How to Rent a Pet

If you find you don't have the space, time or energy to own a pet but would love to have one occasionally for short periods of time—say, for hours or even a day or two at a time—try renting a pet. Follow a few tips to satisfy that desire to have a pet without indulging in full-time ownership.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Live in a city like San Diego or Los Angeles and you have the option of direct access to a part-time pooch. Certain businesses carry dogs that can be rented for any number of hours or days. Soon, persons living in San Francisco and New York will be able to employ these services as well.

2. Join one of these services and pay an annual, monthly or per-service fee. The fee covers the cost of boarding the dog in a cage-free kennel when not with renters.

3. Rest assured that the dog you get will have the appropriate social graces and temperament to handle any environment it is brought to.

4. Keep in mind that those who rent a pet are put through a rigorous background check as well.

5. Volunteer at a local animal shelter, and you will have access to several dogs that need your care and energy. Walk the dogs on a regular basis, and you will find that you develop a rapport with those animals, which may lead to a more full-time arrangement.

6. Look into private animal shelters. Shelters that survive with funds given through donations and individuals' time and effort often allow families to be foster homes for animals until permanent housing can be found.

Tips & Warnings

• Shelters, like the one in Aspen, Colorado, will allow tourists to take dogs on walks for several hours so they can enjoy the surroundings with a canine companion.

Resources

• Flexpetz is an online resource for renting pets.