Heidi Brenegan, our Chief Marketing Officer, has been using Sniffspot sites in the Twin Cities area since 2020 for her dogs. Whenever she mentions Sniffspot to fellow dog parents, they immediately want more details!
That’s why we had Katie from Sniffspot join us on Facebook Live to share more information about this amazing resource for dog parents. You can learn more by watching the replay video or by reviewing the summary below.
What is Sniffspot?
In 2018, Sniffspot’s founder, David Adams, was inspired to create the app after his wife, Rebecca, struggled to find a safe off-leash area for their dog, Toshii, while traveling. With no nearby dog parks, she wished for an app to help—and that’s when Sniffspot was born.
Now, with 15,000 listings in 6,000 cities and over 100,000 users, Sniffspot is a community marketplace where dog parents can rent a private space (someone’s backyard or land) that’s just for you and your dog to enjoy. It’s sort of like an Airbnb for backyards, offering a safe, controlled environment for dogs to sniff, play, and explore.
Why Choose Sniffspot over a Dog Park?
In the Twin Cities, we are fortunate to have access to several dog parks – including some that are exclusively for small dogs. However, many dog owners prefer not to use dog parks for various reasons, such as:
- Their dog isn’t suited for dog parks – whether they are reactive, anxious, overly rambunctious or aggressive.
- Dog parks can expose dogs to viruses or parasites from other dogs or wildlife.
- The mix of both dog sizes and personalities can be challenging.
Using a Sniffspot offers dog parents peace of mind by providing a private off-leash area. Many people choose to rent a Sniffspot for several reasons, including:
- Safety for Reactive Dogs: Sniffspot offers a secure environment for reactive dogs, reducing the risk of your dog biting another dog or human.
- Safety for Dogs, No Matter the Size: A private area ensures your dog, even if they’re very small, is safe from attack by another dog.
- Stress-Free Environment: Dog parents can relax and enjoy outdoor time with their pets without the need to constantly supervise or worry, unlike at a public dog park.
- Training: Sniffspots are ideal for trainers, offering a new area to practice obedience or nosework skills.
- Celebrations: If the host allows it, you can even rent a Sniffspot for your dog’s birthday party, inviting their canine friends to join in the fun!
- Shelter Outings: Animal shelters often use Sniffspots to give dogs a break from the shelter environment or as a neutral meeting spot for introducing potential adopters’ dogs to a new dog.
- Group Meetups: With the host’s permission, some groups, like Dachshund meetups, use Sniffspots for playdates.
- Enrichment: Sniffspots provide a great source of enrichment, giving dogs the chance to explore new scents and enjoy a different environment.
How do Sniffspots Work?
Most users book online through the Sniffspot website, or you can download the Sniffspot app. You must enter information about your dog such as name, breed, and required vaccination records.
Once you set up your user account, you can search for a nearby backyard to rent! You can use filters to:
- Find a Sniffspot near your area code or address.
- Select different features to filter your results, such as:
- Yard size/Acres
- Fully fenced
- Water (if there are bodies of water on the property, a pool, or sprinkler)
- Animals on the property (such as outdoor pets like horses or goats)
- Price (typically between $5 to $25 per dog per half-hour or hour. Most hosts give a 50% discount off your second dog.)
- And more!
Keep in mind – just like camping, leave it how you found it! This means clean up your dog’s poop, don’t litter, and be respectful of any accommodations your host provides.
My Dog Doesn’t Like Strangers – Do I Need to Meet the Host?
Different hosts have different protocols, but most typically remain out of sight. However, if your dog is reactive, anxious, or aggressive, you can message the host through the app ahead of time to request that they avoid coming outside during your rental time. Hosts are generally very understanding about reactive or aggressive dogs and their needs.
How Can I Become a Sniffspot Host?
Whether you have a small yard or multiple acres, becoming a Sniffspot host is an easy and fun way to earn extra money! If you have a safe, clean, yard that you’d like to share with others, consider hosting—different dog parents have different needs, and your space could be the perfect fit.
To get started, visit Sniffspot’s website to apply. There’s a liability policy to protect hosts, and once approved, you can list your property with all the necessary details and photos.
Hosts often take pride in their Sniffspots, going above and beyond by providing extras like poop bags, toys, treats, water, and even snacks for humans. Some hosts also offer unique experiences such as feeding pet goats, hiking, bonfires, or swimming. You can customize your Sniffspot as much or as little as you like, making it a rewarding side hustle for you and a wonderful resource for dog lovers!
If you are considering becoming a host, we encourage you to find Sniffspot’s Facebook group for hosts. This is a great place to ask questions from people who have been hosting for multiple years!
Sniffspot is a fantastic option for dog parents with reactive dogs or those who prefer not to use dog parks. Discover how it can benefit you and your dogs by checking out their website and app! Explore the filters to see what’s available near you—or even when you’re traveling with your pet. New listings are frequently added as more hosts join, so keep an eye out for fresh options.
More Reading:
- Dog Parks PART I: Are They Right for Your Dog?
- The Dark Side of Dog Parks
- Dog Bite Prevention Part I
- Reactivity in Dogs | Part I: The Myth of the Good Dog
