From cars to appliances -- even homes --- you can rent just about anything these days.

But a pet?

In the hustle and bustle of every day life as more people live hectic lives, some are turning to part-time dog ownership.

A company called FLEXPETZ has locations in Los Angeles and New York, with one opening in Boston later this year. It allows people to be dog owners on their own time.

Once you become a member, you choose from dogs that are available when you are. And for a daily fee, you spend time with your four-legged friend.

The concept gets mixed reviews.

"To rent for like a week to see if it's something I would like in the future, I think that would be interesting," one man said.

"I don't think I'd want to rent a pet. You get too attached to them," another man said.

One dog lover said she can see both sides.

"I think it's really good idea because owning a pet takes a lot of time and responsibility. But if you're renting a pet, are you really bonding with it? Is it going to listen to you?" the woman said.

And that's just one of the arguments of critics, like E.J. Finocchio, the director of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"A dog wants a permanent, loving home. He doesn't want to go with you this weekend, him next weekend and me the following weekend. They're looking for commitments," Finocchio said.

FLEXPETZ said its dogs do have structure, are well cared for and might otherwise be homeless.

FLEXPETZ owner Marlena Cervantes said the animals see a veterinarian every three months are fed top quality food.

FLEXPETZ said all of its dogs are either rescued or re-homed and that they live with a primary carer when not with a member. The agency said it also screens all dogs for temperament and social skills and that it screens potential part-time owners.

Members who sign up have to go through an in-home training session that costs $150. In addition, there's a monthly membership fee of $99, an annual administration fee of $99 and a daily Doggy Time charge of $45, with a four-time monthly minimum.

FLEXPETZ said the money goes to care for all of its animals. But the SPCA said people can enjoy the same experience for free. It's called fostering.

"It just doesn't make sense to me when you can do the same thing at any municipal shelter across the United States" Finocchio said.

But FLEXPETZ said its service is growing in popularity.