Should people who live in cities not have pets?

I don't think city dwellers should be discouraged from having pets. Actually, many people in Shanghai find companionship in pets precisely because urban life can feel quite isolating. My colleague in our UI design team has a cat, and she often says it helps her unwind after long hours staring at screens. That said, pet owners do need to be responsible - in small apartments, dogs especially need proper exercise and training. The key is matching the pet to your living situation, not avoiding pet ownership altogether.