Press Release

ASPCA Issues Statement on Flexpetz “Flexible Dog Ownership Program”

August 3, 2007

ASPCA Media Contact

NEW YORK, August 3, 2007—The recent debut of Flexpetz (a flexible dog ownership program) claims to offer a “unique” option for individuals and families who love spending time with dogs but can't “manage” full-time ownership. These individuals and families are paired with the pooch of their dreams, “for a few hours or a few days.”

The ASPCA believes this goes against the very concept of developing the human-animal bond, which we in the animal welfare world work so hard to promote. Dogs and other pets deserve a family and home that they can depend on. They are not commodities to be availed of when the whim strikes, and to be put away when not.

This is also fundamentally different from the practice several animal shelters and rescues have of fostering pets, unlike the claims of some news reports. Animal rescues use foster care in a variety of situations. When there is no “bricks and mortar” shelter facility available, rescue groups will foster animals in private homes. Humane groups and SPCAs with animal shelters will often use foster programs for animals with special needs, such as nursing mothers and litters, dogs and cats with special behavioral or medical needs, and other pets that would benefit from a ‘home’ environment. The primary aim of fostering is to provide a loving, safe environment until a permanent home can be found for the animal—which is fundamentally different from the Flexpetz concept, which does not even seek to find a permanent home for the animal.

The ASPCA recommends that if you are unable to have a pet of your own, due to time or other constraints, yet you recognize the immense value the interaction with a companion animal can bring to their life, you should first avail of several other options available. For example, you can volunteer at your local animal shelter where you can walk dogs, socialize cats and help pets find new homes, without committing an extensive amount of time to a companion animal.

If you are able to provide care for animals for longer periods of time, please consider providing foster care for rescued animals. You will be doing your local animal rescue a great service by providing a safe and loving environment for the animal while its permanent placement is sought. Finally, donating funds to your local animal shelters, rescue group or a national animal welfare organization like the ASPCA, is another way to help provide for the many homeless animals in our country.

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