SniffSpot found a solution for unruly ruffians of the canine variety—and their oblivious humans—who wreak havoc in public dog parks. A true community for dog owners, the app is a platform to access private dog parks hosted by locals, who agree that SniffSpot has surged in popularity for one main reason: safety.
Catawba-based host Dawn Jones joined in 2022 to provide a space for dogs to run and play. “Public dog parks can be a good thing,” she says. “But not everyone is a responsible dog owner, which can lead to unpleasant, even unsafe situations.”
Alyssa Crozier, a host in Richmond, likes SniffSpot’s positive community. When a frequent guest lost her sweet pup, she told Crozier, “He loved your space, and honestly for an owner with a reactive dog, you were a godsend. Thank you so much for caring for him and opening your space.”
Anne Markiewicz’s ample backyard in Norfolk is dedicated to Penny, her late dog, whom she says would have benefited from a stress-free environment during playtime. “Many dog owners might agree that public dog parks are a little unpredictable when so many personalities come together. Here, you can come solo or you can bring friends along,” says Markiewicz.
Virginia has more than 200 SniffSpots throughout the state. Active across 3,600 cities nationwide, it has more than 20,000 hosts. Visits can be booked on the SniffSpot app and range from $5–15 per hour, depending on amenities, and listings are vetted and reviewed by guests. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. SniffSpot.com
This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue.
