[BasBenIk]

I think you can "rent" a puppy/dog for an hour at your nearest animal shelter. I think the people who work there would be more than happy if you walk a puppy/dog with your kids and give it some love for an hour.

[gavingmiller]

Different animal shelters will vary on their policy, some being more open than others. For example a shelter where I volunteered put in a policy that volunteers had to commit to (something like) 15 hours/month. Needless to say volunteerism dropped significantly the next month...

[blhack]

Did you work at the luckiest shelter on the planet? The one I used to volunteer at [moved away] was usually clamoring for volunteers (at least in the summer).

That seems like a very odd policy.

[gavingmiller]

They certainly weren't overflowing with volunteers if that's what you mean.

[cynest]

Hours or number of volunteers?

[prawn]

I hired my cat for the weekend about 10-11 years ago, fell in love, and we've been partners in crime ever since.

[planetjoe]

But then you have to go to the animal shelter. What about a startup that brings the shelter puppy to you for a fee, which is then split with the shelter? Win Win Win?

[jfi]

I'd actually like to eventually enable it so shelters can put their pictures up for free. That way a visitor could view and then own a pup.

[enmaku]

And that is how brilliant cross-promotions are born.