Lawmakers take action against "pet rental" companies
Comment: You can rent them out as tools like guard dogs but not as pets,
Comment: Ya I can see were taking a dog on a outing or a long walk through the parl and a l;ittle game of fetch the ball would just destory a dogs mental health, much better to put stray dogs to sleep to keep them from the above abuse of a walk in the park for a few hours!
Comment: They rent dogs as guard dogs for stores and malls, cops use them, for all kinds of dirty jobs that can get them hurt of killed, the post office and the DEA use them as tools! They use them for resurch and to do harmful tests on. Also they rent horses and use them for law enforcment and to make glue out of! Look what we do to cows! But this, dog rental is a GREAT THING and they want to stop this and keep useing the animals as they please (just like they do to us!) But we want to use them in a kind and wonderful way and they won't have that, they would rather put the dogs to sleep!
I say if someone is willing to pay $99.00 a month and $45.00 a day that this is a person that wants
the enjoyment of a pet very much and I would think they would take better care of the dog then most
full time dog owners and how great for the dog to get to go on outings and not locked in the yard or house all the time. Someone should rent out or law makers to another soler system or better yet to a super black hole way out in deep space, that's were there thinking is!!! Why do all the worst A Hol s want to be the ones in charge, don't any good people ever get elected to office!
Comment: Ok...I just read the blog, www.runningthepack.com/blog?p=60.....forget what I said about ...great entrepeneurial spirit....just another money making scheemer....oh well.
Comment: I used to joke about renting a dog to go to the park and then returning it. I own two cats and live in a 750 sq ft apt . Not healthy to subject a dog (reargless of size) to such an environment. Nor is it ideal to strap myself selfish self with the added responsibility of rushing home after work to walk the dog before it eats my shoes or pees on my hardwood floor. But I never dreamed someone would actually do it...great entrepneurial spirit...not good for the animals. Animals are family members. You treat them and love them that way. We adopt them but we do not rent family...
Comment: Get a grip people; it's a dog...not a human! This is yet another radical move by the liberals known as PETA to shut down a great idea. There is nothing shady about this. You can't tell me that a dog would be better off with an owner that is only home once a week/month and has to keep the dog locked up all the time. The dogs are getting rescued, shown attention and being cared for. Governments have no right in outlawing the idea of "Pet Rental," and to think so is pure absurdity! This is simply unbelievable!
Comment: Sounds like the owners of this operation are pretty shady. Chekc out this link for more on them www.runningthepack.blg?p=60
Comment: There'sa some pretty odd stuff out there about the people who run this business... check out www.runningthepack.com/blog?p=60
Seems like this guy Brodie has got his hands in ALOT of stuff
Comment: Sounds a bit like "pet prostitution" to me. All the perks with no consideration of the life life they are using. Glad that it is being dealt with. Try a day a month volunteering at a shelter walking dogs instead. It's free and you and the animal would feel better for it
Comment: i honestly cant belive that our lawmakers are wasting time dicussing this, something so insignifigant.ITS A DOG for crying out loud. i go to my neighbors every day to walk their dog just because he tends to attract women at the park,i would pay my neighbor for letting me do so if he mentioned it.as long as these dogs arent being mistreated in any way,WHO CARES.this country is going to hell and our goverment is so busy regulating activities that have neither a positive or negative effect on society.half the children in this country spend 3/4 of their day in daycare because americans dont have the time to raise them ourselves what kind of emotional trauma is that causing? does anyone even consider that? its the same idea... weve got some real problems in this country that need to be fixed. it is not the governments job to regulate day to day activities like a daycare provider. the economy,education,crime,defence and roads.for once i would like to read an article telling me what our law makers are doingto controll those matters. i dont care whos walking orphaned dogs, i dont care if men are marrying other men,and i really dont care if athletes are using steriods. its time we start living like free americans and run our own lives. and for government to start spending time on issues that will help us as a country.......................ken g. manlius, ny
Comment: well said, finally a down to earth person talking some sense.
Comment: A better solution for those who cannot commit to full-time pet ownership, but who still enjoy time with pets is to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Animals there thrive on human interaction and are emotionally enriched by the volunteers. With a pet rental, the human is profiting emotionally, but when time is donated to a displaced animal both animal and human can benefit.
Comment: Just to clarify I support any cause that enables the little guy an upper hand. I also try to do it without bashing others, because that behavior does nothing to generate a sense of brotherhood or goodwill.
Comment: You know I was going to say something, but it won't matter anyways because you all are arguing and no one is going to read ten pages of bickering from so called adults. What the hell people... can't we all support our own causes without someone else coming along and screaming that THIS ONE IS MORE IMPORTANT? One needs to support animals... God's smaller creatures... the other children... God's other smaller creatures. Don't you see that you are all supporting the SAME cause, just in your own way? What if I want to support veteran's rights, does that make me wrong for not being on the exact same page?
Comment: FlexPetz is one of the dumbest and most inhumane creations I have ever heard of. Anyone who truly understands animal psychology knows that animals have feelings and complex emotions. Just because they cannot stand up on two legs and speak english to you doesn't mean that their well being and feelings should not be taken into consideration. Everything in this damn country is based on profit and stupidity. For the rich folks who want to rent a pet because they don't feel that they have the time to adopt or purchase one, guess what? You've already answered your own question: you don't have the time to care for a dog. Go get a hobby or buy a fitness membership and be done with it. Seriously.
Comment: In response to why people don't just volunteer at shelters:
Many people cannot stomach the idea of spending time in a shelter, playing with a healthy dog only to return next week to find that that cute, wonderful, frolicking dog was murdered because someone couldn't give it a home. Yes, shelters need volunteers, however people who are trying to be responsible and not take an impulse pet may not be able to cope with the idea that they could have saved that and 30 other dogs' lives if they had just taken it home...
A method that I used when I lived in this situation (I now have 2 dogs), was that I volunteered for the local SPCA as a foster parent. I would take a pet into my home that needed socializing, or to recover from kennel cough, or my favorite dog was a cattle dog recovering from a hit and run and full hip replacements. I was able to take these pets home with me, nurse them, help them, then re-home them (I always chose the homes) and to this day stay in touch with many of them. It was very satisfying, but again... you need a place that accepts pets.
