AUSTIN, Texas – Some families sheltered in place together are using their free time to give pet ownership a try.

It’s a new program from Carly’s Critter Camp, an animal sanctuary in Austin giving families the opportunity to “rent” rescued animals as pets. It’s their way to give folks a chance to try out having a pet before making the commitment.

“It’s kind of a good way to ease our way into getting another pet or getting something different for her instead of our other dogs,” said Eloisa Zamora, a mom who rented a pet tortoise for her daughter.

The idea has been in the works for a while according to animal sanctuary owner Carly Henry. She said the COVID-19 pandemic pushed her to start the program as a different way to sustain her business. Thanks to the program, wannabe pet owners are paying Henry to take animals off of her hands temporarily.

“I still have 120 rescue animals I have to feed and a property I have to pay for,” Henry said. “So I’ve actually been thinking about the rent-a-pet idea for a while but thought this was the perfect time.”

Henry said she’s happy programs like these help bring attention to her work in pet rescue and rehabilitation. She hopes renting these pets and putting the word out leads to more adoptions.

“Pet rescue, rehabilitation and adoption has brought me more joy than anything in my life,” Henry said. “I hope that people are inspired by this to rescue animals of all shapes and sizes.”