Rent a dog is such a bad idea because it fundamentally denies what the dog is all about. For a Dog to feel complete it must by necessity feel attachment to an owner upon which it will depend utterly and completely. Rent a dog is cruelty incarnate as it prevents the Dog bonding with a loving owner.

Peter Mc, Twickenham, United Kingdom

If you only want a dog for a few days why not borrow a friends? I am unfortunately not in the position to be able to own a dog, but i regularly borrow my boyfriends dog when i go running.

Gemma, aberdeen,

Jay from London - It sounds as if you have bigger things to work on if you have to rely on renting an animal to find a girlfriend, and if you are more worried about your hi-fi than a dog then you are the type of person that should not be allowed to keep a pet anyway. This scheme is a disgrace.

Becky, Leeds,

Unfortunately if I satisfied barking mad criteria there would be no reason not to have a dog of my own - at home during the day is one of their key ones...

N, Chelmsford,

Why not become a registered host with Barking Mad and, if you meet their criteria, get paid for looking after a dog while the dogs owners are away. Go to www.barkingmad.uk.com for further details.

Allister Boyle, gourock, uk

I'd love to have a dog as a companion but if I did it would be shut in the house alone all day as I have to go to work and unfortunately live alone. Many owners have dogs regardless - surely this type of scheme is preferable? How should people like me access the known therapeutic effects of animal

N, Chelmsford,

I think it depends on the dog's personality. Some dogs are friendly with everyone, others only with immediate members of the family. If a dog is used to going out with dog-walkers and knows lots of different people it could work. My dog would like it as she just loves to go out, anywhere.

Cate, London, UK

have the RSPCAlooked into this commerical venture?It demonstrates how a small population of us have become a selfish society. Anyone thinking that this is a good idea needs their head examining, do they really think it's good to simply pickup, use and dispose of a pet whenever they fancy?

angela chung, manchester, uk

I must say, what will people come up with next, rent a KID? this is insane....dogs need exercise, discipline and a routine, not constent affection, which creates tension. Seriously, why wouldn't someone do good and foster a dog? How about giving a little to these poor animals - they make us happy..

Maria, Toronto, Ontario

Totally agree with the 'anti' comments. Even using a dog-walking/sitting service could confuse a sensitive dog. Animals are sentient creatures - not power tools.

Teresa Smith, Brighton,

What's next - rent a child for the day?

Helen, Delta, Canada

This is a disgraceful scheme and should be stopped. All pets are for life and should never be handed around for the convenience of humans. How does this woman know if the animal is being well treated. This silly woman is only in it for the money as dog breeders are and it should be stopped.

Gil, Bristol, England

Unfair to dogs, will lead to frustration as they will become confused by all of the changes. Dogs, like young children need to feel secure, loved amd a daily routine that fills those needs.
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Toni Edmonds, Alpine, TX, USA

Someone said this was a service provided by idiots for idiots. The comment from Jay just proves the point.

We own two dogs and two cats. They are part of the family and the thought of how they would react to being shunted from one home to another makes me want to wring this woman's neck.

Amm, Clapham,

An appalling idea that should be outlawed immediately. The poor dogs will be so confused after being pushed from pilllar to post. Put the animals' welfare first instead of exploiting them for the benefit of uncommitted individuals.

Roger Brenton, Saxmundham, UK

And when this stressed and confused dog looses track of it's place in the pack and bites a child in the park - who gets the blame.... the owner, the renter, the company?

Totally ridiculous idea, created by idiots for idiots.

Droo, MK,

I find the concept of rentapet a disgrace. Dogs need stability and each person will be treating this dog in a different manner and giving it different commands. My view is if you want a totally screwed up dog then this is the answer.We see enough traumatised dogs in rescue without this addition.

Anne Carter, Hook, UK

I agree with Dave and Sophie, it´s incredible that a dog can be rent from ownet to owner. The dogs need a stable home!, I have 2 dogs and a cat, and I really know what they need.

Silvia, Madrid, España

Once again we see an animal being used as a money making commodity. We have 10 y/o rescue dog who still exhibits separation anxiety, even aftera year with us. How much more unsettled will these dogs be by this, and when they bite and become disruptive, who will want to know then? Will Ms Woollard?

Julia Carr, Swindon, UK

well if you cant cope with dog hairs or fleas you shouldnt have a dog. and dogs are not something to be used as status symbols

emm, uk,

I think it's a great idea. I've always fancied having the companionship of a dog without needing to look after it and risking it ruining my expensive hi-fi. Also, I'm single, and a dog is an excellent prop for picking up women in parks and in the street. I'd certainly use the service.

Jay, London,

A dog needs a stable home envirnment , routine and people it can attach to, This scheme is not in the dogs interest and should be stopped before it starts. I hope the R.S.P.C.A. acts quickly.
There is more to life than money !!!

Dave, Romford, England

I hope the RSPCA put this woman out of business before she even 'rents' one dog out! If they allow this sort of 'business' in the States she should emigrate!

sophie smith, london,

As a dog owner I can agree with David McDowell. Dogs are pack animals and form extremely strong attachments to the pack; knowing their position within it. If they don't receive this stability in their lives, then they will become stressed.

Casper Slides, London,