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Domesticated animals really do love their owners, researchers have claimed.

Experiments found that animals release the same 'love hormone' used in humans to create bonds with friends.

Experts say they were 'shocked' by the levels of oxytocin released in animals.

Researchers found that animals release the same 'love hormone' found in humans and believed to help create bonds with friends and even between mothers and their children.

Paul Zak, a Professor at Claremont Graduate University in California, conducted several experiments to measure the levels of oxytocin, the body's 'happy hormone' released when pets interacted with other animals and humans.

'The results were kind of shocking,' he told MailOnline.

At an animal refuge in Arkansas, researchers obtained blood samples from a domestic mixed-breed terrier and a goat that regularly played with each other.

Their play involved chasing each other, jumping towards each other, and engaging in simulated fighting (baring teeth and snarling), Professor Zak said.

'We took their blood, had them interact in a closed pen, then took their blood again to check for changes in levels.

One experiment involved putting a pet dog and a goat together.

'The result was very surprising.

'The dog dog had a 48% increase, which was big for a human.

But the goat's response was incredible - for humans this it was basically true love.

'The only time I have seen such a surge in oxytocin in humans is when someone sees their loved one, is romantically attracted to someone, or is shown an enormous kindness.'

'Given oxytocinn came about to help bonding, it seems that domesticated animals form bonds and feel love in the same way we do.'

Professor Zak said the key was that only animals that have been domesticated appeared to show this response.

The team say that animals also release the hormone when in the company of other animals - but believe only domesticated animals

'It seems animals more social have higher densities of oxytocin in the front of the brain

This makes it feel good to co-operate.'

In a second experiment, 100 human participants came into the lab and gave blood samples to establish their baseline physiologic states.

Then they went into a private room and played with a dog or cat for 15 minutes. 

Subjects then gave more blood, and their levels of oxycotin measured.

Researchers found the changes in humans differed from person to person - but could be predicted by asking people how many pets they had had before.

He also found different animals produce different responses.

'For dog people, they will admit to it, but cat people were in the minority and seem to have less of a bond.

Professor Zak also said that the research found that some people simply aren't 'animal people', showing no effect when given a puppy to hold

'Dogs are best examples of humans playing god - they will always love their owners.'

Professor Zak also said that the research found that some people simply aren't 'animal people'

'We were doing some filming with the BBC, so we also took a presenter and had her hold a cure puppy - we found she only had a 3% increase in oxytocin - and she also admitted babies do nothing for her.

It shows we aren't all pet people,' said Professor Zal, who began the research after having to have his own dog, Teddy, put down.