What amenities should I provide for guests?

Amenities are one of the best ways to help your spot stand out, delight guests, increase bookings, and encourage repeat visits. Guests often choose from several spots in their area, and thoughtful amenities can help make your spot the one they remember and frequent.

The best hosts think about amenities in two ways:

• What makes dogs excited to play?
• What makes humans comfortable and relaxed?

Whether it's a swimming area, agility equipment, shaded seating, or a restroom, the right amenities can improve the guest experience and encourage repeat bookings. Amenities can also help your spot qualify for the Top Spot badge and appear in specialized search categories, making it easier for guests to discover your spot. 

Many successful hosts start with a few amenities and improve their spots gradually over time. 

You can manage your amenities from the Amenities tab of your spot edit page.

Table of contents

• Understanding amenity categories
• Adding custom amenities
• Essential amenities guests love
• Highest-impact dog amenities
• Highest-impact people amenities
• Property features guests value
• Highest-impact venue amenities
• Amenities that may qualify your spot for specialty categories
• Photos matter as much as amenities
• Safety considerations
• Build your spot over time
• Pro tip: Listen to your guests

Understanding amenity categories

When editing your spot, amenities are organized into four categories.

Essential amenities

Basic conveniences that improve the guest experience for both dogs and humans.

Examples include:

• Dog drinking water
• Chairs
• Dog bags
• Trash cans
• Hand sanitizer
• Entrance signage

For dogs

Amenities specifically designed for dogs' enjoyment, enrichment, exercise, and safety.

Examples include:

• Agility equipment
• Parkour obstacles
• Dog toys
• Dog treats
• Digging areas
• Kiddie pools
• Water hoses
• Doggy swimming vests
• Dog first aid kits
• Small dog friendly areas

For people

Amenities that make visits more comfortable and enjoyable for humans.

Examples include:

• Seating and tables
• Shade structures
• Restrooms or outhouses
• WiFi
• Off-street parking
• Fire pits
• Electric outlets
• Accessibility features
• Snacks and drinks

Comfortable guests are more likely to become repeat customers. 

Venue amenities

Features that describe the property itself.

Examples include:

• Trails
• Woods
• Fields
• Beaches
• Swimming pools
• Ponds
• Streams
• Hills
• Long grass
• Sand
• Wetlands

These amenities help guests understand the environment and activities available at your spot.

Adding custom amenities

If your spot offers something unique that is not listed, you can add a custom amenity.

Custom amenities allow you to showcase special features that help differentiate your spot from others nearby.

Examples might include:

• Dog ball launcher
• Obstacle course
• Splash pad
• Seasonal pumpkin patch
• Observation deck
• Training area
• Dog wash station

If guests frequently mention a feature in reviews, it may be worth adding as a custom amenity so future guests can find it easily.

Essential amenities guests love

Some of the most appreciated amenities are also some of the easiest and least expensive to provide.

Dog drinking water

Fresh water helps keep dogs safe, comfortable, and cool while they play.

Be sure to clean bowls regularly and provide a way to refill water.

Some hosts keep a supply of water bowls available and provide a designated container or collection area for used bowls so they can be cleaned and sanitized between visits.

Dog bags and trash cans

These small conveniences make a huge difference for guests.

Guests especially appreciate:

• Compostable dog bags
• Easy-to-find trash cans
• Clear disposal instructions

Many guests forget supplies occasionally, and these amenities help create a welcoming experience.

Signage and welcome messages

Many guests are visiting private property for the first time and may feel nervous when they arrive. Even a simple handmade sign can improve the guest experience.

A sign at the entrance helps guests:

• Feel confident they are in the right place
• Feel welcomed
• Relax immediately upon arrival

Some hosts leave:

• Whiteboards
• Welcome signs
• Personalized greetings

Guests often mention these thoughtful touches in reviews because they make them feel remembered and appreciated.

Lit at night

Lighting can help extend your booking hours and make guests feel more comfortable visiting after dark.

Improve visibility and guest confidence during evening visits, even with simple lighting around:

• Entrances
• Parking areas
• Pathways
• Play spaces

Night lighting can be especially valuable during winter months when daylight hours are shorter.

Hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a simple convenience that many guests appreciate, especially after handling toys, opening gates, picking up waste, or spending time outdoors.

Consider placing hand sanitizer near these locations:

• Parking areas
• Entrances and exits
• Seating areas
• Waste disposal stations

This small touch can help guests feel more comfortable and shows attention to cleanliness and hospitality.

