Time Share Dogs

FlexPetz, a new service concept currently available in California and expanding to New York and London by year end, is for dog lovers who can't be owners. In exchange for an initiation fee, monthly membership fee, and daily doggy "rental" charge, members of the service get access to their choice of a variety of dogs for a few hours to a number of days.

So who would use this service, are these shallow people just looking for canine convenience? FlexPetz would say no. Members are responsible people who realize that due to restrictions where they live, or because of limited availability due to busy travel, business or family schedules, full-time dog ownership would be unfair to the dog. As for the dogs, they have all been rescued or re-homed (does anyone know what that means?), are fully trained, and receive life-long care. Look at their site for answers to some frequently asked questions.

If you love dogs but just can't commit to being a full-time owner, you may wish to consider this as one option. Another option: contact your local animal shelter and volunteer your time working with the animals. What do you think of this time share concept?