![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-116400-100x100.png\")
Can I rent children, too? I'd like some of my own but I just don't have the time to raise them, you know.
Can I rent children, too? I'd like some of my own but I just don't have the time to raise them, you know.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-172122-100x100.png\")
Next up: Doggy Timeshares!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/css/images/default.gif\")
Horrible, absolutely horrible...
A) God, that costs a lot - just borrow a friend's dog...
B) They're right, it's horrible for the dog. Dogs are pack animals - this can't be good. Any well-trained dog is trained to follow an \"alpha human\".
C) Wait until one of their dogs mauls a toddler...
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-94187-100x100.png\")
Wow, this is just sad. Who rents pets?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-104457-100x100.png\")
Easily one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-25844-100x100.png\")
Here's a thought, if you don't have the time or energy to invest in properly housing, training, and caring for a pet then you don't need a pet.
Jeez Louise, Darwin was right.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-86677-100x100.png\")
Lets see. 150 initiation fee + 50 monthly fee + 100 annual fee + 40 x 2 x 4 for 2 days a weekend for 4 weeks of the month + 25 x 5 x 4 days a week for 4 weeks a month = 300 + 320 + 5000 = 5,620 if you keep the dog every day of the month in the first month.
That being said, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Dogs are social, pack creatures, just like humans. What do you think would happen to a kid if he/she was passed around like this. Better yet, what do you think happens to kids who are already bouncing around in foster homes?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-72887-100x100.png\")
Or better yet, if your furniture is too nice and your workday is too long for a pet, why don't you volunteer at an animal shelter on the weekends? Trust me, if you just want to be around dogs for a few hours on the weekend, there are plenty of local shelters desperate for your help! But I guess that doesn't allow the selfish pet-owner-wannabees to walk around in the park with an exotic breed (that someone else trained) and pretend it's theirs. And we all know that's the sort of person who will use this service.
This is the most bizzare thing I've ever heard of. I can only imagine how schizo those dogs must be.
It is hard for me to believe that there are people in this world who don't have any friends with dogs. Plus, even though it sucks getting your floors and carpets peed on, having your own puppy is one of the few great joys in life.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-201544-100x100.png\")
I don't know if this is any different than owning horses that you board at a stable. People are freaking out because it involves dogs.
I don't have time to care for a horse full time, but I would certainly pay someone else to do it.
However, I would never rent a dog.
My four month old German Shorthair is a my second full time job.
I find this incredibly disturbing. I wonder how well they screen their customers... like, can just anyone (*cough*Michael Vick*cough*) rent a dog for the weekend?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-72554-100x100.png\")
@howie_in_az: It's too bad Southwest changed their boarding policy. Otherwise, you could rent a kid or two and board first!
Someplace in Aspen has these deal going too. Here's a better concept with the same result: Some animal shelters will let you visit on the weekends and walk their dogs.
Maxfund in Denver for example does a quick training class. You pop in any weekend, hand them your keys and/or license, and take a dog that needs some attention and exercise in the park or streets.
The caged up dogs get some well needed love, and it's a good way to let people bond with the dogs in hopes they might give them a home.
I'd hit up a stinky rescue center to take a \"day dog\" before I'd PAY at some posh place. Any other cities have this?
James..
This is terrible. Imagine never having any stability in your life; having to move from one place to another without having any say at all in who is caring for you. This is no life for any creature. This company should have some compassion for living things. If you want a pet, get a pet. If you don't, then don't make one suffer an uneasy existence just for your own selfishness. My heart goes out to these rented living beings.
@harryhoody: You make a good point, but the major difference he is the animal is being passed around on a daily basis. A horse is around the same people every day (groomer, person who cleans the stall etc and the rider) and is in the same stable every day. So its environment isn't changing on a whim.
