The association stressed “the long-term responsibilities of bringing a pet into your life. This is an unprecedented period with unusual working conditions. New owners need to seriously think about future possible obstacles that could make life with a pet slightly more challenging. 

“Owners need to consider their pet when thinking about return to work plans, any possible future hit on finances, less time available and the possibility of separation anxiety for their pet.”

Paul Lewis, of Adzuna, said: “Lockdown catalysed an increase in pet adoptions and it seems jobseekers are looking to get in on the act by taking on pet-sitting jobs.

“The most sought-after jobs in the UK are roles where workers are doing what they love or giving back to the community, rather than scoring high salaries. Animal jobs are proving particularly popular, with pet-sitter roles the most clicked on job ads of the thousands of roles on our site.”

Adzuna said that “money isn’t everything when it comes to filling a role”, pointing out that overall, 24 of the 30 most sought-after jobs offer lower pay than the current average advertised UK salary of £36,339.

It said it had also seen a surge in interest for roles in the NHS and for trade jobs, such as electricians, plumbers and joiners. “After a turbulent two years for the jobs market, workers are reevaluating what they want and are retraining or switching industries and the most sought-after roles in 2022 reflects this.”