Mar 6
Dogs for rent? Not in Boston
A company offering people the opportunity to “rent a dog” looks like it will be stopped from opening in Boston due to a legislative ban. FlexPetz, set up last year in San Diego by Marlena Cervantes, lets people who are unable to own a dog simply hire one for a few hours. But State Rep. Paul K. Frost, and state Sen. Edward M. Augustus Jr., aren’t happy with the idea and recently filed legislation which, if successful, will ban the pet rental business in Massachusetts.
According to this story in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Frost, who owns a Labrador and a golden retriever, said “The MSPCA and dog officers in other towns oppose this business. I know what kind of bond there is with a dog. You don’t rent out members of your family.”
What do you think? Is this a good way to let people enjoy spending a little time with a dog if they are unable to keep one as a pet, or is it unfair for the dogs themselves?
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One reason I really like this idea is because a lot of people don’t understand the amount of responsibility that goes into owning a dog of your own and this could provide some insight. Perhaps they would learn that now is not the right time to purchase a dog (which would be much better for all parties involved)
This is a very interesting discussion, however because, I am enticed to learn a bit more about the business model; where do they get these dogs? is there any instruction provided for the “renters”?
I could go either way based on details of the business.
Comment by Mitch — March 14, 2008 @ 11:11 am
[...] have recently filed legislation to ban pet rental businesses in the state. Check out this post by our Boston site for more details. Flexpetz (the same company causing all the commotion in Mass) already has a NY [...]
Pingback by Lease-A-Puppy? | SnifNYCDogs — May 14, 2008 @ 10:07 am