Commitment Phobe? Rent a Puppy

For those who want more time with a furry friend than a visit to a dog park can provide, and less of a commitment than a full-time pet would bring, enter: FlexPetz. The company rents out real dogs and opened in New York last October...and yesterday's NY Times article has proof that people are actually using it.

Ms. Stevenson explained why she was a customer: “I’m single and moved here from Scotland two years ago, and it’s been difficult to meet people because everyone in New York just kind of goes about their business. But when I’m walking around with Oliver, I seem to get into so many conversations about him. It becomes a nice way to meet people.”

The owner of the company, Chris Haddix, says “There are a lot of people out there looking for companionship,” and their five or six dogs available for rent can fill the void.

The company rents out dogs they've rescued from shelters, and is currently housed at the Wet Nose Doggy Gym at 34 East 13th Street. While it may be a better, albeit unstable, atmosphere for the dogs to be in -- the program seems a little bit wrong. Not to mention expensive, a monthly membership costs $279.95, and only includes four one-day rentals. Additional rentals cost $45 for a day.

As Treehugger has previously suggested, why not save your money and be a part-time dogwalker, or better yet volunteer at your neighborhood animal shelter.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on March 31, 2008 9:07 AM

Comments [rss]

mori

While dogs should have stable environments, sure, isn't it better that these 4-5 dogs are being loved and taken care of by a group of people rather than sitting in a shelter somewhere hoping to become one of the 25% adopted, rather than the 64% euthanized? That's 4-5 dogs saved right there, even though their home may not be traditional.

HalfJapanese

I'm a cat person.

bjornsaucey

I wonder if the dogs' rates correspond to a diamond ranking system.

JRod5417

Cucarachita- I think there is a big difference between a one day dog rental and letting your dog stay with friends for a couple of weeks. I like bklynd's idea.

Jen S

bklynd, you're right. My coworker is always lending her pug to friends. They're either taking him for a test-run, or just want to go for a walk in the park.

Steven

Stupid idea. Dogs are like children they need a steady place to live.

The people who rent these dogs should be ashamed of themselves. If you want a dog go buy one or get one at a shelter.

cucarachita

Nonsense! Some dogs have the personality that goes very well with multiple owners and friends. My dog, due to my traveling and fluctuating financial circumstances in Europe, had to stay with different friends for a few weeks, or a few months, and even once for a couple of years. But I raised her in a way that prepared her for this, having taken her in on that condition. She thrived on the diversity, loved the changes, and was quite comfortable with it. Friends used to clamor for the chance to have her as their guest when I traveled.

That said, having raised her, I always felt I was the only one who properly understood her. I knew which of all her friends was most beneficial or suited to her different needs, and I acted as her parent -- letting go when necessary, but hovering in the wings when she wasn't with me.

People need to realize dogs aren't supposed to be treated like human infants and toddlers. They're dogs! They're social and like a measure of independence! They love all sorts of people, and being attached to only one person in an unhealthy manner is not good for them. Too many people want a dog that's totally dependent on them for their happiness, and create four-legged emotional wrecks. Let go, and let your dogs thrive in other people's company!

bklynd

Better solution - make friends with someone who has a dog. They will probably be more than happy to "lend" him to you for a day.

pazzia

true, the doggies might get confused about not having a constant companion, but it also gives them a good (i'm assuming) place to live. not a shelter, not euthanization.

bxbrian

This was on Eyewitness news about a month ago, FYI.

TK

We need FlexHipz - a company that rents out Hispsters. They escort you to a pillow fight in some public park, a DFA showcase at McCarren Pool, or maybe a NPR lecture series event!

JRod5417

I second OttoBloggo. I can't imagine it would be good for those poor dogs to constantly be shuffled from one home to another.

Peter

As counterintuitive as it might seem, walking around with an infant or toddler can actually help a person's romantic prospects. I've got a terrific business idea ...

dbc

I completely agree with OttoBloggo.

OttoBloggo

This "business" of renting dogs is pathetic and mean. Dogs—just like kids—desire consistency and predictability in their lives in order to feel content. To allow a dog to be shuffled around from part-time caretaker to part-time caretaker is really unfair to the dog.

anopneumous

That picture is way misleading. It took me half the post to realize that the lonely Scottish woman was renting real dogs, not robot dogs.