The newest idea from the sharing-economy world might also be the most adorable yet — especially for dog enthusiasts.
A recent app lets you “borrow” a dog — ideal for animal lovers who aren’t able to make a full-time commitment to pet ownership.
Maybe you work irregular hours, travel frequently, live in a compact apartment or simply can’t manage the financial responsibilities of having a pet.
Bark’N’Borrow aims to fill that gap.
How Bark’N’Borrow Works
The platform links “dog owners with dog-loving borrowers” at no cost.
“This is the next best option between not having a dog and actually committing to one,” Bark’N’Borrow CEO and Founder Liam Berkeley told Fox 5 New York.
Pet owners set up profiles for their dogs and meet potential borrowers to see whether everyone clicks.
If the meeting goes well, you arrange times with owners to spend a few hours with their pups. Many owners and borrowers keep in touch and schedule recurring puppy meetups.
That way you experience the joys of being around a dog — without the long-term obligations of owning one!
In a video interview, Berkeley says all users undergo individual checks. The service gathers residential details, payment information, addresses and more to protect the dogs and provide reassurance to both owners and borrowers.
Free Pet Sitting
For dog owners, Bark’N’Borrow could be a clever, no-cost option compared with hiring a professional dog walker or sitter if friends or family aren’t nearby to help while you’re at work.
Or perhaps you’re new to town and want to meet other pet owners or canine fans.
Although the app can help locate paid services, its free “social” connections are what make it unique. You can find people who want to spend time with your dog simply because they adore dogs!
And if you love dogs and want to earn some extra money, this could be a great way to start a pet-focused side gig.
“I originally downloaded this app to ‘borrow’ dogs to get my puppy fix,” one reviewer said, “since I can’t adopt one right now, and it ended up helping me start a small dog-walking side business!”
The app is free to download and free to use… for the time being.
Beginning next month, it plans to roll out a paid subscription tier, starting at $4.99 per month to borrow dogs, according to Fox 5 New York.
Is Bark’N’Borrow Available in Your Area?
One drawback of many sharing-economy apps is limited reach beyond large metropolitan regions, but this service is expanding quickly.
While the biggest share — 20% — of users is in the New York area, Bark’N’Borrow operates nationwide, with 50,000 users and counting. So you’ll likely find fellow dog lovers nearby!
Your Turn: Would you try an app that lets you borrow a dog for the day?
Jordan Blake is a contributor at Savinly. He’s written for various outlets and tries to inject humor where appropriate (and occasionally where it’s not).
