A pooch is a single’s best bedmate

Dogs are called a man's — and a woman's — best friend, but now these furry mates have become so close to singles in Australia that they ease their loneliness by sharing their beds with pooches.

About one in three singles said they let their dog or cat in their bed, a major shift from 10 years ago when just 8% would do so.

Vanessa Papas, 25, is one single who doesn't mind sharing a blanket with her eight-year-old dog Chops.

"Chops is very much a house dog and has always been my baby, and a member of the family," news.com.au quoted her as saying.

"Since we have had him, he always comes into my room and climbs on to the bed. It's an arrangement that works very well for both of us.

"He likes the attention and I like his company."

While people sharing their bed with pets are still in the minority, a survey also revealed that four out of five singles allow their pet inside the house. Women are more likely to have their pets indoors.

In 2000, 37% of pets slept outside. But now only 20% of dogs are left out in the doghouse.

The figures come from a national survey of 600 people released by the Petcare Information Advisory Service (PIAS), Australia.

"The way society and pets interact is changing," said Susie Willis, CEO, PIAS. "We know from our research that women, in particular, do say they feel more secure when the dog is around."