As obsessed as I am with pets, I've never volunteered inside the shelter, as I knew the result would be severe depression, a deeper hatred for humanity, and me with 50 pets. I am not saying people shouldn't help at the shelter, but this is a reason why people resist this method of animal contact.
Comment: I think there are some issues here that need to be worked out, but the concept of pet rental may not be a bad one. Pets who have been rescued or adopted from kill shelters are offered a primary home, and then allowed to be "baby-sat" by people who are at least responsible enough not to impulsively buy a puppy only to find that they cannot provide adequate time for the pet, in which case the pet is thrown back into the system. I think that this could be a healthy resource for people who want to find out what pet ownership can be like, if they find it overwhelming then the animal they rented goes back to its primary home (foster home) and it continues to go on play dates with other strangers.
While this needs to be closely regulated, and pets need to have retirement plans, I honestly think this could be a healthy alternative to the impulse pet purchase or adoptions. As a dog trainer, I see too many people who have pets they never ever should have taken on. On the same token some dogs may not be suited for this kind of work, dogs who are clingy or insecure should not be in the program. Other dogs do not care who they are with, as long as someone is playing with them, hugging them, talking to them, and in general hanging out with them. Some dogs would love nothing more in this world than to have this job where they get to be adored by new people everyday. Perhaps one of those people will be in a better position to adopt "Fido" in 5 years for his retirement gift. :)
Comment: My ex-husband and I share joint custody of a dog who goes back and forth between households with our children. Sometimes she goes back and forth without the children, who sometimes stay out of town with other family members for weeks and months at a time. I don't think that the dog suffers any emotional trauma from being with different owners at different times. She is healthy and happy and always excited to see everyone when she gets to each home. Of course, many other dogs, and children, live this way, as well. And some pets live this way in families without children. So, if it is really emotionally traumatic for pets to have multiple caretakers, then shouldn't joint custody of them be outlawed, as well? What about dogs who stay in dog care centers or with other family members frequently when they have owners who travel a lot? Should that be against the law, too? And, for that matter, what about the children? If having multiple caretakers is traumatic for a dog, then what about a young child? Shouldn't joint custody be outlawed for them, as well? Or, maybe the foster care system should be outlawed. I mean, really, the reasoning that this is traumatic for pets opens a huge can of worms as far as what is currently legal in many areas, and questions what is really required for emotional stability in a living creature. I think that the lawmakers need to re-think this, and gather some solid evidence that these animals really are traumatized, before they go off making laws like this agains what could be a really great thing for a lot of pets and a lot of people.
Comment: Well here's the deal a pet is just as special as any person. Most shelters are there to function as the animal equivalent of "good" foster parents. These often times underfunded places do their best to help these animals when they have nothing else. This pet rental system is simply a way for people who are either too lazy or too full of themselves to care about animals and their feelings. I have lived with dogs and other animals all my life and I know and see the pain that is caused when I leave for even an hour. Now imagine going to a house and then a day or even hours later wisked away to a new place and new people to meet. At first, this is ok it is no different then a pet shop. However, this persists for weeks and then months and then years and you as a person or a pet become emotionally drained and have nothing. No love, no home, nothing! So, before you think of the unfortunate people who have a choice thinj of the poor unfortunate pet who is caught up in all of this.
Comment: Well here's the deal a pet is just as special as any person. Most shelters are there to function as the animal equivalent of "good" foster parents. These often times underfunded places do their best to help these animals when they have nothing else. This pet rental system is simply a way for people who are either too lazy or too full of themselves to care about animals and their feelings. I have lived with dogs and other animals all my life and I know and see the pain that is caused when I leave for even an hour. Now imagine going to a house and then a day or even hours later wisked away to a new place and new people to meet. At first, this is ok it is no different then a pet shop. However, this persists for weeks and then months and then years and you as a person or a pet become emotionally drained and have nothing. No love, no home, nothing! So, before you think of the unfortunate people who have a choice thinj of the poor unfortunate pet who is caught up in all of this.
Comment: Why can't folks just look at this as another way for pets to have a chance?! Some people like to shop at very expensive boutiques stores as opposed to shopping at the warehouse type stores. Even though it is more expensive, they choose to do this because they are paying for the comfort level they want. Other people are very comfortable shopping at the warehouse type stores because their priority is the savings they can get. Different priorities are present! This same attitude holds true for pet rentals. Some people don't like the idea that they have to go to a shelter, where the whole spectrum of animals is present and in very, very basic conditions. Personally I don't think shelters are very cheery places! So they go to a cheerier place and are willing to pay for the experience of being screened thoroughly, just like at the shelter, to do the same thing as several people are saying they should do by just volunteering at a shelter. A note to insert here is that people that rent these pets develop a relationship with them. The ratio of renters to pets is about 5:1. This is better than at the shelter, where a pet is handled by several volunteers as well as those visiting and looking to adopt. Now THERE is a stressful situation for the animal!! Again, why not take a breath and see the benefits of rentals to both the animal and the person!! Many elderly people would love an opportunity to own a pet, but due to illness or environment, just can't. An occasional on-going relationship with a pet could be very healing!!
Lets focus on real problems for animals! LIke breeding and puppy mills, dog fighting, slaughterhouses!
Comment: Renting pets in popular in Japan, where space is at a premium and dog ownership is a luxury. It was only a matter of time before the idea spread to the US and Europe.
That said, I fail to see why people who are interested in pets aren't donating their time to the hundreds of local shelters and rescues out there. No one says that they have to commit to fostering or adopting a dog, for example. They can dedicate a few hours a week or month as their schedule allows. They can play and walk the dogs, bathe them -- whatever it is that dog owners do! Human gets the benefit of unconditional love from an animal, the animal gets the benefit of learning to interact with a variety of people -- a win-win situation, if you ask me! Why does someone need to profit from this?
