As snow consumes the valley and finals approach, it seems nothing can bring relaxation or distraction to the grind of college life, but a new company may have found the token antidote — puppies for rent.
Puppies For Rent opened shop approximately two months ago and is growing fast because of an increasing demand for cute and furry four-legged friends. The company offers a variety of puppies from small to large breeds. For $15, people can rent a puppy for an hour. For $25, people can rent a puppy for two hours. Any additional hour after that, the rate is $10 an hour.
Jenna Miller, owner and founder of Puppies For Rent, said the business was inspired from the lack of pet ownership among BYU students and her love for puppies.
“From what I have seen, puppies are the best thing for making people super happy,” Miller said. “Really, there are no puppies and you can go months without seeing one (at school). I recognized the need and thought that something needed to be done.”
Miller said the rental process is simple. Customers can call or text the Puppies For Rent number at (801) 251.6022. Miller or an employee will drop off the puppy at your location and pick up the puppy when your rental time is over. There is a waiver customers must sign concerning the care of the puppy.
Miller said the renting is healthy for the puppies and helps socialize them.
“The puppies we buy were either bought initially and didn’t work out with their owners, or they haven’t found permanent homes yet,” she said. “Most of the time people want to buy the puppy eventually. So, it actually helps the puppy find their permanent home.”
Garry Briggs, manager of off-campus housing, said students are not allowed to own pets; however, there are exceptions. Briggs recommended that students speak to their landlords or management companies before bringing a pet into their homes.
“Just talk to the owner or the agent and express that (you) will babysit the dog for a couple hours,” Briggs said. “It really depends on the facility owner.”
Briggs said there are rules against pet ownership because animals can damage rental properties. Depending on damages, pets can create minimal to extensive charges for tenants upon move-out. He also said students should be considerate of the needs of roommates.
Aubreigh Gynn, a junior from New Canaan, Conn., majoring in economics, said she rented a puppy because it was convenient and fulfilled her desire for a dog.
“I have never had a dog, so it was fun to have a puppy for two hours,” Gynn said. “My roommates have joked about buying a dog since last year. I have kind of put my foot down because I don’t feel like we have time or money for that. So, now you can get a puppy for a couple hours and then you are done.”
Gynn said she had a positive experience with the puppy. People from her ward stopped by her apartment throughout the evening to play with the puppy. Gynn rented a Maltese.
“I recommend doing it,” Gynn said. “It is good, clean fun. Just cuddle with a puppy for a couple hours. It makes you feel happy.”
