If so do you consider an animal part of the family?
Yep, my doggies, Fudge and Karma, Dilly has been staying with me for a while, and Zeppelin spends the night sometimes
Before we had kids, I think the first dog did get treated more like a family member. Once the kids were here the animals were live entertainment for them. However, pets a child like quality to them. I am also sure that you will get different answers from each family member.