As most on here have said I always had pets growing up. My cat Dusty who I've had to leave at my mom's (she became an outdoor cat) still runs out to see me everytime I'm at my moms, jumps up on me a snuggles, the only thing about her that I can't really tolerate is that she is a long haired cat and the fur in my face drives me.
At home, I believe my kid should grow up with a dog, so she wont be scared of them, so when she was 4 months old I got her a boxer puppy (we named Scoobie-doo) who was 2 months at the time. They have grown together and the bond he shares with her, my bf and I is irreplaceable.
My docs have never told me or my parents not to have animals due to health concerns. As long as you love your pet and treat it right, no better friend could you find anywhere!!!