Comment: This is modeled after businesses in Japan that do the same thing. Dog ownership is a bit of a luxury over there so "renting" a dog has become popular.
I think that it would make more sense for people craving the affection of animals to volunteer at a shelter. They don't have to commit to fostering or adopting but they could donate a few hours of their time, weekly or monthly, to socialize with the animals of their choosing. Human gets the benefit of animal interaction and animal gets the benefit of being socialized to a variety of people. A win-win situation for everyone... except the dog rental companies, that is!
Comment: Think about this. A dog renter PAYS a company to take their dog out to play for a short period of time. A dog owner PAYS a dog walker to come play with their dog for a short period of time. In both cases, the dog has a short-term interaction with an interested individual, but at the end of the day goes back to his home and routine. What really upsets people, I believe, is some psychological relationship they are building between dog rental and prostitution. But should we really be equating dog possession with sex? It's okay if it's free, but not if you have to pay for it? Come on.
Comment: Wake up people! All this is business is about is catering to us people here in the States with our "disposable" habits. Was is next infants for rent?? One poster already suggested that for a day!
I am a animal lover, and have two dogs of my own. Cannot imagine them being a "rental" property! They look to you for love and affection! And they are not "in-bred" dumb animals, as another poster commented on. I applaud the law-makers who are putting the nix on these companies. If you want a part time pet become a foster for animals at your local shelter, until they can find good loving homes with people that will love them for their lifetime!
Comment: This lends the potential for people involved with beastiality to rent an animal for a day or even hours, use them for sexual purposes, and return them when they're done. Think bigger.
Comment: This lends potential for people involved in beastiality to rent a dog for a day, or even hours, for sexual purposes, and then return the animal when they're done. Think bigger.
Comment: If someone is so inclined (ewww!) they would have a better and CHEAPER opportunity with the neighbors animal. Think BIGGER!
Comment: for those of you that think this is emotionally stressful; these aren't people. They're inbred stupid animals. If a dog could choose to live any life style it would be to live at the dog park 24/7 playing with 100s of random dogs and people. These things evolved eating trash on the outskirts of towns...with random dogs.
and to those that think cats have emotions, I don't even know what to say.... Use common sense? Cats go to who feeds them. Cats are solitary animals that given the chance would chose to be alone like every other wild cat species. with the exception of 1 type of lion I guess..
This service was a great idea and some uneducated bone headed lazy legislature who thinks animals are people banned it.
Comment: I think you are stupid and inbred. Dogs do have emotions and experience stress (I work as a dog trainer, I see it everyday). Some dogs would love the life of a dog park 24/7, others are very clingy and obsessed with only one person. They are not "Things", and they only eat trash because people are lame and dump them or don't spay/neuter them... and sadly, there are people who are forced to do the same. And they didn't "evolve" eating trash... they evolved in the wild in hunting packs eating wild animals. Think before you speak.
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Comment: I've read most of the comments on this dog rental idea. There seems to be a huge number that think that dog rental is okay. I tend to agree. I own 3 dogs. They are very happy, well-exercised, well-fed, and well socialized dogs!! I think this type of business should have a state licensing process and fee, with inspections done on a regular basis. This would protect the dogs, the owners, and the renters, while generating resource income for animal welfare agencies! It would reassure those concerned, while still giving unwanted dogs a chance to receive life and love. After legislators have had a chance to see these dog rental operations personally, and see how they screen and acquire their dogs, care for them, and interview and screen the renters, I don't understand how they could then be able to make blanket assumptions and ban them outright! Perhaps a special fee can be accessed on the adoptions of animals going to rental operations, thereby generating more income at the shelters. Rather than making this whole idea illegal, and taking opportunity for life and companionship away from a few dogs, I think legislation should focus their efforts in making the extinction of puppy top priority!!! Now those are the places that should really be getting media and legislative attention, but then that subject is just too graphic and unpleasant to discuss! These are the places where dogs don???t have humane conditions in which to live, they are not held and loved. They are caked in their own feces and chew on their own limbs! This is too ugly and unpopular to be reading about at the breakfast table or talking about over lunch with other legislators! At best, banning dog rental operations is a band-aid over a festering wound! Let???s focus on the primary problem of puppy mills and most of the secondary problems will eliminate themselves!
Comment: I've read most of the comments on this dog rental idea. There seems to be a huge number that think that dog rental is okay. I tend to agree. I own 3 dogs. They are very happy, well-exercised, well-fed, and well socialized dogs!! I think this type of business should have a state licensing process and fee, with inspections done on a regular basis. This would protect the dogs, the owners, and the renters, while generating resource income for animal welfare agencies! It would reassure those concerned, while still giving unwanted dogs a chance to receive life and love. After legislators have had a chance to see these dog rental operations personally, and see how they screen and acquire their dogs, care for them, and interview and screen the renters, I don't understand how they could then be able to make blanket assumptions and ban them outright! Perhaps a special fee can be accessed on the adoptions of animals going to rental operations, thereby generating more income at the shelters. Rather than making this whole idea illegal, and taking opportunity for life and companionship away from a few dogs, I think legislation should focus their efforts in making the extinction of puppy top priority!!! Now those are the places that should really be getting media and legislative attention, but then that subject is just too graphic and unpleasant to discuss! These are the places where dogs don???t have humane conditions in which to live, they are not held and loved. They are caked in their own feces and chew on their own limbs! This is too ugly and unpopular to be reading about at the breakfast table or talking about over lunch with other legislators! At best, banning dog rental operations is a band-aid over a festering wound! Let???s focus on the primary problem of puppy mills and most of the secondary problems will eliminate themselves!
Comment: I would agree that this would be very emotional on the pet's, weither it be a dog or cat. Sometimes when people get around these pet's, the pets become shy just as a child does. I am an animal lover, and think renting the pet's out is wrong.
