A unique service has been introduced in China for people who enjoy spending time with pets—especially dogs—but do not want the long-term responsibility of caring for one.
A Chinese platform called Wang Fu launched a dog rental service via social media last March, allowing users to rent dogs by the hour. The service is currently available in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
Under the service, dog owners upload information and photos of their pets to the platform. Interested users can browse the listings, choose a dog they like, and request to take it for a walk for one or two hours. The rental fee ranges from 10 to 60 yuan (approximately US$1.50 to US$9).
To ensure the safety of the animals, the platform has established several rules. The pickup and return time and location are mutually agreed upon by the owner and the renter, while walks are restricted to areas that the dog is already familiar with.
During the rental period, the dog’s movements are monitored through real-time location tracking. If the dog shows any unusual behavior, the renter is required to immediately notify the owner.
According to Wang Fu, both dog owners and renters must complete identity verification before using the service. The platform also provides insurance coverage for the animals to ensure protection in case of any unforeseen incidents.
The innovative service is rapidly gaining popularity across China. However, public opinion remains divided. Some believe it could encourage more people to adopt pets in the future, while critics argue that repeatedly exposing dogs to different people, environments, and routines could cause them stress and anxiety.
Some observers have also raised ethical concerns about renting out pets for financial gain.