What Do You Think Of Renting A Pet?
Can you rent a pet?
Yes.
Should you rent a Pet?
Well, obviously opinions vary.
FlexPetz is probably the pioneer in the commercial field of pet sharing or, more specifically, pet rentals.
Started in 2007, the FlexPetz website sets out the basic premise of their business
"FLEXPETZ is a shared dog ownership concept that provides our members with access to a variety of FLEXPETZ dogs. All FLEXPETZ dogs complete obedience training and some FLEXPETZ dogs are certified as therapy dogs.
Through the FLEXPETZ shared dog ownership concept, members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs. FLEXPETZ dogs are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with our member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances."
Apparently, not everyone agreed with the program.
FlezPetz is now closed, due to legislation passed in Boston.
The website explains as follows:
" In July 2008, the company put operations on temporary hold. Since launching in early 2007, the concept, while often misunderstood (or deliberately maligned as part of the agenda of others), has been a great success.
FLEXPETZ is seen by many sensible and intelligent animal lovers as a revolution in dog adoption, and has been well supported. It has helped dogs and families, and has been a financial success. However, early in 2008, politicians from Boston decided to mount a campaign specifically targeting FLEXPETZ. Their agenda was to bring in a law "banning pet rental". The proposition was introduced by these elected politicians who NEVER spoke to the company, or visited our facilities, or met our dogs or spoke with our members. If they had, they would have quickly realized that FLEXPETZ is not a "Blockbuster for dogs", but a new way of approaching responsible dog adoption and ownership.
Although this law in Boston was passed, the legislature's failure to contact FLEXPETZ ensured that the law that was brought in is ineffective and a waste of taxpayer's money - and is likely to lead to the death in shelters of hundreds of dogs that could have been placed in homes by FLEXPETZ. However, the actions of these politicians (supported by the likes of the MSPCA who perhaps fear that this new adoption model might affect their own bottom line) did come at a time when our company was ready for expansion and the pending proposed legislation did halt further investment from our main funder..."
This may have been one of the first, but it will probably not be the last to try this business arena.
http://www.pettrustlawblog.com/admin/trackback/116677
