If you’re thinking about setting up a sniff spot on property you rent or own, you can always sign up and start it going later! Follow their prompts to set up your account. As far as how to set up your yard? That’s what this article is for.
Conditions Sniffspot renters are looking for:
- no or minimal gopher holes
- no people present
- no other dogs, pets, or livestock present
- access to clean water
- 2+ water bowls
- completely fenced in
- easy access to gate from parking area
- bin for poops (bonus if there’s a scooper or bags!)
- relatively flat
- no dangerous plants or standing water
- a mix of sun and shade
- a place for the human to sit
- fence at least 4 feet tall
- no pieces of garbage, especially plastic or food, left out
Size Matters (So Does Knowing How To Use It)
Not just any amount of land works for a dog rental yard. If you’re looking to rent to big dogs or groups of dogs, at least a quarter acre is a good size. Other things to consider for those locations are completely enclosed fence area where a dog cannot escape. If you do not have a fence but would like to get started, There’s relatively easy-to-install staked fencing that you can buy online or at stores.
It’s important to remember who you’re wanting to rent your place; if you’re comfortable with having dogs who don’t like strangers around, make sure they can’t see other people. If the yard is small but works for smaller pups, say it’s best for smaller dogs. State that in your description. Lots of trees? Maybe this yard gives a hiking aesthetic. If you’re wanting to rent to professionals with groups or clients, having multiple water bowls and access to a garbage can for poops goes a long, long way.
In densely populated areas, yards that may be less than a quarter acre but sizable enough for a game of fetch are a godsend. Ask your dog-having friends if your potential dog yard is enough space to rent.
The Importance of Safety
Renters look for:
- maintained fencing
- little to no holes in the ground
- grass and plants trimmed back
- sanitation
- no disturbances when at the yard
- parking with easy access to gate or door
You don’t necessarily need to have an 8 foot wooden fence with no footholds and reinforced with steel. An example fencing that has worked well with my dogs is this type of metal, staked fence. It’s similar to temporary exercise pens but has metal stakes to secure the fencing. It’s not a type of fencing I would feel comfortable leaving adventurous dogs unattended in, but for dogs who are monitored, it works great. Not everyone is comfortable with this less enforced type of fencing. Make sure your photographs and description reflect an honest depiction of your fencing to prevent unhappy customers or escape attempts, and hammer those stakes as deep as they can get.
Some people want something that’s at least 6 feet tall. That’s up to you if you want to get something like that. Regardless of the height you choose, make sure the fencing does not have any holes or gaps. Please make sure to repair or fill in any gaps below the fencing or in between slats. Gates and doors must properly latch shut. More than one client of mine have gates with spring hinges to further prevent “adventures” if their gate were to not properly latch.
Get a few photographs of what the surface looks like. Showing that the yard area is cared for and kept up is always great, and keep maintaining it. Some dogs have fur that grabs all pieces of debris, so having grass or grasses and plants trimmed back. This basic maintenance will decrease the likelihood of foxtails getting stuck in their fur will help immensely. If you decide to keep out toys or fun additions like kiddie pools, make sure they stay maintained. There’s nothing worse than showing up to something and seeing a lot of places where bacteria or bugs can grow.
Something that a lot of sniff spot people are looking for is no strangers. There are people who will come with dogs who are afraid of and may actually chase or try to bite humans. Please be sure that no family members or workers will be coming in during the times your visitors are renting.
Presentation on Sniffspot: Go the Extra Mile with Description and Photographs
- clear photographs of the fencing and access gate/door
- photos of where the water is
- photos of dogs of different sizes playing
- explain what your yard offers: size, shade, hills, level land, dig pit?
I feel like this list doesn’t particularly need more explanation.
If you believe you can provide, at minimum, a securely fenced in area with a designated parking spot and relief from interacting with stranger humans or dogs, you may have what it takes to host a Sniffspot. You can take a look on their website to see how signup works.
Use our referral link to get a bonus when you sign up: https://www.sniffspot.com/to/e1lmh
Please note: our referral link will give us a credit on sniffspot, and some of our links will result in a kickback for us. Thanks for supporting our writing in this way!