Rent-a-dog business takes a licking
Back in December, we introduced you to FlexPetz, a company that rents dogs to people who want to spend some quality time with a pooch without actually owning one.
Registered in Delaware, the company at the time had established rent-a-pooch operations in New York, Los Angeles and San Diego, and planned to open new locations in Washington, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo and London.
But legislators in Massachusetts have introduced a bill to prohibit the practice, and at least one critic is comparing the concept to "a four-legged escort service. It devalues all parties. It promotes the whole concept of no commitment."
That's what Ray McSoley, owner of Animal Behavior Associates in Westwood, told the Worcester Telegram, which published an article about the backlash today.
Two state legislators, with the backing of a dozen more, filed proposed legislation Feb. 21 that would ban pet rentals in the state.
FlexPetz was founded last year by Marlena Cervantes, 30, of Big Sky, Mont., and rented its first pets in her native San Diego, where Cervantes once worked as a behavior specialist with autistic children, using dogs to teach them to learn how to interact with others.
The results were so good, and parents so pleased, that she came up with the concept of dog rentals -- and using dogs in shelters and day care centers for the business. All of the animals, and all of the clients, are screened, she says, and dogs in the program often end up getting adopted.
“I know what kind of bond there is with a dog. You don’t rent out members of your family,” Rep. Paul K. Frost, a sponsor of the bill to ban pet rentals, told the Telegram. “ ... This is breaking new ground. Concerns are valid. The legislation deserves a public hearing. Let’s give the company a chance to show the benefits of this business, and let’s give a voice to those who have concerns."
Comments
As usual, I look at the welfare of the dog first, not the human. Humans know what they are getting into and have a choice. Dogs do not.
As long as they are using dogs from shelters, it is the best thing that could happen to those dogs. They get one on one time with a human and they get out of their cage. They also get thrown into everyday situations, which will give them more potential for permanent adoption. Not to mention the possibility of the "renting" human falling in love with the dog and adopting the dog themselves. I think it is a wonderful idea.
In addition, it gives people a chance to see what is actually involved in owning a dog, which will help stop impulsive adoptions and dogs ending up back at the shelter.
As far as promoting the "concept of no commitment"- I'm not sure what is so bad about that. If you do not have the time, energy, or desire for commitment (canine or otherwise), why is it so bad to know yourself, what you are capable of, and stick with what works? People grow up thinking they must do things because that's what you are "supposed to do". You get married, have kids, get a dog. Those things are not for everyone. Hence the high rate of divorce, single parents, and dogs in shelters.
Posted by: Carey Hughes | March 6, 2008 6:44 AM
There's a little more to this. This woman is an employee the man behind "lifestyle" pets ($20K "hybrid cats") and "hypoallergenic" cats ($3-5K). He's wanted in the U.K. for fraud, and has moved his operations after California came after him for non-payment of taxes.
Seems another snake-oil operation.
Posted by: Foofoo2 | March 6, 2008 12:02 PM
Thank goodness someone is realizing what this service really is- Thanks, Massachusetts! While these dogs are being used as rentals, there is no consistency is their training, routine or treatment. Another journalist mentioned that we know how people treat rentals cars, so why would we expect anything better for dogs? Dogs feel rejection and don't understand why they are being returned after previously being showered with love for hours. With Flex-Pets, that crushing rejection happens each time they step out. It is a cruel concept and I am delighted that someone in legislation actually noticed and did something.
What people don't realize is that there is something to be said to making a commitment to a living thing. As I understand it, these dogs are no longer still up for adoption- they are "adopted" by FlexPets, who then rents them out. I would assume these Flex-Pet dogs have to be temperament tested before they are rented and routinely doing so would become very complicated and expensive. Therefore, I don't think the renter has the option to rent-to-own the dog. If someone is interested in getting their doggie fix, I urge them to visit their local shelter, where they are most likely in dire need of volunteers. And it won't cost you a thing.
Posted by: Kelly Gould | March 6, 2008 2:36 PM