@Snakeophelia: This is the best idea I have heard. Much better then renting a dog. heck, you can even take shelter ogs for walks at the park. Sure, they probably aren't trained as well as these but it would still be a blast. I think you just convinced me to go play with dogs at the shelter. (I want one really really bad but cant because my building doesn't allow animals, and I think dogs should have lots of space to run around and I cant afford a big house yet)
p.s. I mean stinky in the best way. Snako above is right. The dogs that really NEED you are out there and you're doing a far better service for them and the community in general by volunteering.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-32179-100x100.png\")
Goldfish
@harryhoody: A horse is different. One, you probably can't house one in the middle of an urban area by law. Two, does the horse your boarding change boarding houses every month or maybe even week? Are other people allowed to ride your horse, random strangers willing to pay the boarding house?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-185231-100x100.png\")
Disposable pets! Revolutionary idea! Let's encourage people to reduce their currently-meager attention spans even more!
The only good thing about this is that perhaps this will keep \"certain people\" from adopting pets, getting tired of them, and dumping them in a shelter.
And even then. On the whole, that's not such a good thing to say.
Also. That is one massively long tongue.
This is not beneficial to the dog. I get the feeling though that the kind of person who is dropping a considerable amount of cash to rent a dog isn't going to be interested in helping at the local shelter and is more interested in a dog that matches their handbag.
If you want some dog time offer to take your friends dog to the park or something.
Horrifying. So wrong. If you want a pet part-time, you should go to them (e.g. by walking a dog at the shelter). Pet outcalls (or is it an incall? I forget my prostitution terminology) are just sick.
Lets see if this business lasts for more than a month
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-184148-100x100.png\")
For the bargain price of $20 a month, I'll let you borrow my dog any time you want! You can pick up his crap! You can let him drag you after squirels! He can chew your furniture!
Honestly, how can kennels charge me and arm and a leg to watch my dog when this company is doing EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE and making a fortune?!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-99169-100x100.png\")
Baby sit a friend's cat or dog when they go on vacation for Christ's sakes. Yet one more scheme targeted at people with more money than sense.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-59977-100x100.png\")
If they can send the dog to me through the mail along with a postage-paid return box then I might consider this.
Also, I'd pay a little more if I could have 2 or 3 dogs out at a time.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-74749-100x100.png\")
When can you RENT A KID???
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-61213-100x100.png\")
One of the best parts of pet ownership is the bond you share and grow with your pet. This is probably the worst way to do it.
Overall though, it sounds like their way of 'spinning' a pet babysitting business, only that there's multiple owners of the same dog and the business owner is actually getting rich.
Poor dogs though. It sounds pretty cruel.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1196-100x100.png\")
My dog walker is not going to be happy when I break the news to her that I'm going to start charging her for renting my dog...
@SOhp101: I think you're on to something... Run a pet babysitting business where people pay you to have their animals cared for. Then turn around and rent those \"babysat\" pets to people who want to rent a pet for a specific period of time. You'd be having two groups of people pay YOU to basically do nothing.
I wonder if I could patent this?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-27305-100x100.png\")
it might be a neat idea if an animal shelter ran that concept.
How many dogs can I put in my queue before it gets erased and they can't restore it from back up?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-134142-100x100.png\")
@joemono: Great idea. They can call it \"Petflix.\"
Seriously how screwed up must someone be to think this is a good idea?!? These animals are going to go insane. Also, that is an exorbitant amount of money.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-40799-100x100.png\")
\"It's a little unfair for people to not have the opportunity to own a pet...\"
Could someone explain to me how this is unfair? Being born without arms - that's unfair, in the cosmic sense of things. But being unable to own a pet is almost entirely a result of the would-be owner's choices in terms of a job or residence.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-68317-100x100.png\")
I googled \"rent-a-pet\" and came up with this program in St Louis:
Stray Rescue's Rent-a-Pet Program
NEW! We have many dogs participating in our new Rent-A-Pet Program. With this program you can foster a pet over the weekend. We supply the pet, food, bowls, leashes, everything!
Have you ever considered fostering a pet, but you weren't quite sure about making a long-term commitment? Have you ever wanted to take home a prospective adoptive pet to see how he fits in with your family? Well now you can! With Stray Rescue's Rent-A-Pet Program, you can take a pet home with you for the weekend. This is a perfect way to try out fostering or adopting a pet (too bad you can't do this with relatives!)
