Neither did we, obviously. In fact, we were also stunned when we discovered "the existence" of a pet rental service, called "Rent a Doggy". Once we got over our astonishment, we became indignant.
We couldn't stop asking ourselves, "who would do such a thing?", "isn't anyone going to do anything to stop this?". The mere possibility of renting pets objectifies them, denies their quality as "sentient beings," which is —undeniably— what they are. But not only that: it degrades them and can even put them in danger.
Rent-a-doggy is presented as the first online dog rental service in Spain. Unique, practical, and fun! The supposed service offers the possibility of renting a dog for special occasions (a date, a birthday, a party). But also to rent it to succeed on social media and gain more likes (we all know the adoration we feel for pets on Instagram).
The service appeals to emotion (dogs are our best friends) to reinforce the idea that renting one is a great plan. Because you get the good parts of it, but not "the bad parts." For example: you can enjoy the company of a dog if you feel lonely. But you'll never have to take it to the vet – because the service takes care of that. It will play perfectly with your children. But you'll never have to bother educating or correcting it. You can walk with it in the park. But you won't have to take it with you on trips.
The "Rent a Doggy" service works very simply: you select the dog that best suits your needs. You check its availability and book it. You receive it 24 hours later. It's that easy. In addition, the dogs have "real reviews" from users who have already rented them on occasion.
Having said all that... relax. Breathe. Fortunately, behind this service, "there is nothing." It's an awareness campaign about animal adoption. Risky, yes. Also notorious. And effective in making anyone with a bit of common sense raise all their alarms. Behind the initiative are the "Amigos del Perro" foundation and Arrontes y Barrera, an Asturian communication agency.
"Rent a doggy" is not, and cannot be, a real service — even if it seems like it. A dog is not a toy or an object. It's a living being that needs to be cared for, respected, loved, valued, understood... Having a dog is a way of life, but also a commitment you make from the very moment your dog sets paw in your home.
The campaign, therefore, urges people to act responsibly. And they advocate adoption as the best way to bring a dog into your life. Light years away from buying and, of course, renting. And that is precisely the mission of "Amigos del perro": to ensure that all the dogs they foster find a family that loves them and wants to share their life with them.
Without a doubt, this is a provocative initiative that hits a nerve with all of us who feel a special connection with pets and are sensitive to their welfare. Don't miss this video summary of the campaign.
We remind you that at ARISTOPET we are also committed to the well-being of pets and to social awareness to encourage animal respect. In this regard, we not only have a very close relationship with several animal shelters, but we also offer every user the possibility to donate 1% of their purchases at ARISTOSHOP to the shelter of their choice.