Jun 21, 2007 2:54 pm US/Eastern
Service Allows Animal Lovers To Rent Pets
by Paula Ebben
(WBZ)
Erika Lupercio loves her dog Rupert.
"We do lots of fun stuff together, we go to the dog park, beach, around the house," said Erica.
But she only has her furry friend part time because she occasionally rents him from a service called, Flex Petz.
"Flex Petz is a flexible dog ownership program for people who love dogs but are unable to own dogs full time," said Marlena Cervantes.
"I don't have the time to spend with the pet at home which makes it really unfair to our dog, to be sittting home in a crate or in a room by himself all day," said Erica.
There's a one time fee and you have to be screened and trained.
For a daily fee, you can take a pet out for a few hours or up to a week.
The company provides food, toys, a bed, and all vet care.
The Flex Petz program says all the dogs would otherwise be homeless.
"We're connected with our dogs through local rescue groups and shelters. We also are connected with dogs that are retired show dogs and retired studs," said Marlena.
Not everyone thinks this idea is a smart one, though. The humane society believes Flex Petz may have good intentions, but doesn't think pets should be rented.
"Pets are not like bicycles, where you rent them for 2 hours. We just don't think that's in the best interest of the animal," said John Synder.
It's all the adjusting the animal has to do that worries them.
We're concerned about different owners, different training, different handling.
But Flex Petz says their members get the same training and provide an extended family for the animal.
Erika said she doesn't worry if she can't always be home for a pet.
And she feels their time together is a treat for her and for Rupert.
"Being a part owner like this is great, I love it," said Erica.
Flex Petz is currently on the west coast but plans to expand to Boston and other east coast cities in the near future.
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