You get to see what fostering is like, while at the same time, helping these wonderful dogs to see what it's like to live with a family and have fun. We supply the food, leashes, bowls, toys, everything; all you supply is the love! There is no charge to rent a pet. Pick up is on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Drop off is on Sunday between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. or Monday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Other times and days can be arranged.
To participate in the program, fill out our foster application, and check the box marked \"Rent-A-Pet Program\". We will be adding a special application for the program within the next few days.
Listen to the Weekend America report on our 'Rent-A-Pet' program.
Thanks so much for your help and support!!
This a news item from several few months ago. Why is it posted now? Is ABC really giving out 3 month old \"news\"? Now that IS interesting.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-11194-100x100.png\")
\"It's a little unfair for people to not have the opportunity to own a pet...\"It is my constitutional right to own/rent a pet and pay out the nose for it! Why would you deprive me of such things? It's unpatriotic!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6536-100x100.png\")
\"It's a little unfair for people to not have the opportunity to own a pet...\"
You DO have the opportunity to own a pet. Take the money you're spending renting dogs, go to an animal shelter, and just get a dog!
What she really means is that it's unfair to expect her have to deal with having a dog all the time just because she wants one.
Oh, I SO wanna say something that would get flagged!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1491-100x100.png\")
More importantly: how does that dog retract that massive tongue into that smallish-looking head? His mouth can't possibly close.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-141147-100x100.png\")
This is wrong on so many levels. People need to quit treating animals as accessories.
@clickertrainer: I would argue that since most of the responses sound as though this is the first many of us have heard of it, the age of the story doesn't really matter.
This is kinda like when people with kids get divorced, and they split the custody 50/50. Take the quote from above, and replace \"Dog\" with \"Kid\", and \"Owner\" with \"Parent\"...
It's not healthy for kids to live transient lifestyles and bounce between parents. She said kids that don't form a strong bond with one family often end up becoming aloof and self destructive.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-39827-100x100.png\")
I was thinking the exact same thing, Motoraway. This is the same kind of person you see on the Dog Whisperer that dress their dogs in cute little outfits. Dogs are not fashion accessories or small furry children. People that don't understand this shouldn't be around dogs in the first place.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-113647-100x100.png\")
Sheesh. Be cheaper to pick up a new dog each week at the pound and leave the old one by the dumpster when you don't want it anymore.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-61787-100x100.png\")
I volunteer to walk dogs every weekend for the local no-kill shelter. And no, they don't charge me for the privelage of playing with the puppies.
What a stupid idea. Whomever came up with this has no appreciation for dogs.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-16563-100x100.png\")
What? No one wants to rent cats?!
This. Means. War!
Or, this. means. Phew!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6319-100x100.png\")
isn't this why God made Chia Pets?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-158343-100x100.png\")
How pathetic, these FlexPetz execs would probably pimp out their wives and kids too for the quick bucks.
With all the pets that are waiting to be put down in shelters all over the country they will now have paid competition to compete with for their mercy.
Is this from the same company that runs \"FlexCars,\" the car sharing company?
PLease email FlexPetz public relations at: pr@flexpetz.com and let them know how you feel about their pathetic concept.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-170665-100x100.png\")
Dude, if you don't have time to take care of a pet, then you don't get one. Why don't you just volunteer every weekend at the animal shelter?
I mean, if it were something like, \"Don't have the time, money, or the patience to conceive, give birth, and raise a kid until they're 18? Well, how about renting one for a weekend!\" and then when people say it's cruel, have someone whine, \"It's not fair that people who don't have time to have a kid don't get to have one!\" Boo f*cking hoo. Volunteer at a daycare then.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-186244-100x100.png\")
The Flexpetz website says that if a member's situation changes and they become able to own full-time, they are happy to discuss adoption. So, does that make this a rent-to-own operation?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-180473-100x100.png\")
I like the heading above the picture - \"New and Exciting Products\".
