In recent times, the keeping of pets has transcended into a new dimension. Instead of having children, couples in urban societies are taking to keeping pets instead. In our home base Singapore, pet shops are proliferating, with groomers and veterinary surgeons doing a brisk business. Hobbyists are getting serious - buying up vitamins and antioxidants, coat enhancers, and pet colognes.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to Singapore, but to the rest of the region as well. Based on a recent television news report, there is even a pet cemetery in Beijing!

Fish keeping is one of the highest ranking hobbies of the world today, coming in only second to that of photography. It is one of the few hobbies that relaxes the hobbyist after a hectic day at work, all the while adding to the decor of any room.

In the United Kingdom, just under half of the households in the country own a pet ¨C ranging from the traditionally-popular freshwater ornamental fish, dogs and cats, rabbits, exotic snakes and spiders. According to Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) based there, the population of pet fish in the United Kingdom numbers region of 140 million, about two and a half times more than its human population British Isles. 14% of its 3 ¨C 3.5 million households own either an aquarium or pond, keeping ornamental fish is the third most popular hobby after cats and dogs.

According to the American Pet Association (March 2003, apapets.com), a poll of 17,121 pet owners in the United States revealed that 44.9 million people own at least one dog while 102.8 million households have at least a cat in 2003. They treat their pets as a special member of the family and as best friends and give birthday treats and Christmas gifts. 39% of America's pet owners display their pet's picture in their home. 16% of America's pet owners keep a picture of their pet in their wallet or purse.

The population of dogs and cats has remained fairly stable over the past six years and in 2002, amounted to 13 million. Some 55 million European households own pets - 47 million cats and 60.7 million dogs. The population of smaller pet animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, budgies and rabbits number 1.5 million each.

In the United Kingdom, just under half of the households in the country own a pet - ranging from the traditionally-popular dogs and cats, to rabbits, exotic snakes and spiders. The population of dogs and cats has remained fairly stable over the past six years and in 2002, amounted to 13 million. Some 55 million European households own pets - 47 million cats and 60.7 million dogs.

According to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (www.pfma.com), dog ownership has shown a gradual decrease over recent years, with more people living alone, and with more couples both going out to work. Urban and modern working lifestyles favour the free living, independent cat over the more dependent dog. Cat ownership is greater in the more urban South of England in owner-occupied dwellings. There is also a growing trend favouring unusual or exotic animals. Snakes, reptiles and tropical fish are all growing in popularity.

Besides providing companionship, pets play a very important part in today's highly-stressed society.