Highest-impact dog amenities

Agility equipment and parkour obstacles

Guests love spots that provide extra enrichment and exercise opportunities for dogs.

Popular options include:

• Jumps
• Tunnels
• Platforms
• Balance obstacles
• Climbing features
• DIY parkour obstacles

Many hosts create simple obstacle setups using inexpensive or secondhand materials.

Learn more: Agility equipment ideas, DIY parkour obstacle ideas

Water play amenities

Not every dog needs a large swimming area to enjoy water. Smaller water features can provide enrichment, help dogs cool off, and make visits more enjoyable during warm weather.

Popular water play amenities include:

• Kiddie pools
• Splash pads
• Water hoses
• Dog bathing stations
• Garden ponds
• Fountains
• Sprinklers
• Other dog-friendly water features

A water hose is one of the easiest and most appreciated amenities to provide. Guests often use hoses to:

• Refill water bowls
• Cool dogs off on hot days
• Rinse muddy paws and coats
• Clean shoes or equipment after play

Many hosts already have a hose available, making it a simple, low-cost upgrade that can significantly improve the guest experience.

Rotating toys and enrichment

Many guests love discovering something new during repeat visits.

Popular toys include:

• Tennis balls
• Frisbees
• Fetch launchers
• Tug toys
• Flirt poles
• Digging areas

Some hosts add new toys periodically to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

Be sure to sanitize shared toys regularly.

Highest-impact people amenities

Outhouses and restrooms

Spots with outhouses, porta potties, or other restroom facilities often earn significantly more than spots without them.

Bathroom access makes longer visits easier and more comfortable for guests and can significantly improve the overall experience. Many guests specifically look for spots with restroom access before booking.

If you do not provide a restroom, consider including information about the nearest public restroom in your spot description or access instructions so guests can plan accordingly.

Learn more: Adding an outhouse to your spot

Off-street parking

Easy parking helps guests feel less stressed before their visit even begins.

If possible:

• Provide a dedicated parking area
• Include parking instructions
• Make room for multiple cars when feasible

Group-friendly spots often attract more social visits and repeat guests.

Learn more: DIY gravel parking

Shelters and covered spaces

Guests are much more likely to enjoy longer visits when there is protection from sun or rain.

Shelters can include:

• Covered seating
• Umbrellas
• Pergolas
• Simple shelters

Fire pits

Fire pits can transform a regular visit into a memorable experience, especially during cooler months.

Many guests enjoy:

• Relaxing after playtime
• Meeting friends
• Spending longer visits outdoors

Learn more: How to build a fire pit affordably

Chairs and seating

Guests appreciate having a comfortable place to sit while their dogs play. Providing seating allows guests to relax, watch their dogs, chat with friends, or simply enjoy the space without having to stand for the duration of their visit.

Even simple outdoor seating can make visits feel more comfortable and enjoyable.

Picnic tables are especially popular because they give guests a place to gather, enjoy snacks or takeout, and spend more time at your spot. This can be particularly valuable for families, groups, and guests traveling with their dogs on road trips.

Many hosts find affordable chairs, benches, and picnic tables secondhand or online. Even a small seating area can encourage longer visits and improve the overall guest experience.

Property features guests value

Some of the things that make guests choose a spot can be added as amenities, while others are simply characteristics of the property itself.

Features like privacy, scenic views, mature trees, wildlife, or unique landscapes may not be something you can actively add or change, but they can still be major factors in a guest's booking decision. 

Examples include:

• Privacy
• Scenic views
• Mature shade trees
• Mountain views
• Wildlife sightings
• Flower gardens
• Quiet surroundings
• Unique terrain and landscapes

Be sure to highlight these features in your spot description, photos, and captions. 

Privacy and visual barriers

Privacy is one of the most sought-after features on Sniffspot, especially for reactive, fearful, or easily distracted dogs. 

If possible, consider:

• Reducing visibility into neighboring yards
• Blocking distractions from nearby dogs
• Limiting visibility from the host house

This can help reactive or nervous dogs feel more relaxed during visits.

Learn more: Example visual barrier ideas

Natural spaces dogs love

Many guests specifically seek out spots where their dogs can explore, sniff, hike, and experience nature.

Natural features like these can be major reasons guests choose one spot over another:

• Trails
• Fields
• Woods
• Streams
• Ponds
• Long grass areas
• Beaches
• Sand areas

If your spot includes these features, be sure to select the corresponding amenities and showcase them prominently in your listing. Guests often search specifically for opportunities to hike, explore, swim, or enjoy natural environments with their dogs.

