Another Perspective on Pet Rental

Along with gaining National attention, FlexPetz, the newly founded pet rental company, has also received a lot of controversy. Admittedly, when I first became aware of the concept of renting out dogs for short periods of time, I also found it a bit repulsive and unethical. Further research into the workings of the company eased some of most of my misgivings.

Like most people, I thought the animals couldn't possibly fare well emotionally with constantly being uprooted and shipped around from place to place and person to person. But then I learned that the dogs only have as many 'owners' as they can handle, which normally is no more than 3 at most. This would give them a little more stability and I could deal with that because I've heard of couples that split and share 'custody' of pets they've accrued together when they were still in a relationship. Apparently those pets fared pretty well and adapted to having 2 separate 'homes' and 'families'. Furthermore, Flexpetz dogs live unkenneled among their pack with one primary caregiver when they are not visiting with a member.

Secondly, I worried that some of the people pursuing this sort of arrangement might have bad intentions for 'use' or 'abuse' of the animals. Fortunately, Flexpetz seems to have this avenue covered as well. To take participate in this arrangement, one must first register and become a member. A great deal of information is gathered from the potential member as well as a meeting with a certified dog trainer. The member has to take a training session in which he must demonstrate the qualities of a 'good', responsible dog owner. This means showing that he is compassionate, patient, kind, etc. Next, a document, which has been provided to Flexpetz by PETA, is signed stating that the potential member has not had a history of violence or abuse toward animals and that he will treat all Flexpetz dogs with respect.

The dogs' food, which is top quality holistic, is prepackaged and measured and sent along with him so that his diet remains consistent. Chew toys and other detailed personal information are also provided to members as well. If you've ever had to send a child off to daycare, or even to school or camp, this is a great comparison of the thought and provisions needing to go into this. The dogs are given veterinarian checkups every 3 months. Flexpetz pays all fees and expenses.

A lot of time and money have gone into the care of these dogs even before the point is reached where they can become 'shared'. Many of them have been rescued and have had to be brought back to a healthy state physically, and maybe even mentally. Their emotional state is monitored, and attention is paid to their eating habits, bowels, energy, and unique personality traits.

The best part of it all is that not only are these dogs' lives being saved through rescue, but they are also making room for other dogs that may end up in animal shelters, AND the Flexpetz dogs have the opportunity to be adopted by its members if their circumstances eventually allow for it.

Many participants' jobs have them traveling a lot or they may live in apartments or environments that don't allow for pets. If these situations change, they will have already bonded with an animal that they know will be suitable for them, rather than becoming one of the misfortunate incidents where the owner and animal are incompatible once the pet is brought home from 'the store', so the animal is handed over to a shelter and flagged, 'unadoptable'.

Of course, with the company being so new, I'm sure there are still scenarios and possible 'glitches' that will come up and need to be hashed out, but in looking into the background of the company, as well as its founder, some comfort and reassurance can be found.

Mariena Cervantes, founder of Flexpetz, is a behavioral therapist who came up with the idea of shared pet ownership through her work with pets and autistic children. That alone tells me that she must be a caring person who considered the benefits and repercussions for both human and animal. Admittedly, the concept could fall short for some animals and some owners, but when the 'right' human can be paired with the 'right' animal this venture could work wonders. I, for one think it is worth a shot if it means even the most remote possibility of keeping more animals from being euthanized.