The Humane Society of the United States Comments on Flex Petz
(August 6, 2007)—The Humane Society of the United States is critical of the concept of renting a pet for the day. While it may be well intentioned, Flex Petz is not likely to benefit the overall welfare of the dogs they rent.
Dogs form attachments to their families and instinctively learn to protect their packs. Frequent and abrupt changes in location, routine, discipline and attention are confusing and are likely to lead to stress-induced behavior problems. Dogs are not like cars or furniture. Moving them from person to person, home to home, can induce problems such as anxiety and depression.
"The Humane Society of the United States admires Flex Petz' attempts to aid homeless animals," comments John Snyder, vice president for the companion animal section of The HSUS. "However, I can't stress enough that the solution to the pet overpopulation problem is widespread spaying and neutering, adoption of homeless animals from shelters or rescue groups and, to avoid relinquishment, proper behavior training of dogs."
The HSUS urges dog lovers unable to make a life-long commitment to a pet to seek better and equally fulfilling options. Animal shelters and dog rescue organizations across the country seek caring volunteers to spend quality time with the animals available for adoption for play-time, walking and other forms of socialization. People can also provide foster care, in their home, for a dog or cat who needs extra attention while he or she awaits a permanent adoptive family.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.
