rent a dog

laura b · July 2007

This is a neat idea: kind of like zipcar, but with dogs. Has anyone tried it?

FLEXPETZ is a unique concept for dog lovers who are unable to own a full-time doggy pal, but miss spending time with a canine friend.

Flexpetz provides members with local access to a variety of dogs, all of whom are rescued or rehomed, very lovable and fully trained. Flexpetz members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with the dogs. Flexpetz dogs are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with their member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances. Local drop-off and collection to home or office is available in some locations.

http://www.flexpetz.com/index.html

sweet tea · July 2007

whoa. what a weird idea. i mean, i really like dogs and don't currently have a dog-compatible life, but still. i don't think it's bad, really, but i do find it strange.

also, look at how much it costs!

$50/month membership fee
+
minimum 2 Doggy Times/month -- $50-$80, depends on days
+
$100 yearly account maintenance fee

=$1300/year minimum,

plus another $150 when you sign up (training session), plus $17.50/trip (one way) if you want the dog "delivered"

i know dog ownership is pricey, but this isn't dog ownership. why not just volunteer at a shelter or something? (or do like i do and throw yourself on all the dogs in the neighborhood....)

the people-watcher in me wonders what it will be like when one of these dogs dies. will the borrowing aspect insulate from the feeling of loss? (just have to order a different retriever....) maybe not -- and obviously not for the dogs' main handlers. it's just such a different model of pet interaction that i'm curious.

sweet tea · July 2007

the gf says, "it's more like a dog brothel"

come to think of it, i wonder if they have any mini-pins....

laura b · July 2007

Geez, I didn't even notice the price!

Better to just volunteer to walk dogs for a shelter...

rose · July 2007

Sounds crazy to me. Does someone really think this is a money-making venture? Someone borrowed one of my dogs once (for free) for company for a walk in the park. But she complained that he kept stopping to sniff things, and he wanted to pee every 30 seconds. Well, yeah, he's a dog. She did not ask to borrow him again. But really, if anyone wants to borrow a dog, just ask your dog-owning friends -- I'm sure most of them would be more than happy to loan out the dog for a few hours.

lnelson · July 2007

That's hilarious, I had thought of doing something like ZipDogs. And you know what - if you came with references, I would lend you my dog for free. Some people even PAY to have people watch their dogs. In fact, I'm one of those people. So if anyone wants to watch my cute, adorable puppy FOR FREE - what a deal - PM me and we'll work something out. My fiance and I could always use a long day out without worrying about getting back in time to take our fluffy pal out for a walk.

misa212 · July 2007

Weird and - I don't know, I don't see how it would be so great for the dogs involved. What about them? It doesn't take much mishandling on the part of a dog-inexperienced person, who isn't even keeping one of these "rentable" dogs, to damage a dog's outlook on life and people. Not a good idea, IMHO.

frugalandhep · July 2007

This seems like a really bad idea to me.

Dogs are pack animals by nature, and need to create strong bonds with individual humans in order to be able to function safely in human society. I feel like moving them from home to home would just create maladjusted, antisocial dogs.

armchair_warrior · July 2007

hmm neat idea. now if there was a way to rent me out

.

prospectheightsnate · July 2007

Flexi already has her own "flexpet" and she doesn't pay for her (a gorgeous Golden Retreiver) :-)

rent a dog

Comments

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories