That's a bit dumb... most pets are best kept in a consistent environment and besides, to do so is not really that different from being divorced and having shared custody of a kid (only that you both are still together and in love).

I think that you should wait till you both have a place together.. and then get a dog!

My boyfriend and I have a few pets together, but we live together. I think it's unwise to get a pet, especially one that requires a lot of care--like a dog, while living seperatly. It just seems, to me anyway, that it could cause stress and tension--where is the dog going to live? animals get stressed easily so it can't just be bounced from house to house, especially at a young age. Who is paying the vet bills? the food bills? who pays for toys? etc. Whoever isn't housing the dog might have their own opinions about how much they should pay, etc.

Bottom line: dogs need stability. seperate households don't provide stability.

I'd say wait until you guys are living together to get a dog. However, a hamster or similar animal might be okay, since they generally cost less with toys, vet bills, housing, etc. But still keep in mind you can't bounce animals around. It's just not fair to them.