Rent-A-Pet: Rental Service Godsend for Busy Pet Lovers
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Are you a busy pet lover but don't have enough time to make a long-term commitment? Check out how rent a pet programs are offering part-time ownership!
For those who adore animals but are too busy to make a long-term commitment to a precious pet, a new rent a pet service that offers part-time pet ownership may be the answer.
New Rent a Pet Companies
Relatively new companies like FlexPetz and Rent-A-Pet mainly target dog-lovers with varying needs. Some might want to see if they click with a certain breed, others with little time or space may want to spend just a few hours or a few weekends with a pet of their choice.
Signing Up For Rent a Pet Programs
Members of FlexPetz must pay registration and monthly fees and pledge to treat the dogs well. Members are also screened for any history of animal abuse and they must complete a training program so the dog can get acquainted with them and they can learn about the dog's needs. Unlike renting a tuxedo or a car, the animals' needs must be the main focus of the rental. Most of the animals come from rescue shelters. When they are not out on a rental, they live in cage-free facilities.
The Rent-A-Pet service is free, but members need to commit more time than with FlexPetz. Volunteers are given assignments to expose the dogs to household sounds, riding in a car or climbing staircases. Rent-A-Pet dogs range in age from puppies to older dogs and they aren't picture-perfect. Some may be a bit scruffy and bear the signs of past lives on the street. FlexPetz dogs are no older than 3-years-old and they are obtained from owners who have given them up. They are outfitted with locator devices in case they get separated from their temporary owners.
Benefits of the Rent A Pet Programs
The two-legged members of pet rental services aren't the only ones who benefit from the program. The dogs and cats get a chance to leave the shelter and run, play and walk in a park or in the countryside. These programs may also help to boost pet adoption by exposing a greater number of people to the possibility of pet ownership. The Rent-A-Pet program reports that over 1,000 dogs have been adopted through their program.
Criticisms of the Rent a Pet Programs
Critics of the programs have pointed out that it may be unfair to the pets, which like children need routines and a stable environment in order to thrive. FlexPetz and Rent-A-Pet representatives say that the dogs have a main home in a cage-free doggie day care or from boarding with a trainer. Dogs at FlexPetz also have primary owners who rent them most frequently.
Would you rent a pet? Let us know your thoughts in a comment!
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Comments (12)
I think this is a GREAT idea!!! As I'm sitting here with a rescue dog I'm fostering, and trying to find her a home. I see how much she enjoys interacting with "anyone" who will treat her with love and affection ~ even if its a short duration and she will never be seeing them again... as she has been alone and just surviving for most of her life. Just how much more humane is it to keep animals in cages, crates or horrendous living environments ~ and ultimately be put to sleep? Which is where many of them will be heading. I also see people leaving animals alone all day and neglect to spend enough quality time with them. Are these animals better off than the one's who are enjoying an afternoon playing with kids, or hiking with someone as a companion?
Regarding the common comparison to children... how much more emotionally stable is it for children to be shifted back and forth from home, to daycare, to nanny's or sitter's... who are also being paid to take care of children while their parents are working, shopping, traveling, etc? It's interesting the correlation many are making between animals and children, while even viewing this as "shocking." Yet you can turn a blind eye when selecting a package of meat to have for dinner. Ethical or unethical? When we can truly start recognizing the innocence, affection and need for companionship "all" animals... the same as we do children, there will be a correlation and respectability a moral rectitude for both.
Simply to say that we would love to be able to get a playmate for our Annie every now and then.I don't always have time to romp in the back yard with our three year old Chihuahua, and when I do I don't last very long. It would be great to be able to have a place where we could rent her a playmate every now and then. And she would love it i know.
Bob from Columbus,Oh
I'm not sure how much stress this could cause for pets that are mammals or birds. I offer Rent-a-Reptile, the first of its kind, I believe! http://www.crittersandconservation.com/cnc/index.php?page=rent-a-reptile
love the idea of having a dog for the afternoon at the park with the kids and i know i'd be a rubbish full time owner but i'd grow an attachment to my rental dog and the thought of it being locked up in a shelter when it should have a home , a permanent home, i dont think i could do it. looking at it as an animal rights view, seems incredibly unbalanced for the dogs themselves - they need stability, routine and regular affection not just a flash in the pan when people take the fancy.
Totally inhumane in my book. I have run a rescue for 14 yrs and see the result of dogs that have been shifted from home to home. They are very emotionally unstable and suffer from anxiety in many cases. Some times with lots of work they can get over it but often times not. So what happens to these dogs when they are used up. Are they put down? It is strictly a money making idea. This is not a piece of furniture or a rent a car. It is a living, feeling warm blooded animal. I have an idea!!!! Lets rent out our children. That might be a good money maker. Be real people. This is cruel and heartless.
I agree with you whole heartedly....even if a dog has to shift from one foster parent to another its hard on them. That is why you should make the commitment to that dog until it is adopted. I think this is a terrible idea, and not fair to the dog or any other animal for that matter...if the family doesnt want to make a commitment go to a friends house and play with their dog for an hour or so...
Rent-a-dog right off didn't set well with me. But, it DOES get the dog out of the cage and it does enhance adoptability. One hopes the dog will go from being a guest to being a permanent member of a forever home and not a K9 yoyo going back and forth forever...the best of wishes, gang bob