Puppies for Rent gives students the perks of having a pet without obligations
Flying kites, playing in the park, having a picnic, going to the dam or hiking in Logan Canyon are various springtime activities in the Cache Valley. Some would argue that nothing beats the spring sunshine and the freedom found in the outdoors after a long, cold winter in Logan, but imagine doing all these activities with a puppy.
Although some may live in an apartment with a no-pets policy or might not have enough time to care for an animal, the company Puppies for Rent gives people the enjoyment of a puppy’s company without the full commitment.
According to puppiesforrent.com, the ultimate goal of Puppies for Rent is adoption. People contemplating dog adoption can rent a puppy for up to four hours. Puppies can be adopted after they are rented out.
“I love seeing people’s faces when they see the puppies. My favorite is when a family falls in love with a puppy, adopts it and makes it part of their family,” said Lane Lawrence, general manager of Puppies for Rent.
Jenna Miller, the company owner, had the idea when a friend purchased a puppy. Miller paid to spend time with the dog and thought she probably wasn’t the only person who wanted to spend time with animals without owning them. The idea grew, and Puppies for Rent LLC was born.
For more than a year-and-a-half, puppies have been rented and adopted in Utah County through Puppies for Rent. Since January 2014, puppies have been available in Logan. Dogs are often donated and then adopted within one to six weeks.
The dogs that are rented out are clean, fed and up-to-date on all vaccinations. Adopting is inexpensive because the money used to rent is deducted from the final payment of purchasing a dog.
Renting a puppy is an activity available for families with children, a date or even a person living alone.
Caitlin Moulton, a senior majoring in photography, said she decided to rent a puppy one weekend when all her roommates left.
“My overall experience was good,” Moulton said. “I took the puppy to the park because it was a nice day. He really enjoyed chewing on things more than running around, but he was adorable.”
Moulton said although it was enjoyable to have the puppy around, it was a lot of work. With classes, work or a social life, caring for an animal is a big responsibility. She said being able to have a pet for a few hours is a great option for college students.
However, not all students have an interest in this activity. Danielle Burt, a junior majoring in communication studies, has never rented a dog and said she has no desire to do so.
“I wouldn’t ever rent one because I don’t like dogs, but I definitely think it’s an interesting concept,” Burt said.
For those interested in knowing more, adoption stories and photos can be seen on the blog, Instagram account or Facebook page or by visiting www.puppiesforrent.com for information on renting, adoption or dog tips.
– hinewton13@gmail.com