We Can't Get Behind Dog-Renting Service FlexPetz

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In compiling our daily email scan earlier this morning, we came across FlexPetz, an LA-based company that's just begun pre-registration here in NYC. Here's how they describe their services on their website:

FLEXPETZ provides our members with local access to a variety of dogs, all of whom are rescued or rehomed, very lovable and fully trained. FLEXPETZ 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.

Hmm. The phrase "psychological damage" comes to mind here (damage to the dogs, not the people renting them). Unsurprisingly, the whole thing is incredibly expensive. FlexPetz members pay $150 for an introductory session, $55 monthly membership fees, $100 yearly maintenance fees, and a charge per day for the dog ($40 for a Saturday or a Sunday, $25 for a weekday). And then there's this legalese: "Member agrees to use at least two Doggy Times per month (day or part of day) and agrees to a charge of a minimum of two days per month at the prevailing standard Week Day rate regardless of whether the Member has actually had Doggy Time with a FLEXPETZ dog. Member agrees to pay an Inconvenience Fee of $75.00 per day, in addition to any Doggy Time Charges, if the FLEXPETZ dog is not returned on the last day of the reservation period." Okay, it's a dog, not a Zipcar. We can't help but be very disturbed by the very idea of FlexPetz. At least we're not the only people who think it's completely abhorrant.
· FlexPetz [Official Site]