San Francisco Pet Rental Service Provides Part-Time Pet Ownership

[lunasmom]

I know of a shelter where I used to live in Colorado that would let people take the the dogs out for a day to go hiking or whatever, and come back. I think that can be a good chance for them to get out and away from the shelter while they are still up for adoption and waiting to find that forever home.

Leasing out animals for profit who have no hope of getting out of there and living in a more stable home seems really, really sad and unfair to the animals.

[nancyweNW]

A local radio station interviewed this woman this morning. She said that when the dogs are between "gigs" (my word, not hers), they are at one of the members ranch which lets the dog roam free, meaning they are not kenneled. She said they are never kenneled.

Still though, I agree, they just get used to one person and they're off to another. Maybe it's better than being put down, but why not just commit and adopt one of the wonderful dogs out there. Or hang out w/a friend who has a dog and take them for walks occasionally.

[Hellow]

I think in a way its an good idea, in another its not. Its good for the elderly to have an pet for an few days so to bring some joy into their life. But its bad because some people will "rent" an dog and then kill it or injure it. And it adds to the confusion in an dogs life by going from one "owner" to another "owner".

[cassiesmom]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/o...,4845024.story
chicagotribune.com
Editorial

Too much puppy ciao

August 13, 2007

The perfect dog for busy urbanites will sit, fetch and roll over -- but won't stay. At least, not for long. That's the idea behind FlexPetz, a new California rent-a-dog service that provides doggies on demand, for a fee. If a challenging job or heartless landlord deprives you of canine companionship, you can borrow a dog for the afternoon or weekend. It's just the thing for when the grandkids are in town or after a nasty spat with your significant other.

Dog lovers who pay the annual fee, monthly fee and daily rental charges soon will be entitled to use their membership privileges at a dozen or more branches worldwide, sort of like belonging to Bally's or Blockbuster.

We wouldn't want to deny anyone a warm-and-fuzzy fix, but we're pretty sure Fido would say this idea really bites.

The last thing Fido wants, after a joyous frolic at the beach or a long hike through the forest preserve, is for his new best friend to pass the leash to a stranger.

Lifelong attachment is what the person-dog dynamic is all about. It's not just a Saturday afternoon romp in the park, it's the every-single-day predawn potty trot around the block. It's spending a vacation day at the vet because your four-legged friend swallowed a sock. It's remaining faithful through the late-life problems like hip dysplasia and middle-of-the-night incontinence.

If you're not up for all of that but still long for a pooch, save your money and volunteer at a shelter or talk to your local rescue group about fostering a pup that's waiting for a permanent home. Or borrow the mutt next door for your morning jog.

Anyone who has been in a relationship with a partner who can't commit knows what it's like to be checked in and out like a library book. That's no way to treat a date -- or a dog.

[lizbud]

I read that this morning too. I thought that's exactly how I wish I
could have expressed myself. I agree with it completely.

[cyber-sibes]

At first I thought it was a good idea as a way for people who were thinking of adopting to see if they were reallly up for the committment....but this comment:

I'm thinking it would encourage the disposable pet syndrome that is already so prevailent in our society. Pets are a lifetime care just like kids, I don't see too many 'rent a kid' places going for the childless couples do you?

changed my mind. What about the kids that get these dogs-for-a-day? What does that teach them about responsibility? You only have to care for an animal when you're in the mood? I hate to think a new generation is raised thinking they can just take the dog back and be done with it / leave the responsibilites to someone else.