Rent a Dog

Forget the fact that a dog is not just for Christmas but for life, that principle is simply archaic - now you can rent a dog for a matter of hours, for the membership fee of £279 a month.

The American-based dog renting company called Flexpetz has today launched its services in Britain, opening its first branch in London. It may sound like a convenient and exciting new opportunity for many busy city workers who perhaps lack the time to care for their own pet but, coming from a family who has always had dogs, the idea of this new venture makes me flinch.

I don't claim to be a vocal campaigner for the rights of animals but the idea of renting dogs on a temporary basis sits very awkwardly with me. Should we really be encouraging our desires for personal convenience and the fact that we want to have the fun without the associated responsibility, over the welfare of the dogs?

Dogs build up a very strong bond with their owners, who they accept as members of their pack. If this owner is to change every day, and perhaps a number of times a day, it is highly likely that the dog will become increasingly disorientated and irrational in its behaviour. It is simply not in the dog's best interests to live this lifestyle.

Just because Londoners (and Americans already using the service on offer in cities like Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco) need this sense of immediacy and convenience in their lives does not mean that the dog should also be subjected to it. The people using these services claim to love dogs and the company that they offer, but by using a dog in this way they will only be harming its welbeing in the long term.

Veterinary adviser David McDowell said: "Most dogs need the security of a proper routine with one owner and without this they could become stressed and unhappy."

Perhaps those desperate to rent a dog and spend time in their company should instead volunteer at the local RSPCA branch or animal centre, saving themselves £279 and helping dogs really in need of support and love. But then again, the hours might not be flexible enough...