Dog Community

Rent-a-Pet? As seen on ABC World News

Posted : 2/13/2008 1:29:54 PM

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/IndustryInfo/story?id=3807294&page=1

Did anyone see this on ABC World News Tonight on Tuesday 2-12-08?

My thoughts: neat idea, but I would like to see the renters donate the rental fees to the shelters and go walk and play with dogs and cats there instead. One plus, it might give you an idea about some purebreds if you are looking for a dog. The other good thing, it may give people an idea of the responsibility a pet comes with and maybe prevent some impulse purchases.

Anyone else?

erica1989

Posted : 2/13/2008 1:36:48 PM

I think it just feeds into the publics view that pets are disposable - not lifetime commitments.

kelliope

Posted : 2/13/2008 5:18:41 PM

I didn't see the show but I've heard of this before. I don't think it's right. Animals have feelings and needs. One such need is a sense of family and security. Moving around, different houses, different rules...I just don't think that is good for most.

I agree with you about helping out at shelters, or fostering a dog in need instead. I agree that it buys into the ever-increasing notion that pets are disposable and are on this planet to suit our whims.

Bkimura28

Posted : 2/13/2008 5:45:28 PM

I think Rent-A-Pet is absoloutley awful! IMO thats just teasing the dog, passing it home to home. I agree with you Sharismom, it would be okay if people came to the shelters to play with the animals, but tossing the animals from home to home is just cruel I think.

luvmyswissy

Posted : 2/13/2008 6:05:38 PM

If the shelters and rescues were doing this and the funds were going back into the cause, then I think it could work and be benefical for all. IF they were renting adoptable pets from shelters, who otherwise wouldn't get that walk and game of catch then maybe I could see some good in it. IF the rental fees when to the shelter or rescue and IF people were screened frist. But my guess is that this is only leading to more pets being "bought" kept in kennels waiting to be rented. They are probley no better than a pet shop, when the dogs are not rented they are kept kennelled with little love and attention. That would be my guess so NO I don't like it.

keedokes

Posted : 2/13/2008 6:13:41 PM

I'm not a huge fan of the idea, either, for every reason others have outlined here. I do think it would be great if there were a way for people to 'test drive' different breeds to find out which would fit their life if only there were a way to do it without harm to the animals. I can't come up with any ideas, though, so we'll just have to keep trucking on the path of education we're working on now.

Edie

Posted : 2/15/2008 2:56:02 AM

I think it's a terrible idea!! How can anyone agree with renting out a living,feeling being?Why dont we rent out unwanted babies so people can decide whether they want one or not!?

How confused are these poor dogs going to feel after settling into a house for a week(end) or whatever and then dumped back into a kennel or god forbid crate until the next renter takes a fancy!

I think it's taking a huge backward step and relegating dogs to objects instead of companions/family members Sad