Shade and mature trees

Shade is one of the most appreciated features at any Sniffspot, especially during warmer months.

Natural shade from mature trees can help keep dogs and humans comfortable, encourage longer visits, and make your spot more enjoyable throughout the day.

Guests often look for:

• Large shade trees
• Shaded walking paths
• Woodland areas
• Cool places for dogs to take breaks

If your spot offers significant shade, be sure to include photos that show it clearly and mention it in your spot description. Many guests specifically seek out shaded spots during hot weather.

Scenic views and natural beauty

Natural beauty can make your spot feel unique, peaceful, and memorable.

Guests often enjoy features such as:

• Flower gardens
• Mountain views
• Hills and unique landscapes
• Wildlife sightings
• Beautiful scenery

These features help create a richer experience for both dogs and humans and can make your spot stand out from others nearby.

Even if natural beauty is not the primary reason someone books your spot, be sure to highlight it in your photos and spot description.

Highest-impact venue amenities

Water parks and swimming areas

Water parks are among the most popular destinations on Sniffspot. These amenities can help your spot qualify for the Dog Water Park category and attract guests specifically looking for swimming opportunities. Qualifying water features include swimming pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and beaches where dogs can swim and explore. Be sure to select the corresponding amenities and include photos of these features in your listing. 

A swimming pool can make your spot a destination guests return to repeatedly throughout the summer.

Important:

• Pools must be large enough for dogs to swim
• Kiddie pools should be listed separately
• Photos of the pool are required

Learn more: How to host a dog water park

Indoor play spaces

Indoor play spaces are a great way to help your spot stand out and attract guests year-round.

Indoor spots are especially popular during rain, snow, extreme heat, or cold weather. Indoor spaces can also be especially appealing for reactive dogs, puppies, and training sessions.

Popular indoor features include:

• Open play areas
• Rubber flooring or turf
• Agility equipment
• Toys
• Seating

Indoor spots can attract highly loyal repeat guests because they offer reliable year-round play opportunities.

Important:

Only mark “Indoor play space” if your spot includes a fully enclosed indoor area where dogs can actively play.

Photos of the indoor area are required for this amenity.

Learn more: Indoor play spaces

Amenities that may qualify your spot for specialty categories

Photos matter as much as amenities

Guests can't book amenities they don't notice. Make sure your photos clearly show the amenities and property features that make your spot unique.

Be sure your selected amenities match what guests will find when they visit.

Some amenities require photos to verify eligibility, including:

• Swimming pools
• Beaches
• Ponds
• Water features
• Indoor play spaces

Even for amenities that do not require verification photos, adding clear photos helps guests understand what to expect and can improve booking conversion.

If a feature cannot be represented as an amenity, include it in your photos and description instead.

Learn more: Spot photography guide

Safety considerations

Guest safety should always come first.

Avoid providing:

• Items that can splinter
• Hard chew items that may fracture teeth
• Unsafe toys or materials

Inspect amenities regularly for wear and safety issues.

Please be sure to avoid buying products from companies that test their products on animals. You can find a list of companies that test on animals here. 

Build your spot over time

Many successful hosts build incredible spots gradually over time.

Think of the amenities list as a roadmap for future improvements rather than a checklist you need to complete immediately. As you learn what guests value most, you can continue adding features and updating your amenities.

Start with a few improvements:

• Water
• Seating
• Shade
• Toys
• Great photos

Then continue listening to guests and improving over time.

Small changes can lead to:

• More bookings
• More repeat guests
• Better reviews
• And eventually becoming a Top Spot

Pro tip: Listen to your guests

One of the best ways to decide what amenities to add is simply to listen to your guests.

Many successful hosts gather ideas by:

• Reading guest reviews
• Asking guests for suggestions
• Following up after visits
• Including feedback questions in automatic thank-you messages

Pay attention to the amenities guests mention most often, as well as features they wish your spot had. If multiple guests request the same thing, it may be worth considering as a future improvement.

Guests often provide the best inspiration for new amenities, property improvements, and listing updates.

See what other hosts are saying about this topic in our Sniffspot Host Community on Facebook!

Discussion Topic: Amenities

Discussion Topic: Agility Equipment

Discussion Topic: Pools

Discussion Topic: Toys

Discussion Topic: Water

Discussion Topic: Fire Pit

Discussion Topic: Sign

Discussion Topic: Lights