Virginia's Private Dog Park In Charlottesville

Good until my dog was attacked. It was my first time using sniffspot and I booked Saturday and Sunday for two hours each day (Sat 2-4 and Sun 1-3). Saturday was nice, my dog and I enjoyed the pool and the yard and he got to sunbathe so he was very happy. Sunday was going well until an hour and a half into my time slot, the back door opened and the host’s husband let their two dogs outside into the backyard. This prompted a fight, with one of their dogs attacking mine and biting him in the face. The only thing the owner said was “I didn’t know you were still here” and “I thought you had left” and I told him no, we booked for two full hours. He got the dogs and just went back inside, never asking if myself or my dog was okay. We left immediately, both shaken up and bleeding. Later, I received a message from Virginia just saying sorry, there was a miscommunication between husband and wife as to the time I was there. That was it. Again, not checking if we were okay or seeming to really care at all. This incident was easily preventable but based on their behavior after the fact, I wouldn’t trust them to not do this again in the future. I had been so excited to find sniffspot as it’s incredibly difficult to have to worry about other dogs on walks all the time and not ever being able to relax outside with my dog. I really thought this was the answer but unfortunately this incident has made me rethink the entire idea. I paid to be in what I thought was a safe space for my dog, and put trust in the system and the hosts to be responsible. I did everything I was supposed to on my end, and in the end, it did not matter. Overall, I am just so incredibly disappointed.

Host replied: We are sorry for the unfortunate event and completely understand how upsetting this was when you had come to relax. We have taken additional steps in communicating when we have guests using the back yard so that this will not happen again. We are sorry to hear about any injury to your dog and wish you had let us know sooner instead of well after the fact and not directly. We would have been able to help further had you replied to any of our messages. My husband did ask if you were ok but perhaps it was too difficult to hear in such a stressful situation. If something like this happens at a different location please communicate with the host as we had no idea there was an injury and so had no method of making amends.

Such a great Sniffspot! Parking is great and was the perfect spot for my boy 😊

Such a lovely retreat! Our dogs had a great time swimming in the pool. Clean, beautiful and just a joy. Thank you!

Our dog had the time of his life. He hasn’t had the opportunity to run wild for a couple months now and giving him that chance again was amazing. He ran laps after laps, we don’t like to go to traditional dog parks as he isn’t the best with other dogs so this being a option is awesome. We will definitely be back.

Host replied: We are so glad he enjoyed himself.

Great spot with a pool!

Great spot for swimming! The pool is very pet friendly with steps at either end. We had no issues finding the gate into the yard, it is behind a shrub. All around great experience.

Very private. Entrance was obscured by the big bush, but fairly easily found. Pool was clean and pleasant. Grass was a little high. Nice outdoor furniture for relaxing.

Our dog had a GREAT time swimming in the pool. Also, they did a great job of having their blinds down to make it feel more private from the homeowners and their pets. I know my dogs would personally bark up a storm if they knew their were strangers in the backyard - super thoughtful to have the blinds down. Will be returning for sure!

Host replied: Oh thank you so much and we are so glad you enjoyed your visit. Yep, we keep the blinds down so you and your dogs can focus on each other.

The door is really right behind the bush. It little awkward to get to, but understandable. The dogs liked it, but they craved shade. Their 1st adventure, so not bad.

Host replied: Huskys will definitely crave shade during the summer heat. Sorry your introduction to your friends’ dog didn’t go as well as you would have hoped. Glad your human family enjoyed the pool.

This is my dog (which if course makes it mine also) dream retirement yard. The pool has 2 sets of stairs at perfect heights to lay down when he started getting tired, plenty of grass, perfect fencing, everything was perfect. And it was a hot day so the umbrella and couch for the adults was much appreciated! We will definitely be back and considering buying a membership just for this place! Parking was a bit unclear but we parked on the street / grass and it seemed to be fine (but please let me know if that was wrong for next time!).

Host replied: Glad you had such a great time and we look forward to having you back.