I invited Susan to post her great idea, and she responded!
OK. Here it is.
There are times when you want a dog, and times when you don't. Taking a walk in the park or at a beach is a great time to have a dog. So, why not have a dog rental agency to meet this unrecognized demand among all those non-dog-owning, walking people? Imagine yourself in a beautiful natural setting, strolling past a table and set of kennels and/or nice dogs on leashes... and for a mere $15/hour, you could take one of those love-emanating, frisbee-catching mammals along with you.
With just a small array of friendly dogs in a variety of sizes and with a variety of specialties, it wouldn't be hard to develop a devoted customer base of joggers seeking companionship or security, singles who want to connect with a dog owner, or just dog lovers whose lives do not easily accomodate the day-in, day-out caretaking demands of dogs.
The real money-maker is figuring out how to combine this with a dog walking and dog sitting business, but it seems like the liability issues might get complicated. But there's got to be a way to throw that in as an extra revenue source.
I think this is a GREAT idea -- I for one would take you up right now!
The only hitch would be the scooping thing. Most people who only wanted a dog for an afternoon would want to pick up after their rental. You would have to really enforce that they did it with fines or something, or they would have to pay for someone to follow them around, like they do with the elephants and horses in parades.
hey mary, re your dog ice cream idea, i was walking around the pearl while we were in p-land and there was a place about to open that was doggie day-care and doggie bakery.
and don't you think they need to have pie a la MODE?? Poor suffering pooches -- cake and no ice cream. It's like the 3rd world or something.
An insert in my power bill this month advertises: "Be a Puppy Raiser for a Service Dog". It reads: "Services Paws, a local non-profit organization that trains dogs to serve people with disabilities, is in need of puppy raisers. Service dogs learn to reach light switches, fetch keys and open cabinet doors. Service Paws dogs receive free food, veternarian care and training. You simply provide a safe, loving environment." **** Now, I know this isn't an exact actualization of Susan's idea, but it comes pretty close...I believe the "free" part balances it pretty well. Contact Service Paws at spgm@jkcanine.com for opportunities in your area.
I think the rent-a-dog idea is great.Are there any places like that already?
I own a dogsittiing business in my country home..Have been here 16 yrs. Do you have any names of people that are doing the dog rental buss.?
I can see the pros and cons of it..But I have a friend that comes to get two of my Chihuahua once in awhile for the weekends..It made me think..
Thank YOu
Julie