Unleased: Dogs for rent
Maybe you can’t have a woman in every port, but you may soon be able to have a dog in every major city.
FLEXPETZ – that’s their corporate logo to the right -- describes itself on its web site as “a unique concept for dog lovers who are unable to own a full-time doggy pal, but miss spending time with a canine friend.”
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 the web site adds are available in varied sizes to “ensure compatibility with our member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances.”
All the rental dogs have been through obedience training, and some are certified therapy dogs, the web site says.
So far, the company -- based in Delaware, of all places -- has established rent-a-pooch operations in only New York, Los Angeles and San Diego, but has plans to open new locations soon, including Washington, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo and London.
“Just imagine visiting New York, Chicago, Paris or London and strolling through the city and parks with a FLEXPETZ dog!” the web site says. For $100, and another $50 a month, you can become a member, eligible to pick up a dog in any city that FLEXPETZ is in.
Need a German Shepherd to stroll through Central Park? A Boston Terrier to romp around with at Boston Common? An Afghan to parade down Hollywood’s Walk of Fame? A cuddly prop to impress the babes? A furry accessory to punctuate your fashion statement?
Even if this company puts a premium on screening clients, I still struggle a bit with the concept. I'm all for spreading the joy dogs can bring humans, but forking over money to spend a few happy hours with a dog seems a little like -- I'm going to coin a term now -- "dogstitution."
Among the dogs now available for rental at various locations are Nixon, a energetic miniature Pinscher whose owners were planning to drop him off at a shelter, and Jackpot, an abandoned lab that the company spent $2,000 in veterinary fees on for stomach problems, the web site says.
On the plus side, FLEXPETZ dogs are often adopted from shelters and rescue organizations. On the not-so-plus side, it just seems a little weird to rent out dogs as if they were Dodge Neons or beachfront condos.
And once we start leasing animals, how far away are we from rent-a-kid?
Comments
Both "dogstitution" and rent a kid seem like great ideas to me.
We can already rent a husband (handymen), accountants, etc.
Renting a dog is not a new thing, there are several Asian county's that this is very normal.
Posted by: Maggie | May 11, 2008 1:10 PM
HORRIBLE! What about renting out the humans who started this company and see how they like it. They should devote their time and resources to finding these dogs stable and loving homes.
Posted by: mary | May 12, 2008 9:04 AM