Having Pets in IB

Yeah a dog is tough one - I think even if it's possible the manage the day to day, the limitations on your life as a result would be quite significant. Travelling will become much more difficult, expensive, and stressful for the pet. I think a cat is much more reasonable as they can left alone for a few days with ample food / water and no harm done. 

As a former dog owner, please don't do this. Dogsit for dogs in your building if you want to play with one.

I've seen someone feed and play with their cats with a remote controlled robot. Via smartphone app.

Dude (or more likely dudette) can't you just get a bunch of FWBs like everyone else does?

Another consideration is how difficult it makes traveling. Can’t take a spontaneous day / weekend trip unless you can bring the dog or have someone watch it.

Maybe get a cat or a beaded dragon or something that needs little attention

Cats are good people in IB because they are low maintenance.

I waited to get a dog until I moved to the buyside and was at a shop that didn't think anything of leaving at 5:30/6pm to pick-up my dog from daycare and continue working from home. Most of the Partners would already be gone at that time anyways to go attend their kids' after school sports/events (and they'd hop online themselves after dinner). Current firm is the same way. 

The above dynamics are made even easier if you wait until you're in a relationship and your partner is available to allow you to stay at the office for fire-drills/mentoring Associates through something they find challenging. 

people who say get a cat have probably never lived with one. Cats are social animals too; some will get very lonely (even when you have two) if you don't give them attention throughout the day. Don't get a pet now just for the sake of it, wait until you move onto a job that's less time consuming and will actually allow you to be around pets. Pets aren't accessories you keep for entertainment when you want.

I adopted my cat junior year in college and ultimately had to send him to his grandparents (my parents) when I got my current role. I would absolutely feel terrible if I still had my cat living with me.  

Would agree that a dog in general is a bad idea. The exception to this is if you're not in the office 5 days a week, then consider rescuing an older dog with low physical needs. They'll be much happier in a home than a kennel and most older dogs will only need about 45-60 minutes of exercise split across 3 walks a day. Very feasible when you're at home and feasible for a dog walker when you're at the office. The one main thing to be aware of with an older dog is potential medical needs; if they're on the brink of death they will be expensive and require regular vet visits. Aim for a dog that is 75% of the way through their life expectancy so they can still enjoy a few good years.

Get a cat or a bearded dragon. Something low maintenance