Counterpoint: they require a lot of care and attention, and expense. You can't easily just pick up and go, you now need someone to look after the animal, every time.

You can get exercise and social contact besides (although on the latter point, animals can provide some comfort, but they don't sub for a social life). I think the valid reason for wanting a dog is wanting a dog, and tolerating if not enjoying the lifestyle that it requires. There are a lot of owners out there who think they want a pet, and then they end up neglected or at a shelter (or the owner does their job, but regrets their choice).

> Counterpoint: they require a lot of care and attention, and expense. You can't easily just pick up and go, you now need someone to look after the animal, every time.

I'm being pedantic here but not all dog breeds require the same level of care, attention and expense. For example, in India, an Indian Pariah Dog is probably the most healthy and behaviorally balanced dog breed you can get. They don't have any exotic food requirements, they don't need regular grooming, they shed minimally, and they're happy with decent exercise. I've heard Greyhounds are somewhat similar but I don't have experience with them so I'm not completely sure.

But yeah, I agree that people shouldn't get dogs on a whim. When they do, those dogs almost always end up on the road or in a shelter.

This is all true. I moved to SF and really enjoy the fact that I can walk out my door, hop on BART, get out 40 minutes later in an international airport, and go anywhere I want. Except… it’s going to cost a few hundred dollars extra every couple of days for dog and cat boarding, and I need to get that boarding reserved far in advance, then arrange transportation for my pets to get to the boarding center, and then plan my return so I arrive at a very specific time so I can pick them up. I love my animals, but they come with a real cost of time, money, and freedom.

I think this is good advice. Sadly in some places it's hard to have dog. Example, went to an apartment site, ~2000 listings available. Checked "allows dog", dropped to ~280

But, unless that's prior to filtering on location, that sounds like enough? You have to narrow it down somehow.

Don't tell your landlord. If your dog is registered as service you don't have to declare it.

Don't actually do this.

Depending on the state, declaring is not required if your dog is service or emotional support.