Like Zip Car But For Pets

Think you don't have time for a pet?  Well, a new company called FlexPetz thinks you do!  FlexPetz describes themselves as, "providing members with local access to a variety of dogs, all of whom are rescued or re-homed, very lovable and fully trained.  Flexpetz members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs."

Since reading about this trend in the news, I've asked myself, "How did this come to be?"  The founders explain that the idea originated with dog owner wannabes discussing how sad they were that they didn't have the time to devote to having a dog full-time. But, they did have the desire to have a meaningful relationship with a dog. 

The basic premise is that you pay a monthly fee and on the day you wish to have some canine companionship, you go to the local Flexpetz and pick out your date for the day.  Or, you can even have the doggie delivered to your door in one of their doggie shuttles.

Flexpetz is available in New York, San Diego and Los Angeles.  Coming soon ... San Francisco, London, Boston and Washington DC. 

Curious to hear what you think about this.  Do you think it's a good trend for pet lovers unable to commit or is it a bad trend for those poor dogs who have to go back to the kennel at the end of their playdate?  Lemme know!  This might just be something I need to see to believe.

Comments

[Mitchie]

I really like that idea! I have a full-time Beagle Puppy named after my favorite snack, Tricuit. If I didn't have her, and if I lived somewhere near one of those locations, I would possibly check this out!

[Michelle Henriques]

I take offense to what Perez Hilton implied about Maltese dogs. I'll have you know that I am the proud parent of a maltese dog and he is INDEED VERY SMART!

[olivia]

I don't really like the idea of that. How does that affect the dog? Don't the dog's need stability? Isn't that why it's important to devote time to them?

I could be wrong though, these might be very happy and loving dogs.

[KARR]

Great idea!!!!!!!!!!

[KARR]

Great idea!!!!!!!!!!

[Zeke]

I think that this is a very bad idea.

Dogs need stability, and one owner or family that it will bond with. Constantly shipping the dog to different houses will make it scared and confused.

In the wild wolves have one 'pack' that they stay with for thier entire lives. They bond intensly with that pack, and they find thier rank. It is the same with domestic dogs, except humans are its pack. If it can never find its pack and rank, it won't be a truly happy dog at the end of the day.

Imagine if someone had a bunch of kids they would give out to different homes every day. No one would ever do that to a child, so why is it acceptable for a dog?