For those who adore animals but are too busy to make a long-term commitment to a precious pet, a new service that offers part-time pet ownership may be the answer.

Relatively new companies like FlexPetz and Rent-A-Pet mainly target dog-lovers with varying needs. Some might want to see if they click with a certain breed, others with little time or space may want to spend just a few hours or a few weekends with a pet of their choice.

Members of FlexPetz must pay registration and monthly fees and pledge to treat the dogs well. Members are also screened for any history of animal abuse and they must complete a training program so the dog can get acquainted with them and they can learn about the dog’s needs. Unlike renting a tuxedo or a car, the animals’ needs must be the main focus of the rental. Most of the animals come from rescue shelters. When they are not out on a rental, they live in cage-free facilities.

The Rent-A-Pet service is free, but members need to commit more time than with FlexPetz. Volunteers are given assignments to expose the dogs to household sounds, riding in a car or climbing staircases. Rent-A-Pet dogs range in age from puppies to older dogs and they aren’t picture-perfect. Some may be a bit scruffy and bear the signs of past lives on the street. FlexPetz dogs are no older than 3-years-old and they are obtained from owners who have given them up. They are outfitted with locator devices in case they get separated from their temporary owners.

The two-legged members of pet rental services aren’t the only ones who benefit from the program. The dogs and cats get a chance to leave the shelter and run, play and walk in a park or in the countryside. These programs may also help to boost pet adoption by exposing a greater number of people to the possibility of pet ownership. The Rent-A-Pet program reports that over 1,000 dogs have been adopted through their program.

Critics of the programs have pointed out that it may be unfair to the pets, which like children need routines and a stable environment in order to thrive. FlexPetz and Rent-A-Pet representatives say that the dogs have a main home in a cage-free doggie day care or from boarding with a trainer. Dogs at FlexPetz also have primary owners who rent them most frequently.

Would you rent a pet?  Join us on my.petside.com and post a message.

Those interested in learning more about these programs may visit www.flexpetz.com and www.strayrescue.org/rent_pet.html

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