A Dog for a Day?

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.

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".

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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????!!!!!