Is she up for hire?

Did you know that cat rentals — as in felines, not automobiles — are available in Japan?

Yes, in Japan because of the cramped space, pet rentals are enjoying a boom. Even cats can be rented out!

Pet Rentals

An article by Cheryl Chow in the Mainichi Daily News states that:

In Tokyo, 134 dog rental stores are available for your picking. Some only rent out dogs – by far the most popular – while others also rent out other smaller animals, including cats, birds, and ferrets.

Rental Fees

At a popular pet rental store, Janet Village, rental fees for a small dog are 1,500 yen an hour, while large dogs go for 2,000 yen (slightly under $20). A one-day rental (6 hours) of a cat or a dog costs 5,000 yen (under $50). Hamsters are 1,000 yen (under $10) for the day.

I aim to please

Like a Food Menu?

A selection of forty-some dogs is posted outside the establishment, just like a food menu. The list provides details of each animal, such as their breed, age, gender, and personality traits.

Some people only drop by occasionally, while others are regulars  who often have special bonds with one particular dog.

Booming Pet Industry

Pet rental is a booming business in Japan. Not surprising, considering how obsessive people have become over their pets. Pampered pooches can now enjoy acupuncture, spa, aromatherapy, and designer clothes and carriers.

The pet industry is estimated to be $9 billion a year – and still growing.

More Cats than Children

In the land of declining birth rates, the cat and dog population has already outstripped that of human juveniles – there are roughly 24 million of the furry creatures, compared to 17 million kids aged 14 and under.

Global Outreach

So far, Japan is probably the only country in Asia to offer a pet rental service.

In the U.S., FlexPetz offers dogs for rent in New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The company has plans for both domestic and international expansion, with branches in Tokyo, Paris, and Sydney, among others.

Are Pets Like Time-share Rental Property?

Under their system, members share dogs in an arrangement similar to time-share rental property.

The company charges a one-time membership initiation fee of $150, a $99.95 annual maintenance fee, a $49.95 monthly membership fee, and a rental fee of $39.95 per day on weekends, and $24.95 on weekdays.

It’s the ultimate service for big-city dwellers. Critics, however, warn that the emotional needs of the dogs (and don’t forget the cats!) are being ignored.

Gratification without Commitment

In the signs of the times, people are encouraged to seek gratification without responsibility or commitment.  Or inconvenient truths like the realities of taking care of a living creature – and dealing one day with its inevitable demise.

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