Rent-a-dog service draws ire of Humane Society

(New York - WABC, August 7, 2007) (WABC) -- They are considered man's best friend, but if having a four-legged pal full time doesn't suit your lifestyle, help is on the way.

A new service is allowing people to rent-a-pet. But it's a concept that's igniting a lot of controversy.

The Web site is called FlexPetz.com, and it offers a unique opportunity to dog lovers who are unable to own a full-time doggy pal.

FlexPetz is a shared dog ownership concept that provides members with access to a variety of dogs, who have all completed obedience training. Some are even certified as therapy dogs.

Through the shared dog ownership concept, members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs, which are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with the member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances.

The Humane Society of the United States, however, is critical of the concept of renting a pet for the day. While it may be well intentioned, animal advocates say FlexPetz is not likely to benefit the overall welfare of the dogs they rent.

The HSUS released a press release saying dogs form attachments to their families and instinctively learn to protect their packs. Frequent and abrupt changes in location, routine, discipline and attention, they say, are confusing and are likely to lead to stress-induced behavior problems.

Dogs are not like cars or furniture, the press release says, and moving them from person to person or home to home can induce problems such as anxiety and depression.

"The Humane Society of the United States admires FlexPetz' attempts to aid homeless animals," vice president for the companion animal section of the HSUS John Snyder said. "However, I can't stress enough that the solution to the pet overpopulation problem is widespread spaying and neutering, adoption of homeless animals from shelters or rescue groups and, to avoid relinquishment, proper behavior training of dogs."

The HSUS urges dog lovers unable to make a life-long commitment to a pet to seek better and equally fulfilling options.

Animal shelters and dog rescue organizations across the country seek caring volunteers to spend quality time with the animals available for adoption for play-time, walking and other forms of socialization. People can also provide foster care, in their home, for a dog or cat who needs extra attention while he or she awaits a permanent adoptive family.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•