No, animals aren't people. But for those of us who kinda don't really like people all that much, or don't know what to do with other people, animals are much better.
Like my dogs for example. They are the only ones who would love me unconditionally. Even parents don't have "unconditional" love, there's always something you can do to tick them off beyond wanting you. Not so much with dogs, unless you are a monster and beat them. Even then they probably still love you. I can tell them literally anything without being afraid that they will think less of me. My husband is the only other person on earth for which that is true for me. Even my best friend irl, after I helped clean her apartment when she had to move, slept the night at her house when she was lonely, was her bridesmaid in her wedding, listened to whatever she had to say, drove over 8 hours to be with her when she moved-- even she ditched me when she realized I was not a Christian. Think my dogs care what I believe? Not even a teensy bit.
Dogs have all the love and good parts of people, but none of the hatred and bad parts. I don't know how to explain it. :-(