learning how to care and look after something other than themselves.

"To look after an animal is a good education for them. A lot of children can get a very strong bond with their pets. Some feel they have somebody else to talk to and share their worries with."

Miss Stevenson says it gives children a sense of independence, as long as they are given the responsibility of looking after their animal.

"It's all about the relationship they build with it and affection they receive. They can get very close to their pets."

Miss Stevenson says family circumstances should dictate the decision of what pet to buy. A dog takes up a lot of time and is not suitable if both parents are out working all day and you don't have a garden.

She said for those considering buying a pet, the majority of vet practices will have a veterinary nurse able to speak to them about the choices available.

"Nurses especially are good to give advice, but if one isn't available then speak to a vet. But we can advise you on the best pet for you and your lifestyle," she said.

"It definitely depends on your circumstances - and people also have to consider the financial implications as well."

She says pet insurance is a must - but other things to consider include vaccinations, getting the pet regular flea treatments and also, if there are children in the household, getting the pet wormed regularly.

Miss Stevenson runs a group called the Youth Club which helps young pet owners learn how to look after puppies and give them the best start in life. She said she had seen many instances of the positive impact a pet has on children.

"When I was at a previous practice a family, who already had dogs, decided to get a dog for their daughter to look after," she said.

"When they got the dog for her they came to one of our Youth Club groups. The child learnt from me how to look after the dog herself and her mother was so pleased with her. She told me that her daughter had learnt to think of others and not just herself.

"Something that is quite vulnerable, like a puppy, demands and needs your attention. Children get a lot out of it."

If you want to find out more about pets, contact the Severn Veterinary Centre on 01905 421296.

WHAT PET TO GET: TRUDE MOSTUE HAS HER SAYPETS At Home vet Trude Mostue has given some top tips for choosing and looking after pets: Age matters: "Up to four years of age, there are no pets kids can have unsupervised. They just don't have the basis of understanding. Don't ever let a child under four be alone with a dog and don't let it in their bedroom," she said.

"Rabbits are only for kids six-plus. They are pets that need to be kept by responsible children. Hamsters are very sweet for children around four, but they need a lot of cleaning out."

get involved: "Children, regardless of age, have to be involved in the cleaning, the feeding and the watering. Mummies - don't do it. You should supervise the child to do it. Also, talk to your child about saving money for food. Pets are what they eat too."

Be money smart: "There is a financial commitment to owning all types of pets. I am very fond of insurance. You should insure your cat, because it's a loose cannon!"

Try it out: "If your child has a friend with a rabbit or guinea pig, let your child borrow it for a week or two. See if it's what they really want."

Stay away from reptiles: "They are extremely difficult animals to keep. I wouldn't recommend them."

Dog breeds matter: "I would say don't go for the pitbull. Hunting dogs and working dogs may be child-friendly, but they are not really a family dog, unless you have grown-up children who want to go for a run. Because they are very child-like themselves and have too much energy, dogs like border collies and setters often get mental problems because they are not used. I am a great fan of rescue dogs - but with a rehomed dog, just be careful."

If in doubt, get a cat: "Cats are fantastic pets. They live quite a long time and are a great animal for a child to build a relationship with. I couldn't think of a better pet for youngsters."

Don't underestimate your kids: "In my experience, when I have a situation where I have to put an animal to sleep, the most sensible person is the child."