The aim of this study was to examine parents' experiences of the role of dogs in the socio-emotional development of primary and secondary school children. Socio-emotional development includes all the characteristics of a child from his personality and character to social abilities (self-confidence, responsibility, self-perception, social network and empathy are just some of these characteristics). The condition for participation in the research was the possession of a dog as a pet during the period when the child was attending primary or secondary school. The first part of the paper presents a theoretical overview of the development of the relationship between humans and pets and the impact of this relationship on socio-emotional development. At the same time, an overview of the methodology of qualitative research is presented. The second part of the paper presents an analysis of research results in which semi-structured interviews sought to learn more about the relationship of children with dogs and what parents think is the role of this relationship in the socio-emotional development of their children. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the obtained data were analyzed by the method of thematic analysis. The analysis found that children developed a special relationship with dogs whose role is visible in all aspects of socio-emotional development, and most of all in the development of caring for others and empathy. Also, children have been shown to experience the dog as a great social support in a variety of situations, especially in difficult and stressful times. The dog has proven to be an important part of the social network of primary and secondary school children.