To have / have got

They have two dogs.           They've got three children. 

Have and have got are verbs with the same meaning. You can choose which one to use. 

Have got is usually abbreviated to 've got.

We use have or have got to talk about possession, relationships, illnesses etc:

I have two children    =       I've got two children.

I have a good job       =       I've got a good job.

I have a new car         =       I've got a new car.

I have a problem        =       I've got a problem.

I have a headache      =       I've got a headache.

We also use have to talk about some actions and experiences but we can't use have got for these:

She has lunch at 12.30.                                     She's got lunch at 12.30.

They have a meeting every Friday.                  They've got a meeting every Friday.

We have a good time on holiday.                     We've got a good time on holiday. 

She always has a party at Christmas.               She's always got a party at Christmas. 

They usually have a coffee break at 10.00.       They've usually got a coffee break at 10.00.

I have a shower every morning.                       I've got a shower every morning. 

Note: It is important to be consistent.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?   Yes, I do.  I have one brother and one sister.

Have you got any pets?  Yes, I have.  I've got a cat and a bird.