Buzz
If you own a backyard and want to earn some passive income, there's an app for you: Sniffspot links dog owners with individuals who have fenced yards available for hourly rentals. Known as the “Airbnb for dog off-leash zones,” Sniffspot currently boasts over 7,000 hosts in 1,500+ cities across the United States, and operates in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand.
How does Sniffspot function?
To list your yard on Sniffspot, it must meet a few requirements. First, the space must be reachable without passing through a private residence. It should also be secure, free from hazards like poisonous plants, unfenced areas near busy roads, pools that are uncovered or empty, dangerous wildlife (such as alligators, rattlesnakes, or bears), or electric fences that could pose a risk to dogs.
Once your listing is live, you’ll set your hourly rate and start receiving bookings. Sniffspot mandates that all clients prove their dogs are up-to-date with vaccinations and flea/parasite preventatives. The app also requires dog owners to clean up after their pets and leave the area as they found it. Hosts aren't obligated to supervise while a customer is using the space; after the payment is made, the booking is set. Furthermore, Sniffspot provides hosts with primary liability coverage of up to $2,000,000 in case of third-party bodily injury (to either dogs or people) or property damage related to a Sniffspot visit.
How to attract bookings on Sniffspot
Sniffspot states that the most popular listings gain most of their business from repeat customers. For first-time interest, Sniffspot offers several tips. Start by adding at least ten photos to your listing. According to Sniffspot, listings with over ten photos get ten times more bookings than those with fewer than ten photos.
Next, enhance your listing by offering additional amenities. Popular options include dog water parks (like kiddie pools, sprinklers, etc.), hiking trails, agility courses, and dog parkour obstacles. Properties with an outhouse or portable restroom tend to receive 5.5 times more bookings. Other useful amenities include dog waste bags, trash bins, and hand sanitizers.
Finally, encourage guests who have had a positive experience to leave reviews for your space. Strong reviews can significantly boost bookings. For instance, Airbnb reports that listings typically double their bookings after receiving more than ten reviews.
How much can you earn with Sniffspot?
Sniffspot claims that users can make up to $1,500 a month, but your actual earnings depend on factors like the demand in your area and the appeal of your space. The average hourly rate for a listing is $15, but according to founder Dave Adams, hosts can charge anywhere from $4 to $50 per hour, depending on their location, yard size, and the amenities offered.
While you will need to share a portion of your earnings with Sniffspot, you’ll still pocket a good amount. Sniffspot takes a 22% commission for operational and marketing costs, along with 2.9% to cover credit card payment fees. There's also a flat booking fee of $0.30. So, if you charge $15 an hour, you’ll take home $10.96 in taxable income—pretty good for letting dogs enjoy your yard.