Comment: Obviously the lawmakers have never owned a horse and kept it at a stable with other like-minded horse owners. Leasing of horses, which allows individuals unable to afford the full expense of "happy horse ownership" is as common as brushing yor teeth. When my daughter first began riding I could not afford to buy her a horse. Instead we leased from a woman whose job kept her traveling much of the time. It was a perfect situation for all of us. Later when we were able to afford to buy and own horses on our own we have again sought out other people who may want to lease. I have always viewed our experiences as Win-Win for the horse [who is more like a member of our family], my daughter and the person who leases time with one of our horses.
To not allow this service to occur with other pets is unfounded. Has anyone read the amount of money that FlexPetz charges in advance. I cannot imagine anyone who was looking to be creuel to one of their pets would pay these steep charges. I think this has been greatly blown out of proportion and should be allowed.
Having lost our 18 yo beloved Shih-tzu 3 years ago I would love to use this service. Not ready to be a full-time parent, but the thought of Grandparenting a dog sounds grand!!!
Comment: Lousey, Lousey idea! Dogs, like children, need stability and continuity in their lives.
Comment: Lousey, Lousey Idea!!! I've got 4 rescues that were so badly mistreated they wouldn't and won't accept a "part-time" owner.
Comment: Interesting. The government allows companies to gambling with our mortgages, then bales them out when it come crashing down... and ethical practices of oil companies,.... but we can't savev& rent unwanted dogs...
Comment: Interesting. The government allows companies to gambling with our mortgages, then bales them out when it come crashing down... and ethical practices of oil companies,.... but we can't savev& rent unwanted dogs...
Comment: depending on the breed of dog, this might work out. but some dogs are definite homebodies who need the consistancy of one owner with a stable, loving and caring environment. since more and more hotels and motels are becoming pet friendly, we don't even need to leave the dog with the kennel anymore. but "doggy daycare" is getting better, too. so, if you can afford to have a pet and take care of it, you're fine. but renting out a dog to make yourself feel better is just sad. either get a dog, or deal!
Comment: A friend of mine who has cancer shares his dog with us and 2 other families. The visits last for 1 week to 3 weeks. Dusty, a Lab-Border Collie mix loves this. We have been doing this for years. She knows how to play each of us. We see no "Emotional Scars" on her, she is happy to see all of us. Much better than the "Cruel Kennels". This whole movement to prevent this, is a bunch of balony by people that have nothing else to do.
Comment: why ban renting a dog for people who can't own one but enjoy the company of a dog? Why can anyone with money go and rent a horse with no screening or teaching on how to care for it? no care about there ablity to ride the animal or how the might ride the animal.but becUSE SOMEONE Came up with a way to save some unwanted dogs from being killed now someone cares for them and what happens to them? then noone should be allowed to place there animal in a kennel and go on vaction it's the same thing right?
Comment: i would like to know why no one has baned people from renting horses out to anyone who wants on. or if the people can ride or how they ride. if renting dogs to people who can't owner one is wrong then shouldn't that applies to every rental of a living being? but horses are rented to whom ever has the money to and the people are not told how to care for on screened to make sure the animals are safe and or cared for. i have seen how the rental horses are treated . where is the protection for them?
Comment: This one deserves some thought. Would you rather see them gassed, or would you rather see them making people happy while gettin to live? It's 6 of one half-dozen of the other to me. If I could have it MY way, they wouldn't get gassed and people certainly wouldn't be able to make money off of them. So I can't say that I'm all for someone making good money at the expense of the dog's stability. Other's will say it's just like your neighbor or someone watching your dog while you're away. Who is to say who is right. It's the making money off these poor dogs that I don't agree with the most.
Comment: I think it is very cruel to the pets--they deserve a constant life style and homelife!
Comment: Kids are different. Let's be honest, when you have too many kids in your neighborhood, you don't go off and shoot them. You don't take them to a room, and in 7 days you gas them? This happens to dog's. It's legal. Dogs are killed all the time because there are too many. Is that good for the dog? Sorry, too many strays, have to kill you, it's really better for you, you'd hate to only have an owner occasionally, right? Better to be dead.
If lawmakers end killing off unwanted animals, I'll take things like this, dog fighting, animal abuse, etc, more seriously. Until then, if the if the government can kill your dog after 7 days, I can't think that renting them is that bad.
Comment: How about we try this with kids. I like kids, but not to have around all the time. Does anyone rent them? I'd prefer a baby, but one that is potty trained already. Anyone???
Comment: What these people-the ones who rent the pets-need to do is help out at their local shelter. Our SPCA allows people to take out dogs for runs and such. Of course they have to be screened like this business does. And the money they save, they can donate to the shelter for spay/neuter programs,
Comment: What these people-the ones who rent the pets-need to do is help out at their local shelter. Our SPCA allows people to take out dogs for runs and such. Of course they have to be screened like this business does. And the money they save, they can donate to the shelter for spay/neuter programs,
Comment: Awesome, its about time someone understands this. The animal is being taken care of that is all that matters. Also, people that cannot take care of pets tend to have the new puppy syndrome where the dog is great for a couple weeks or even months until they realize what a hassle and a commitment having a pet is. Then where do you think that dog goes? straight to the shelter where God only knows what will happen to them there. Maybe they'll be euthenized, or maybe a kind soul from an animal rental company will swoop in and give them the life they deserve, one where they wont be disgarded the second they cant be taken care of. The people that adopt these pets may not be able to give a dog a long term home but at least they give them the short term love they deserve.
Comment: MOST OF THE NEGATIVE POSTS ABOUT THE RENTING OF DOG TIME WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE COACH POTATO 21RST CENTURY REPLACEMENT OF THESE NEEDS EXIBITITED BY THE RENTERS AS SOMEONE CREATES A VIRTUAL REALITY DOG PETTINGPROGRAM.................WHICH WILL LEAD THESE SAME DETRACTORS TO CRY OUT ABOUT THE FACT THAT STRAY ANIMALS WILL BE EXTIQUISHED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND HOW THER MUST BE SOME WAY TO NURTURE THEM .....................BUT NO ONE HAS TO FEED OR WALK OR TAKE A COMPUTER PROGRAM TO THE VET.
