Can I have a cat?

[snoopy]

It is up to each individual the level of responsibility one can balance with their goals, life and work commitments. Having dependents of any kind (kids/pets etc.) can be a challenge in aviation but as with everything in life you can make anything work if it is important enough to you and you put your mind to it. The same applies to relationships.

I managed to accommodate a dog for 12 and a half years of instability across Canada and even took her overseas. You make it work. That furry kid has since moved on to doggy heaven but for over 5 years now I've been a forever home to an SPCA rescue dog and she has a cat - they are inseparable. They've adapted to their pilot mom with associated transient lifestyle and complete lack of schedule. Certainly pets do present challenges but good friends have helped me out and I make many sacrifices to be able to manage my lifetime commitments to my "kids". In my opinion the rewards far outweigh the challenges, though sometimes I wonder if my dog tries on my flight suit - I always seem to be covered in hair.

For the record, I have found my dog to be far less demanding than the cat, however traveling with either by road, air, and water has been no problem. I have an indoor cat but he goes for walks just fine with a leash and harness, and when introduced to other dogs more often than not he wants to play. It's what you get them used to.

Cheers,
Kirsten B.