Unusual Pet Career - FlexPetz Rent-A-Pet Service

Filed Under Unusual Pet Careers |



I found a press release on several newspaper websites today about an interesting new pet service based in Los Angeles - Pet Rentals. Actually the owner Marlena Cervantes doesn’t like her service to be called pet rental - she prefers the term “shared pet ownership”. Her business is called FlexPetz and she caters to people who do not have the time or space to care for a full-time pet.

Her 10 dogs are available for rental by members who pay a $99.95 yearly membership fee, $49.95 monthly payment, and a $24.95 -$39.95 per visit charge. The dog supplies come included in the package so members don’t have to worry about bowls, leashes, beds, or food. Her service also includes training of the dogs, veterinary care, delivery to home or office, and liability insurance.

Members are able to enjoy the companionship of their favorite dog one day a week and take the dogs to the beach, hiking, to the dog park and other fun activities. This is a new age of commitment free pet ownership. FlexPetz has announced that they also plan to open locations in San Francisco, New York, and London by the end of this year.

This kind of lifestyle is not suited to all dogs as some may be stressed by the constant change of scenery. FlexPetz dogs are all rescued from local shelters and go through a full training program.

I have often wondered why no one offers a pet rental service for travellers who are away from home. When I’m staying in a hotel out of town I always think how nice it would be to be able to borrow a pet to take for a walk! Perhaps this is another twist on the rent a pet service that could be explored….

This service has raised controversy on the web as many people feel that dogs are not something that should be rented as if they are a movie or automobile. Please leave your comments and let me know what you think of the service.



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Comments

2 Comments so far

  1. Bob on August 12, 2007 2:14 pm

    It can be noted that over 60% of households own Pets. Pets are stress relievers for the elderly in Nursing Homes: why not high stress business Woman?
    Pets enjoy affection; regardless of it being temporary. Keeping them in pens isn’t human. They need exercise and caring contact with Pet friendly folks.
    So what if private time with a Pet is guestioned by other’s; It’s only the business of individuals…not business of Laws.
    No harm to Pet or Person renting seems to be a private issue. Only those who want to rent get exercise and enjoy it why not leave them alone?

  2. CooSee » Unusual Pet Career - FlexPetz Rent-A-Pet Service on November 27, 2007 8:35 am

    [...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt I found a press release on several newspaper websites today about an interesting new pet service based in Los Angeles - Pet Rentals. Actually the owner Marlena Cervantes doesn’t like her service to be called pet rental - she prefers the term “shared pet ownership”. Her business is called FlexPetz and she caters to people who do not have the time or space to care for a full-time pet. Her 10 dogs are available for rental by members who pay a $99.95 yearly membership fee, $49.95 monthly payment, [...]

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