Comment: As a life-long owner of rescued. abandoned or disabled dogs, I think this pet rental business is a calculated money making venture that does NOT take into condsideration the needs of dogs that have had a rough start in life. If you have owned dogs, you fully recognize that there is a level of understanding and attachment that occurs but there is also a level of security necessary when an abused dog is placed in a permanent home. Sorry, but this type of operation strips security from the dog. They do understand and you could use for an analogy, reintroducing a wolf to a different pack every few days. Constantly unsure, constantly put in the position of having to find your place is not beneficial for these dogs. We may view them as pets but they see us as their pack where specific rules and behaviours are enforced. Put a horse is a public stable situation and you ruin the horse through exposure to riders who do not know what they are doing and therefore, do harm. It's the same with this kind of operation. If you love dogs but can't have one, display your love by donation to shelters to give the hard to adopt dogs some extra time and care.
Comment: Why do Americans always blame someone or something else for their personal mistakes? Maybe it's related to the fact that America is one of the only countries in the world to spend millions of tax dollars on a government organized committee to investigate flying saucers for nearly 20 years, Project Blue Book. Yeah, that's the perfect job for me. Don't buy into this crap, and don't support this trash by purchasing her book. She is obviously a psycho addicted to lying. To learn how to stop your addictions, check out my blog: http://slimpundit.wordpress.com/
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Comment: Scenario 1:
A dog owner has a busy life, and sometimes has to take their dog to a boarding facility while the work/on a vacation. At all other times, they take loving care of their dog.
Scenario 2:
"Pet Rental" place is the primary giver, actually is the dog owner. Sometimes, the dog is taken for the day or more days by the pet renter. At all other times, the "Pet Rental" place takes loving care of their dog.
How are either of these scenarios really any different? Scenario 2 actually sounds more humane, in that the people taking the dog for short periods will be loving it and taking it places, rather than a boarding facility that the people in Scenario 2 use, where the dogs will not get this individual un-kenneled treatment.
Should we then shut down all animal boarding facilities as being cruel?
Sheesh. If we start legislating this sort of stuff, where will it end? We can't build houses with basements, because we may kill worms while digging?
Comment: Personally, as someone who lives in a tiny studio apartment and works 10 hour days, I think for me to own a dog (even though I would like to very much) would simply be cruel and irresponsible. I think this whole concept is in theory a good idea. I don't see what the problem is with me paying for the privilege to go play frisbee with a dog. I agree I'll never develop quite the same bond with an animal as I would if I were its owner, but unfortunately owning is currently not an option, and something is better than nothing. From the standpoint of causing the dog emotional distress, I don???t see how renting a dog for an hour from a place like this to take it on a walk is any different than volunteering at the pound for an hour and taking it on a walk. The only way I'd be against this concept was if these rental agencies somehow abused these animals. I highly doubt that is the case though, because after all, who would pay 100 bucks an hour for a dog who's either malnourished, neglected or not socialized. By the same token, who would pay 100 bucks an hour if they weren???t absolutely passionate about dogs. The fact that they take dogs from shelters for me makes it ok, since for a dog from a shelter whos alternative is to stay in a cage waiting to be euthanized, anything is a step up from status quo. The only difference between this and humane society 'doggie buddies' programs is that some entrepreneur is making you pay big money for it. Anyway, that's my two cents. I can't afford a service like this anyways, so I guess I'll stick to playing with the neighbor's dog when I get the chance.
Comment: Fine, shelters aren't perfect systems. But neither is a dog-rental service. The idea behind a shelter is to save dogs and give them better lives (humans who cheat the system are at fault, not the shelter).
The idea behind a dog-rental service is to make human lives better. If they truly wanted to improve the lives of dogs, they would work with shelters, or they would take them for a run.
Comment: kb879: go back and re-read the article. The ratio of dog:renter is 1:5, they don't go from "stranger to stranger, day after day, week after week, year after year". Take a breathe and drop the knee-jerk reactions. My dog is happy to see anyone at anytime. Just so long as they pet him and say "hi".
Comment: I've fostered dogs, and there are dogs for whom any change in the routine is a big deal that requires much adjustment. But there are also dogs that are very flexible who see one friendly face being as good as the next and make themselves at home everywhere - and especially enjoy being the center of attention. These rental dogs do have a primary home and caretaker. They seem to take a long time to aquaint dogs with the renters and keep a sort of routine with it. So honestly, I just don't see the big deal here. The question of their "useful life" and what happens after apply to ANY working animal. And I definately don't agree with banning the lot of them. For some working dogs, placement can be tough, but it seems like it would be easy to place these dogs with the relationships they develop. Seriously, dogs are NOT children. While a dog's basic and social needs ought to be addressed, let's not pretend they are the same as children's. Rental dogs have been pitched as more of a doggie time share for busy people, but I realize some people see dogs as more of a lifestyle accessory - and honestly, I'd rather they have the opportunity to rent a dog part time from someone who gives it real and regular care than purchasing their very own.
Comment: There are approximately 52,850,634 dogs in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Humane Society, about 6-8 million dogs and cats are brought into shelters every year, and about half (3-4 million) are euthanized. Save a life. Foster. Volunteer. BECOME FRIENDS WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS A DOG.
Comment: This was a good day for dogs. First the Chinese government banned the sale of dog meat within the city limits of Beijing for the duration of the Olympics, and now this excellent idea. And maybe the Chinese could extend the two-week dogmeat ban to include cats all well?
Comment: Hey, here's an idea. Why don't we have a baby rental service? I don't really like to change diapers or listen to screaming, whining babies, but they sure do look cute when they're sleeping, laughing, etc.? I'd just like to rent one for a few hours. Sounds horrible? Why is it any more acceptable to do it to animals?
Comment: We do have a baby rental service, but there are a few differences. First, the money flow goes the other direction. Second, the person who gets the baby usually doesn't have nearly the initiation that the dog renters have. It is called baby sitting.
Comment: We do have a kind of baby rental service, only the payment goes the other direction. It is called baby sitting. The other difference besides the direction of money flow is that it sounds like the dog renters have a bit more of an initiation before they are allowed to rent the dogs.
