THIS MONTH IS

Adopt A Pet Month -- Ask your listeners share their funniest or most memorable pet stories on the air.

Pets outnumber people in the U.S., 378 million to 288 million, according to Sky magazine. Overall, Americans own about 78 million cats, 65 million dogs, 9 million reptiles, 192 million fish and 17 million assorted small animals, says the report. If you thought that was a treat, read up on 10 fascinating facts that magazine managed to dig up about U.S. pet owners;

1. 83% consider themselves their animals' "mom" or "dad."
2. 78% admit using a special "pet voice" while talking to their critters.
3. 73% have no problem maxing out their plastic to make sure their "kid" gets the best care.
4. 67% have a guilty conscience about leaving their animals home alone.
5. 63% of U.S. dog owners admit to smooching their pooches.
6. 58% of pet owners report they spend more time at the vet than at their own doctors' offices.
7. 52% reveal they're more likely to recall the names of their neighbors' pets than the names of their neighbors.
8. 47% turn on a TV or radio to keep their pets company when leaving the animals home alone.
9. If stuck on a desert island, 50% of Americans would choose a dog or a cat for company over a human.
10. 69% of pet owners admit playing favorites with their critters while their significant others are away by breaking household rules, like letting the dog sleep on the bed or feeding the cat leftovers.

Birds, lizards, turtles and other household pets carry germs that can make you sick. Here is advice on how to protect yourself:

• Birds -- Don't let your canary's tune be your swan song. Dried bird droppings are a breeding ground for bacteria that cause the sometimes-fatal disease psittacosis when inhaled.
• Lizards -- Ninety percent of iguanas are walking petri dishes for salmonella. The intestinal bacteria causes fever, diarrhea and stomach ulcers. If you come in contact with any reptile be sure to wash your hands.
• Fish -- An aquarium is basically a toilet bowl for fish, so it's no wonder that a bacteria that causes "fish-tank granuloma" thrives in it. Wear plastic gloves when cleaning the tank and wash your hands afterward.
• Cats -- "Cat Scratch Fever" isn't just a Ted Nugent song. It's a disease caused by a bite from an infected cat. The bacteria can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes and pinkeye.
• Dogs -- Man's best friend can be your worst enemy. Your pet can pick up the lung infection kennel cough during boarding and give it to you. And stepping in doggy doo can give you hookworms.