My best friends dogs are kept outside only. I know that they are well taken care of, they are spayed/neutered, get let out to play at least 2-3 times a day, taken for walks, etc. They are extremely well loved, I know she loves her dogs just as much as I love my dogs. I still have a really hard time with it. Especially in the winter when it is all wet and cold...they both have short coats too. I often think about them sleeping out there on cold winter nights. If it were her choice they would be inside (at least at night) but her parents are NOT pet people and they will not allow any animal in the house.

I would NEVER keep a dog outside only. Even if they dog has a coat where they are ok in the cold (like Nebo) I feel that dogs should be able to come in the house and be part of the family. Nebo loves to be outside, he's constantly wanting out. Usually he just lays in the grass and looks around, I know he really enjoys it. However, normally if he's been out for more than 15 minutes he's on the deck waiting for the door to open...and any longer than that he's scratching at the door!

It doesn't bother me to leave dogs outside (in a secure fenced area, NOT tied up) while you are gone to work, etc. as long as they are allowed to come in and out when you are home or at least sleep inside. I haven't used it in months but I do have a dog run that I have left Nebo in while I was at work. I know he would just love to have free roam of the backyard but I don't think the fence is secure enough.

I've seen many extremely matted and neglected dogs where I work, and the majority of them have been outside only dogs. A while ago a guy brought in 2 filthy, matted king charles spaniels (which I believe were bred to be companion dogs) with extension cords as leashes. The groomer had to use a surgical blade to shave the 5 inch thick matts of their ears. It's cases like that where I have to wonder WHY people get dogs...what, as a lawn ornament maybe? I am NOT by any means saying that everyone who keeps their dogs outside only neglects them...just that most of the neglected dogs I have seen have been outside only.

As far as cats go I do not agree with outside only cats. The same friend that has the outside dogs also has an outside cat...he hasn't been seen in months, he is probably at the RB now. When he did come to the house (in the garage), it was just every now and then and he was always covered in cuts and scraps, most likely from fights with other cats. I understand when the cat is born feral and can't be house tamed, but he was not born that way...he actually used to be allowed in the house before they moved. For me it's like why bother getting a pet when you treat it like a wild animal.

I also don't like inside/outside cats. I couldn't handle not knowing where my cat was at all times, not knowing what dangers they could be in. I don't care where you live, it's still dangerous to allow your pet to roam freely IMO. Now if you have a secure enclosed outside area for the cats or you take them out on a harness I think that is fine. If I were ever able to get cats they would be strictly inside only.

This is all just my opinion and if you don't agree with it, I don't care. And just for the record I understand situations that you have no control over (such as your parents not allowing pets in the house).