Comment: This practice may seem to be a 'sweet deal' for the dogs involved, if one does not understand the pyschology of dog behavior. In reality, it is detrimental to the dogs and perpetuates the attitude that animals are disposable. Those posters who have commented that this is no different from dude ranches who provide trail horses are correct - both are inhumane and cruel practices. The horses provided by dude ranches or other trail riding organizations are often worked to exhaustion with no thought to their physical needs and sold to slaughterhouses when their usefullness is over. Those who say that animals are just animals need to realize that adult dogs have the mental capacity equal to that of a young child - they understand and feel more than you obviously think they do. Maybe these "renters" do treat the dogs well, maybe the organization itself treats the dogs well - it doesn't matter because the dogs are still at risk for major behavioral and emotional problems strictly because of the lack of stability (and any abuse by the renters or the primary care-givers would seriously damage the dogs ability to be used for such a purpose). And no one has said what happens to these animals after their 'shelf-life' expires. Because older animals do not get adopted easily, I would guess that they are euthanized. For the person who said that it would be a good way to decide if a particular breed is what you want - dogs are individuals just as people are. One beagle may not behave the same as another - their personalities develop based on how they are raised, not what breed they are. If you want to have information on generalities on any particular breed, you can find all the information available on the internet.
As for the comments on PETA - they are a group who may have started with good intentions but have transformed themselves into an extreme group that openly admits connections to terrorist animal groups such as the ALF. Their sole purpose is to end the ownership or use of ANY animal for ANY purpose, whether that be domesticated pets, livestock, zoos, wildlife, etc. They would rather see every single dog, cat, hamster, turtle and fish released to the wild or dead than in the hands of humans. However, just because PETA denounces this business does not mean that the harm being done to the dogs is any less, although I admit that anything PETA puts their name on diminshes it's accuracy or worth in the public eye. It is a shame that people choose to ignore something based on who supports it.
Comment: I think this is completely cruel to the animal, and I agree with azvoiceteacher. Dogs aren't just stupid animals they have feelings and they get attached to people. Plus what does happen to these animals if they suffer an injury or become sick?---are they just put down because they no longer are profitable? I think that is ANIMAL PROSTITUTION! If you want to spend time with a pet without having to make a full time commitment then go to the local shelter. They are always needing volunteers to help.
Comment: Most, not all but most dogs I know, mine included, really don't give a rip who takes them for a walk or fills thier dish with kibble. Just as long as it is done on a regular basis. One of our dogs (out of the 5 we own) prefers to sit with me and watch TV, she will obey me and come to me first if more than one of us calls her name. But she is also the first one to great everyone at the door and do her little "Ain't I the cute one" happy dance.
I would much rather see someone who works long hours (like a doctor), rent a dog on their free time, than purchase a dog and leave it home unattended for long periods of time. These are pets that would be in shelters anyhow. A chance to get out and get into a home environment is good for them. If these people can afford these rates to rent a pet they could certainly purchase one much cheaper. I feel they are doing the responsible thing. They want the companionship of a dog, but they cannot "be there" to meet the dog's needs. I think renting is a good option for both the dog and the renter.
Are the owners of the pet rental service profitting....maybe. I actually hope so, that means they will have sufficient funding to take proper care of these animals. Many shelters are struggling to get by, always seeking donation to cover cost of food, shelter staff, medical expenses ect. I thik more shelters should look at "branching out" into pet rental.
Comment: Am I missing something? Does anyone really believe this is being CRUEL to pets? I completely agree with cheetahgrr13. And personal experience tells me this can be a great arrangement for a pet. I had a friend who "inherited" a wonderful cocker spaniel - but enlisted the help of a close group of dog loving friends as "surrogate" aunts and uncles because he traveled a GREAT deal. And we loved that dog as our own. She traveled, snuggled, camped, swam and vacationed with all of us individually and as a group. And 6 years later we all had our hearts broken when we she died of cancer.. She was well adjusted, and well loved. I do not see how this was any different. She had a primary caregiver (dad) and lots of loving family members - we actually referred to ourselves as her aunts and uncles. I just wish I had the same situation now. My golden retriever died last last year after 14 well lived and loved years. I have moved and my career has changed since then and I do not have the time to be a "full" time doggy mom. I miss having fur in the house.
Comment: Great.... and I thought all saw all the stupid ways people make money. Dogs need PERMANENT homes and owners. Not diffrent "owners" everyday. If someone wants to play and take care of a dog volunteer at a shelter. They woudln't have to pay and would be helping out the shelter and the animals not just the FlexPets owners' wallets. And everyone who says they are 'just animals' must have never owned a dog. My dogs are my family and are treated like it. All dogs want is a permanent home and lifelong love.
Comment: To LIKEITIS:
For the record, I'm a vegetarian, so there is no slaughtering involved in my meals.
Regarding the article:
Anways, I do believe that Flexpetz did have good intentions, and that it is a good idea to an extent. However, I do believe that pets such as cats and dog do get emotionally attached and having to be seperated is no doubt hard. To say this is cruelty however, is kind of pushing it. I'm glad that the animals are rescued and are exposed to the "pet loving kind". Personally I think that the concept of this is no different then spending a day at the local animal shelter and playing with other animals.
Comment: ..............NOTED!
Comment: Dogs are social (pack) animals that "bond" and to have a dog go from stranger to stranger, day after day, week after week, year after year would be mental torture. They will feel rejected everytime they are returned to the handler. Every time they will wonder why no one loves them enough to keep them; wonder what they did wrong. Dogs are capable of such thought and anyone that doubts that doesn't know Dogs well enough to have a say in this matter. Eventually, I can see these lost souls having a vacant look in their eyes when handed over to a new stranger as they know that person too will, at the end of the day, reject them also. I applaud the legislators that see this flawed business (make no doubt it is a business) and are stopping it before it spreads. P.S. It would teach the next generation of kids that dogs should be considered disposable and it's that thinking (dump the unwanted animal) that keeps our shelters full currently.
Comment: Kylyn:
I think PeTA is calling you.
