Growing up having pets is both a loving and a learning experience. For starters, you begin to understand what it really means to be responsible for another life. Kids learn how to care for animals, including making sure they get exercise, feeding them, and cleaning up after them. As someone who has had multiple pets all her life, I can't imagine ever living without an animal in my house.

So, if you're like me, you'll be able to relate to this list of things all pet owners understand:

You can never leave the house not covered in hair.

…and so, owning a lint roller is essential.

Personal space is non-existent.

Even when you’re going to the bathroom, your pet just can’t seem to leave you alone.

Your camera roll is 90% photos of your pet(s).

You can never have too many pictures of your pet... even if they all look the same.

No meal is ever completely your own.

Dinner leftovers always go to the dog (or cat).

Working on your laptop is nearly impossible.

Actually, getting any sort of work done is nearly impossible.

You never have to watch TV alone.

Your pet insists on being at your feet 24/7.

You have no fear of burglary.

Whether you own a dog, or a cat, they always seem to know when someone is within a 500 foot radius of your home long before you do. (And if your dog has a loud bark, you know for sure no one will be trying to enter your home uninvited.)

When you picture your future, there are multiple pets in it.

You know that your future home will be pet-friendly because there is no way you're not adopting a dog during the first few months in your new house.

At one point or another, you've referred to your friend/sibling/parent by your pet's name.

"Sorry. Force of habit."

Talking to your pets is normal.

...no matter what anyone says.

Your significant other MUST like pets.

Sorry, but if you don't like dogs and/or cats, we're not going to work out.

You pity people who've never had pets.

They were certainly deprived as children.