I guess that to the people who would rent a dog in the first place, it is a new and exciting product. I am continually amused at what people will buy (or rent) and what they are willing to pay.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-78093-100x100.png\")
The poor dogs! We've been doing a time-share thing with our puppy since my house broke up (all six of us lived together, but now we're split 3/3 in new apartments, which is another story), and we've had to be really careful about it because she was really confused, mopey and destructive for the first couple of months.
It wasn't until we sat down and laid down rules that were universal (no jumping on the furniture, morning walks, feeding schedule, she sees one person hand her leash to a person from the other house before she goes home, etc. etc) that she started to behave and perk up again.
I really feel sorry for the dogs involved in this, because that kind of things is really stressful for them. Especially if their treatment varies significantly between homes, they can get so confused.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-61773-100x100.png\")
Can I get my blind, geriatric, insulin dependant Pug into this program? It's about time the bitch started earning her keep!
What's next? A netflix spin off where you can have a dog delivered to your door and then when you get tired of that one you just ship it back off?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-18310-100x100.png\")
For that kind of money, you could hire a neighbor kid to take care of your dog in the afternoons until you got home from work, walk it, feed it, groom it, etc.
I don't understand how someone could rent a dog for a weekend and then give it up again. The reason my fiance and myself got a dog (lab/standard poodle mix) was the companionship. You bond with a dog just like you bond with friends. You learn to read the dog and him/her you. That is how they become part of your family and only then do you truly appreciate just what owning a dog entails. You learn their quirks and them yours. When I put on my shoes, my dog knows weather or not he gets to go with me. I don't know how he knows... something about my body language, but he knows and will go and get his leash or go lay down in his bed if he knows he isn't coming. When we are out walking, if someone comes up to pet him and tells him to sit, he looks at me first to find out if he should listen to this person or not and will even avoid them if I don't seem happy with them (some odd people try to pet your dog...). If you don't have the time to invest to develop this kind of relationship with your pet, you shouldn't bring them into your home knowing that you are going to get rid of them in the next day to never see them again.
as the dog whisperer would say, way to put human needs above the needs of the animal. this is the most fucked up service ever.
and @motoraway: damn straight
@extracrispy: Damnit, you beat me to it! I was thinking about Michael Vic as well when I saw this story.
Terrible, terrible concept. I'm not your typical animal rights person, but in this case, I would say it's pretty close to animal abuse. While I really don't care for dogs, even the dumbest dogs know the difference between different people and probably would become very anti-social if passed around like a high school cheerleader in a football locker room.
Rent a... what the f... what? To whomever dreamed this up: we realize the situation can be bleak as you sit on your couch in front of the TV, unemployed for months or years. Many of us have been there, too. But that's not justification to invent stupid, worthless, embarrassing-to-the-population businesses or services. STOP IT.
Stick with the job hunt, you'll find something.
@trai_dep: Wouldn't work. Dogs want to be your friend 100% of the time, so they will put up with this treatment. A cat tolerates you 20% of the time, demands attention 20% of the time and wants to be left the hell alone 60% of the time.
And that is why I love them...
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-171272-100x100.png\")
This is a symptom of the culture that breeds credit card debt, rampant divorce rates, etc. - the \"I deserve it now, regardless of the consequences to myself or anyone else. I shouldn't have to sacrifice anything for what I want right at this moment\". I do fostering for a humane society, and you see these same type of people both trying to adopt and surrendering their animals. It's the critters that suffer, and the lucky ones make it to us - the vast majority end up dying in shelters.
I wonder where these animals are warehoused in between rentals. No pet owner who loved their animal would allow it to be shuffled around like this, and if you don't love the animal I doubt you're letting it sleep on your couch on off days. If these dogs are kennelled for days on end, with their only release being \"rented\", yeah, this isn't going to end well. Someone's going to get bitten, and then it'll be the dog's fault and they'll be euthanized.
I really, really hate people sometimes.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-94321-100x100.png\")
god knows what type of sickos will rent these dogs just to abuse them.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-183694-100x100.png\")
No thanks! I'd stick with volunteering at the SPCA or any local no-kill shelter(s) to get my \"I want a puppy!\" fix.