I don't know about the rest of the intellegent people that have posted on here but I for one am not only an animal lover, but am an animal lover with clout. Not only have I shared my life with animals all of these many years but I have also run a shelter for injured and orphaned wildlife as well as abused and neglected exotic pets. I have been up in by knees and beyond in the service of animals for more years than I care to devuldge and I STILL think that renting pets and giving them your best time is a luxury that most pets should be so lucky to live through.
Comment: You just gave everyone the knowledge as to why your view is scewered. You come from the business end of dogs and, believe it or not, they have become a commodity to you - something to be "dealt with", "handled" and "placed"! (I'm not saying that you don't love them - I'm sure you do!!) Also, sure people will benifit from time spent with the dogs BUT that's not the issue. The issue is whether or not it's good for the dogs and hands down - IT'S NOT!!!
Comment: I have not read through all the posts so maybe this has already been addressed. With all the extreme views on both sides of this issue, the facts of this kind of enterprise are getting ignored. Dogs - as an whole - wild and tame - are naturally pack animals. Their mental stability comes with knowing and accepting their place in the heirarchy. Pet dogs consider their human family as their "pack." If they are never given the opportunity to bond with a specific pack, they can become nervous, sketchy, defensive, or even aggressive. What happens to the adopt-a-dogs then? Or to the human child that gets bitten?
Comment: I'm a dog trainer and kennel owner. What happens to these animals when they are no longer "useful"? How are they kept between visits to the renters? This is a terrible idea and I can't believe they are still in business. Borrow a dog from a friend if you want doggy time. Most people would love for people to come over and play with their dogs. This is very irresponsible!
Comment: Here in St. Louis, STRAY RESUE offers a 'rental' for a very small fee which is used for the shelter. For those of us who have to now work two jobs to make ends meet this is a perfect solution for not being able to have a dog full time. This process gives the dog the oportunity to become more social and more likely to be adopted. A lot of 'rental's' have found a forever home this way. Yes, I think a 'business' who's goal is profit should be regulated by the state just as our rescue services are.
Comment: This is absolutely appauling! A dog or cat is not a car! I know many people seem to think that animals do not have emotions but they absolutely do and to toy with that is just wrong. If you ask me I think this is very selfish act on part of the person who would rent and the owners of this ridiculous company. For these poor animals to have companionship and then have it taken away is just horrible. For anyone that thinks this is a good thing, you must not be a true animal lover, in which case you shouldn't have a pet PERIOD!! To the owners of this company, you should be ashamed of yourself, surely there are better ways to make money, possibly try renting out your own children????!!!!!
Comment: Flexpetz is a greatr option for many. It is ludicris that anyone would even involve lawmakers in this matter. Use your own heads and make your own decisions. get a life. VQ
Comment: Flexpetz is a greatr option for many. It is ludicris that anyone would even involve lawmakers in this matter. Use your own heads and make your own decisions. get a life. VQ
Comment: PROFESSIONAL HUNTING DOG TRAINERS WHO BOARD SOMETIMES FOR YEARS WHILE TRAINING SAY THAT DOGS DO NOT PERMANANTLY "BOND" TO PEOPLE TILL ABOUT THE TWO YEAR MARK................THIS IS NOT TO SAY THERE IS NO RECOGNITION OR CONNECTION..............IT JUST MEANS THEY WILLINGLY GO WITH JUST ABOUT ANYONE UP TO TWO YEARS OF OWNING!
Comment: I prefer my Dog's company over almost every Person I work with! :-)~
Comment: Perhaps if more people went this route instead of rushing out and buying a dog before finding out just what a commitment it is we would have less pets taking the needle every day. I feel like shelters across America should adopt similar programs. Then perhaps it would turn off some of these people that just THINK that they want a pet. Also... if you could get more people into the shelter in the first place it might slow down our insistance nf breeding every mediocre mutt just because it has a set of papers or because wouldn't the puppies be soooooo cute!
Comment: OK let's be real people! "Renting" a pet is not CRUEL...how can taking an animal out for a few hours or a few days and loving them be cruel? The Flex pets provides the "renter" with toys and bowls and food and I would imagine that the fee they pay is in part for the care the animals receive in their permanent living space. I think there would be a LOT less animals who would need to be adopted out of shelters if people were able to take a dog on a trial run to see if they really truly are ready to devote their lives to all the demands having a dog has on one's life. No dog's are not property per se but renting them out is not mistreatment. It's no different from fostering an animal only to give it up to someone else or have it go back to the shelter from whence it came. And a person who volunteers in a shelter has to have a stomach for it, it's not all wet noses and cute things. These dogs are not being treated as throw-aways...If that was the case they'd be roaming the streets or tied up to a tree somewhere. Would you pay that much money a month to just have a "throw-away "disposable" pet..or anything for that matter?? I doubt it. Especially not in these hard times we're living in. Dog's don't have the same emotional capabilitles that we humans have. Yes they do know love, and pain but I highly doubt they're going to care where they spend one day, one hour or one month! Get real, though we may treat our pets like children, they are not our human babies!
Comment: Ok I haven't had time to read ALL the comments, but here is an idea I have not come across. We all agree renting is not the same as owning, however it can give a perspective owner an idea of what it will be like to have a pet around. I am thinking this could be a good tool for perspective pet owners. Maybe if more people had "Rent-a Pooch" experience there would be LESS animals in the shelter today.
I think saying the dogs are damaged by having too many different people taking care of them , is like saying children who have lots of friends or live with extended families are damaged because they have too many friends or family members.
I don't think a dog that is 7 or older is "unmarketable". In fact , many people prefer older animals because they have passed that "puppy stage".
Comment: If people are wanting to spend "some time" with an animal, tell them to volunteer at their local shelter...animals need a permanent home, not an overnight bag...
