Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Sniffspot Community
  4. How Sniffspot is Helping a Retired Vet Tech Keep Her Home

How Sniffspot is Helping a Retired Vet Tech Keep Her Home

David Adams photo

David Adams

August 16, 2022

Sniffspot Community

How Sniffspot is Helping a Retired Vet Tech Keep Her Home thumbnail

If you had told Ellen K. three years ago that renting her land to dogs would be a key part of affording her home, she wouldn’t have believed you. 

Ellen didn’t set out to become a Sniffspot Top spot host. In fact, she didn’t even know what the service was until an early supporter of the company told her about it. “A former student of mine was one of the original hosts for Sniffspot and told me about how it worked for her,” Ellen said. After thinking about it, Ellen, who has both animal care and business experience, realized that renting her yard to dog owners was actually a pretty good fit for her and her husband Jim’s lifestyle and skillset. “I retired from being a veterinary technician and educator to help run my husband's business from home,” she explained. “Sniffspot lets me use some of my knowledge and skills and create an income stream at home.” 

Today, Ellen is one of the platform’s Top spot hosts, with almost 200 near-perfect reviews on her Country Pasture Getaway, located less than an hour’s drive from Seattle, and is enjoying the added connections, and income, it affords her. 

In fact, her spot income is a key part of affording her beautiful 10 acre property just outside booming Seattle.

A country getaway to keep coming back to 

Lush greenery, rolling hills, and wooded areas all in the same 4-acre space might sound like a dream location for any dog owner and their canine counterpart, and that’s exactly what Ellen’s Country Pasture has to offer. And as an added bonus, it’s all fenced in with recently upgraded, barbless chain link that reaches five feet in height, with no gaps or holes for curious dogs to wiggle out of. To keep things calm, quiet, and peaceful, rentals are limited to four dogs, and, like all Sniffspot bookings, time reserved is saved for one guest at a time.

Hosting made easy and effective 

Of course, inviting strangers onto your home is a common worry among new hosts, and Ellen was no exception. After meeting her guests, however, she found that the people looking to care for their dogs through Sniffspot’s services were warm, respectful, and just looking for a clean and quiet space they could count on to return to when needed. “I had some concerns about safety from guests that I did not know on my property,” she recalled. “It ends up that the average Sniffspot user is an uber-responsible person who is motivated to return to the sites they visit.” One way Ellen makes sure to keep hosting easy on herself, and her space, is to find a regimen and stick to it. For example, Ellen and Jim don’t allow last minute bookings, and always require 24 hours to reserve a slot. The rules and regulations for visiting her space are clearly stated on her page, and she works with guests to find a resolution first if anything is overlooked. “If something is not followed, I first remind the guest. If it persists, I will contact David to reinforce the message,” she explained. “We have had one guest in all these years who disrespected our property and I worked with David to not have a repeat visit. They never returned.”

Interested in hosting?

Learn more here about how your land can help dogs and you can earn up to $1,500 per month!

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Communication is key  

“Good communication with guests and keeping your calendar tight is the most important thing to be successful. You learn to live with your phone and check your calendar regularly,” she said. Some potential hosts may be tempted to promise exceptional amenities, like say an agility course or pool, but according to Ellen, it’s not what you have that keeps people coming, it’s honesty. “The number of amenities you have isn't the big draw – it’s being accurate about what you have and what you don't. That way guests can make good choices for their dogs,” she added. Amenities at Ellen’s spot include items for dogs to enjoy, like a hose, a pesticide-free lawn, and short grass, as well as things to keep their people comfortable, such as a picnic bench and off-street parking. Being upfront and honest about what you can and cannot provide to a pet owner has helped create amazing experiences for everyone involved, allowing renters to find the right fit for them, and Ellen to generate satisfied repeat guests. Additionally, asking for special requests in advance allows Ellen to take considerations to keep everyone safe, comfortable, and feeling welcome. This can be especially helpful for people looking to exercise dogs who might be reactive to other dogs or people, and may not get to enjoy socializing in dog parks or day care-like settings. “This takes quite a bit of coordination and time but I take special requests for very reactive dogs. If someone contacts me 48 hours in advance, I’ll ask my neighbors to keep their dog inside during a visit,” she explained. “I also can keep my dogs inside thru the whole visit. Jim and I can avoid being outside during the visit.”

Making improvements with her guests’ support 

Ellen has been able to improve her property both through funding with income from her spot and through actual on the ground support from her community of Sniffspot guests.

Using income from her spot, Ellen has made a few recent changes to the space to keep visits safe and comfortable for her, her neighbors, and her guests. “We added more significant fencing to allow smaller dogs to come to our spot without concerns,” Ellen said, using income earned from her Sniffspot to fund such upgrades, simultaneously making her rental that much more attractive to potential guests. “We also added a buffer fence to put a 30 foot buffer next to our neighbor's property to reduce conflicts with their excitable dog.” 

Keeping things clean and ready for visitors is another area Ellen has sought help with, and thanks to the strong bonds created through the Sniffspot community, a few of her repeat visitors help her when needed. “They have become my partners in making sure my field is clean and ready. Again, good communication has solved so many problems.” Some recent changes to Ellen’s health have also forced her to make some minor changes to how she typically likes to do things around her spot. For starters, meeting quests for a quick intro and check in at the start of each visit isn’t a possibility, so she’s had to rely on other forms of communication. “Our guests now are pretty self-serve since my health deteriorated and I can't meet my guests when they arrive. Lots of signage and I check the field through some of my regular guests,” Ellen explained. 

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool

A bright future in creating safe spaces for dogs  

Ellen and Jim’s space has been an added benefit to their lives, both personally and monetarily, the latter of which is helpful in the booming Western Washington location he pays taxes in. “The income has been very helpful as we move into retirement, and this helps pay our real estate taxes,” Ellen said of her hosting endeavors. “We also do any repairs to fencing and upgrades out of our Sniffspot funds.”  

In addition to the income, structure, and services they provide to their community, Ellen says that there’s one thing that outweighs all of it when she thinks about her favorite part of hosting. “Meeting people and getting great feedback is the best,” she said. “We’ve made friends that will last beyond Sniffspot. Plus, just seeing dogs enjoy our spot. I could watch for hours!“

Interested in hosting?

Learn more here about how your land can help dogs and you can earn up to $1,500 per month!

David Adams photo

David Adams

August 16, 2022

Sniffspot Community

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Meet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners thumbnailMeet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners
Explore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners thumbnailExplore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners
Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners thumbnailMeet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

Meet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners thumbnailMeet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners
Meet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners thumbnail

Meet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners

Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.

Explore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners thumbnailExplore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners
Explore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners thumbnail

Explore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners

Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.

Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners thumbnailMeet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners
Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners thumbnail

Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners

Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.

The Best Albuquerque, New Mexico Dog Parks thumbnailThe Best Albuquerque, New Mexico Dog Parks
The Best Albuquerque, New Mexico Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best Albuquerque, New Mexico Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Albuquerque? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Duke City.

How to Become a Dog Trainer thumbnailHow to Become a Dog Trainer
How to Become a Dog Trainer thumbnail

How to Become a Dog Trainer

44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.

The Best Fenced Dog Parks in the United States thumbnailThe Best Fenced Dog Parks in the United States
The Best Fenced Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Fenced Dog Parks in the United States

In our modern, human-centric world, it can be hard to find spaces for your pup to safely play off leash—especially if they’re a flight risk. Dogs who might run off after interesting smells, prey, or simply because they feel the whim can be a hazard in unfenced areas. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best securely fenced dog parks throughout the United States!

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.