At least that way, the dog gets the opportunity to become better socialized towards humans and other dogs without being passed around from person to person for a short-term rental.
rotflmao!!! maybe i'm just sick and twisted, but i immediately thought there must be some contract you sign, saying the animal(s) won't be used for purposes of beastiality.
I'd go for a rent-a-kid program but the insurance would cost an arm and a leg
Oooh ooooh! And can I rent the girl?
This idea represents the ultimate in treating pets as disposable objects. It's very telling that one of the customers quoted is someone who \"adopted\" a dog (probably bought it from a breeder), and then dumped it a few months later because she \"had no time\" for the dog. This is how pets end up in overcrowded situations at shelters and are then euthanized.
In addition to the excellent suggestions above for volunteering your local animal shelter or rescue organization, you can also consider being a foster parent for dogs or cats.
This means you take them into your home for a few weeks, such as to let them get over a cold or let them get rid of some stress, and then taken them back once they're ready to be adopted. It's a lot of fun and can save lives. Check out your local shelter or rescue organization for details.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-62527-100x100.png\")
i feel like this is a cruel thing to do to a pet...moving from house to house constantly. i could be wrong, but i feel like this can really hurt an animal.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-38607-100x100.png\")
Id love to read the contract. What if someone let the dog jump off a balcony, or it was killed in a similar situation. Think of all the lost revenue the doggie rental company could claim
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6165-100x100.png\")
Wow that's a LOT of money. Volunteer at the local SPCA /pet rescue organization.
@EtherealStrife: No, but thats why I KNOW it was some guy that came up with the idea. Dog = Chickmagnet = Guys wanting a dog for the chickmagnetness = Guys willing to pay just for that ability but without the effort.
@Hossofcourse: Time for some e-consumer activism. Anyone around the company mind going in with a wire?
I think this is a wonderful idea. This way I can choose my outfits for the week based on the dog sI order, how chic is that!!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-103133-100x100.png\")
@cde: I was thinking the same thing, this would be a great move for someone who wants to hunt for women in central park.
but what a ripoff, oh well, that's what you get for not taking care of your own pet.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-107600-100x100.png\")
Uh this has been around in Japan for literally a decade. In Odaiba, a beach tourist spot in Tokyo, you can rent dogs and such by the hour though. I think it worked out to like $10-$15 per hour. Of course this makes more sense in Japan where 99% of apartments don't allow pets of any kind. There's also the 'minor' problem that buying any kind of dog in Japan will run you in the $2000-$5000 range for non-pure breed dogs. There are lots of these kinds of shops all around Tokyo.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-95687-100x100.png\")
I wouldn't have a problem with this idea if the company were using shelter animals and weren't renting them out constantly (once or twice before adoption) And also if they were donating money to the local ASPCA. However, this idea is rediculous. Want a pet? MOVE WHERE YOU CAN OWN ONE! Seriously, you chose to live where you do and if a pet was a big enough priority you should have moved to a place where you could have one. My dad works 14 hour days during wheat and cotton harvest, and he still has time to play with his \"third child\" and keep her happy.
I miss having a dog like you wouldn't beleive. Unfortunately I have to repair my backyard fence before I can get another.
Next up: Rent-a-Spouse. Technically not prostitution, because they also nag you to take out the trash and ask you if you're really going to leave the house wearing that.
You can do this for free at the SPCA.
What a horrible way to treat an animal.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-60110-100x100.png\")
What a repulsive idea. The people renting these pets must have no concept of what it means to care for a pet. Probably mostly hard-up dudes looking for chicks at the park...\"aww, ain't your doggie cute\" \"sure he is, and so are you!\"
My dogs are to precious and valuable to me to allow a stranger handle them! Obviously, these people have too much money! These people should be encourage to volunteer their time fostering a animal in need of love and training for a new forever home......and much more rewarding, in my opinion.
What a RIPOFF. So in the first year, if you rented a dog one day a week, with all of the fees and such, you'd be paying about $2000.