What are the requirements to host?

We have all kinds of spaces listed on Sniffspot, from small patios to schoolyards to huge farms. Our only requirements/criteria are that: 

  • The space be private (e.g., you own it or have complete control over who uses the space) 
  • The guest needs to be able to access the spot without passing through a private residence.
  • The space needs to be free from hazards, including but not limited to:
    • Plants that are poisonous for dogs (more details here)
    • Insecurely fenced, partially fenced, or unfenced spaces near busy streets (< 5 acres cannot share an unfenced fence with a road with a speed limit over 35 mph or 56 kph)
    • Insecurely fenced, partially fenced, or unfenced spaces that are less than 0.5 acres (~20,000 square feet)
    • Electric cattle fences cannot be live during visits if the electric part is less than 5 feet off the ground or not separated by a fence that most dogs can't get through. 
    • Hosts cannot offer electronic collars or invisible fences as a way of controlling dogs at spots.
    • Swimming pools that are empty or have soft covers
    • Resident dangerous wild animals that prey on dogs or could easily kill a dog (such as alligator in pond, rattlesnake den, bear den, etc.). To be clear, this does not include the possibility of or periodic dangerous wild animals on the property, but only if it is known that specific dangerous wild animals are usually on the property.
    • Items that are obviously dangerous to dogs and people in areas accessible to dogs and people: sharp objects such as broken glass or tiles, construction supplies, exposed electrical wiring, biohazard chemicals, etc.
  • You need to be able to provide a space (including entrance / exit / accessible adjoining areas ) free of dogs, other domestic animals, and people. 
    • Many of our hosts own dogs of their own, but our guests expect those dogs to be kept in an area separate from the spot or inside during spot visits unless the host and guest agree to have the dogs meet in advance.
    • Domestic animals (which includes chickens, livestock, etc.) must be separate from the spot. 
    • If there are dogs in spaces that are adjoining the spot but separated by a fence, the fence must be such that the dogs cannot make contact through the fence (e.g. a picket fence that dogs can stick their heads would not be allowed because dogs can stick their heads through the fence)
    • If the spot is not securely fenced, accessible adjoining areas need to be free of animals and people to be reasonably assured that guest dogs will not be attracted to leave the spot and interact with the neighboring animals or people.
    • Some of our hosts need to meet with first time guests to explain the spot to them. This needs to be arranged in advance so that the guest is aware of it and it can be coordinated on arrival. If the guest has already entered the spot, the host should not enter the spot and approach the guest. The host should message the guest and coordinate how to meet with them. This is important for safety, since some guests have dogs that are fearful of strangers and the host entering the spot could be a trigger for the dog and stressful for their owner.
  • We don't allow advertising of anything illegal, unethical, offensive, or dangerous.
  • We do not allow hosts that have been convicted of or are currently under investigation / prosecution for certain crimes:
    • Murder, rape, terrorism, child molestation, felony burglary, felony larceny, or animal abuse / cruelty / neglect related charges
    • Hosts on any sex offender registry
  • We do not allow spots that are located in:
    • Cuba
    • Iran
    • North Korea
    • Syria

We allow you to describe your space and provide photos (see here for how to create great photos) to educate dog owners on the kind of space you are providing. We have a field on our listings that tells dog owners whether the space is fully fenced, partially fenced, or not fenced.

This is the full list of required information for sniff spots:

  • Exact address
  • Email
  • First name
  • Last name
  • Once a host has provided photos, they need to be of the spot

We do not allow content that is pornographic / sexually explicit, threatening, harassing, abusive, or defamatory, or that contain nudity or graphic violence, incite violence, violate intellectual property rights, or violate the law or the legal rights (for example, privacy rights) of others. Any content that is added that fits this description will be removed and may result in the removal of the posting user.

Also, make sure to read our Host Standards and Community Guidelines to understand our host and community behavior requirements.

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Ready to host? You can learn more and get started here.

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Discussion Topic: Fence

Discussion Topic: Spot Size

Discussion Topic: Domestic Animals

Discussion Topic: Wild Animals

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