Comment: ok kj76, then if you are aggressively trying to get us to get our priorities in order ... how do you know we don't? Are you on another site arguing the same point regarding kids... if so, then why don't you invite all of us to help your cause. I have seen your messages on here that are hateful and hurtful telling people they don't need to have kids or they should be taken away from them.... now, I'm sorry... but that is very mean behavior for someone who says they have their priorities in order and they care more for kids than for animals. You have no clue what the ages of these people are on here & you should be campaigning for your cause, not beating down other people because you don't agree with their cause. You said in one of your comments that you would not want to see any harm to any animal.... then why don't you just leave the people alone that are trying to stop the harm. You know... when a cause like this can gather so many people, don't you think you would like that same group of people to back you with your cause? Maybe instead of beating them up about it and saying mean and hurtful things, you should just ask them to help you ..... I'm sure with your passion, you must have another site that you are this aggressive on for the children's behalf ? I would love the website address.... as I would love to help support your cause, too.
Comment: catseye, to answer your question, no, I do not do enough to help the people I'm talking about here. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm frustrated by this issue. I guess you can say I'm not anti-animal, but anti-animal rights, because animal rights take up limted recources that could be used to tackle more important issues. For example, this article talked about the govenment getting involved in the dog rental issue. Do you seriously not think that the government has much more serious issues they need to be dealing with?
Comment: Dear, God! I think that this is a wonderful idea! It takes dogs doomed to death and gives them a chance to be hung out with and spoiled in ways that most "permanant" dogs can never hope for. After all... I am pretty confident that these people that are renting these pets are not getting them on days where they have to work a 12 hour day. They get the dog when they have a day where they can devote tons of love and care. Peta, as always, cares nothing about these animals but is all too happy to jump on this stories coat-tails just to see their own name in print.
Never forget people....
petakillsanimals.com
Comment: Dear, God! I think that this is a wonderful idea! It takes dogs doomed to death and gives them a chance to be hung out with and spoiled in ways that most "permanant" dogs can never hope for. After all... I am pretty confident that these people that are renting these pets are not getting them on days where they have to work a 12 hour day. They get the dog when they have a day where they can devote tons of love and care. Peta, as always, cares nothing about these animals but is all too happy to jump on this stories coat-tails just to see their own name in print.
Never forget people....
petakillsanimals.com
Comment: Pets are not "throw aways" or just meant to be "used". They are put here for us to love and to be responsible for - they love unconditionally. Why not "rent a kid" - at least that way peopkle could see they can't take care of them either. And I'm sure there are a lot of people who would like to loan out, or sell, their kids. Too ba d the animals can't take back the earth - as humans, we've certainly screwed everything up.
Catlady
Comment: I didnt even read all of this stupid article because the concept behind Flexpetz is sick. Animals are not objects like a freaking car! Dogs have feelings and emotions, how healthy is it to subject a dog from one person to another all the time? this makes me want to kick the persons a## that thought of this stupid business idea!
Comment: You said it Cidney, I can't believe people think that renting a pet is OK. If anyone has ever had a pet, they know that pets have EMOTIONS...REAL EMOTIONS. Anyone seen the video of the lion reunion???? How in the world would that happen if animals did not have REAL FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS?
Would you "rent" out a child? I believe in FOSTERING......that is a way for a potential pet owner to try out a dog/cat...but RENTING???? There is a BIG difference! OH MY!
Comment: People here like to anthropamorphize these animals so think of it this way. You're in a cell on death row and someone wants to pay the jail money to take you home and hang out for a few days. Are you going to say no? Even if you end up back in your cell, it's a heck of a lot better than dead earlier than need be.
Comment: I don't know who I think is sicker - the person who would make money off this enterprise or the person who would rent-a-pet. Get a pet rock if you can't take care of an animal. The only reason these people want to have a short-term commitment with an animal is to impress people. If they really want to spend time with an animal out of love for animals, let them volunteer at a shelter. Many of those animals would love ANY kind of attention - being brushed, petted, walked - whatever. Okay, maybe they aren't 'designer' animals, but if the reason you want to spend time with an animal is because of your love for animals, do it for the animal, not yourself.
You people are freaking WEIRD! Why don't you rent a spouse or children for an event you want to 'look good' at? It is the same thing - pure VANITY!
Comment: Posted By: SugarPlumFairy1 @ 07/30/2008 3:20:23 PM
Comment: I think pet rental is rediculous! Who in the world would go out and rent a dog for a couple of hours. How inhumane!!! And.... for you, the person who said once all the children of the world are housed, fed ect and that we should have more important things to do than worry about animals... you should be checked into the nearest mental hospital for not having a conscience. God created all animals big and small and I guess you don't know what that means. I hope that Karma for you comes around a little sooner than expected.
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Something is wrong with you if you would wish harm on a human over his/her disagreement with you that dogs are not harmed by renting them.
Please go see a mental health professional. They are just animals for goodness sake.
Comment: Comment: Renting a pet is ridiculous. Animals are not a piece of property, like a car, house, boat etc. They are live beings with feelings. We have stooped so low, and put such a low value on life, that we have come to this. The only possible positive thing about this, is it is preferable to euthanizing them. Support the SPCA and HSUS, you contributions are tax deductible, and you are literally saving lives.
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So, since people pay to see zoo animals - is that criminal too?
Geez, you animal lover types are really overboard.....I do not support being cruel or harmful, but ANIMALS ARE NOT THE EQUIVALENT OF PEOPLE WITH FUR/FEATHERS AND FOUR LEGS.
Cut it out already.
Comment: This is crazy. Animals are not property that you can just savor for a while and then get rid of. What about the aniamal's welfare? The people running these operations are sick and the people who 'rent-a-pet' need to take up a nice hobby like pet rocks. They don't deserve to have animals in their possession.
Comment: I BELIEVE THAT IS A PERSONAL PROBLEM THAT YOU AND A FEW OTHERS SHARE...................ANIMALS ARE PROPERTY..........................AND AMERICAN LAW AND THE FINANIAL RECORDS OF THE FARMERS THAT RAISED AND SLAUGHTERED YOU LAST MEALS PROVE THAT................PETS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE OWNER................THEY CAN HAVE NO RESPONSABILITY.................SO THE OWNERS ARE THE RESPONSABLE PARTY.
