The costs associated with pet ownership pumped more than $6 billion into the national economy last year / File Source: News Limited

Pet ownership pumped $6.02 billion into the Australian economy last year, a healthy leap on the $4.62 billion spent in 2005.

Gourmet foods and edible treats, toys, bedding and grooming, pampering and veterinary treatment, burials and even hired help to walk the family mutt made up most of the costs associated with keeping a cat or dog.

The number of cats and dogs, fish and birds, horses, rabbits and reptiles remains mostly stable, and there are more pets in Australia than people -- 33 million.

But the good news for them is that humans are spending more per animal, even though the costs of providing for them has barely changed.

A report by the Australian Companion Animal Council reveals many other incalculable benefits of calling a four-legged or feathered friend a family member.

"Pets provide significant psychological and physiological benefits to owners. They help our children learn about caring and being responsible, they improve feelings of safety and help build social bridges in our communities," said council president Dr Kersti Seksel.

And more people owe their jobs to the pet care industry, with employment up from 44,700 people four years ago to 47,627 last year.

A staggering $2.22 billion, 37 per cent, of all expenditure goes on veterinary services, which reflects the importance of our pets in our lives, she said.

Then comes food, with pets munching through $1.83 billion in tasty treats. At the other end, $111 million a year was spent on kitty litter.

The average cost a day to keep a dog was under $3, and just $1.50 for a cat.

"For all the money they generate, they are an inexpensive addition in any family's life," Dr Seksel said.

"The annual costs of owning a pet are still relatively low."