Sound Off: Should People Be Allowed To Rent-A-Pet?

You can rent a car, you can rent a movie and now, you can rent a pet. A company in Boston is going to start renting out dogs, if the Boston city council doesn’t get in the way. Many want to stop the company, called ‘FlexPet’ from opening up shop. The company says it screens the dogs, and the clients, in hopes that man’s best friend can eventually find a permanent home. But many of the dogs are returned weeks after they are rented. Many say too much instability is terrible for dogs. What do you think? Should companies be allowed to rent out dogs or other animals? Would you rent one? Email us: soundoff@old.kxly.com

If it’s okay for kids to be moved from home to home, then why is it not okay for pets to be moved?  I think that it is a good idea, because it is a way that animals can find a permanent home. -Bob

Renting animals is a really bad idea. An animal may be in someone home a few days, weeks, hours, or however long the people desire. Animals would have no idea of why they are being moved around. This is nothing more than someone trying to use animals to make money. Please donate money to the many rescue groups and shelters to make lives better for the animals – don’t use them for profit. They should only go to someone’s home if it is a real commitment. -Martha

This group is trying to make money on the “tails” of non-profit adoption agencies. Why not just make donations and adopt? Even better, remember to always spay and neuter your pets. -Kelly (Liberty Lake)

Status, that’s what comes to mind. With all the pets in shelters, now this? This is terrible, and I surely hope the idea fails. -Lu Anne (Ritzville)

I think this is a good idea.  A lot of people like the idea of having a pet, but not everyone knows all the hard work that goes into taking care of one.  With rent a pet they can check it out, and if it isn’t a good thing for them they can return the animal.  If it works out, then the animal will have a new, loving home.  It’s a much better alternative than having them abandoned or euthanized.  -Jane

The idea of putting a pet in a short term relationship doesn’t strike me as a salutary thing for pets? But, if it’s a fish, lizard or snake I don’t think relationships are the same as dogs and cats? There is also the thought that if I rented a tiger I’d end up being a part of the food chain? Animals don’t really fall into the same category as cars, trailers and houses?? I feel my thumbs tipping down on this one. -Gary

I am a dog owner and I am appalled at the uncaring attitude of some people to put an animal through such instability. I hope this does not become a trend. -Diane

Perhaps it might be a good idea to try out a pet before committing to own one. An idea some might not like but it used to be a free country. -Nancy

Is that the same as try before you buy? Sounds like a good idea maybe it will help people understand the responsibility of owning a pet. & reduce pets being dropped off & abandoned. -Ron

Come on! Would somebody please think about the animals jumping from one family to the next and if somebody can’t make up their minds, if they want an animal or not then they best not. Hey! Let’s rent people out move them from home to home and see if they are comfortable with that. -Nick

I think it’s a pretty creative idea. Think about all of the animals bought on impulse either by caving into a kids wish, or just the thought of “always wanting a dog – or cat”. Pets are commitment a lot of first-timers aren’t aware of. I think it’s better to test drive a pet, than abuse them later from neglect. -Myles

That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of. What’s next, rent a child, rent a parent…….  Good Grief. If ya’ want a dog, go buy one. -Jennifer

A rent-a-dog business is a terrible idea! Dogs need stability and consistency to be happy. Constantly changing owners will put incredible stress on the dogs. Different people have different expectations, house rules, training ideas, schedules, and boundaries. A constantly shifting parade of families, homes, and people is a horrible way for a dog to live. Pets should not be rentable commodities that change owners every few hours or days, they should be family members who have forever homes.  -Tracey (Spokane)

The idea of putting a pet in a short term relationship doesn’t strike me as a salutary thing for pets? But, if it’s a fish, lizard or snake I don’t think relationships are the same as dogs and?cats? There is also the thought that if I rented a tiger I’d end up being a part of the food chain? Animals don’t really fall into the same category as cars, trailers and houses.?? I feel my thumbs tipping down on this one. -Gary(Spokane)