55This was our first sniff spot and it was awesome! We took our rescue to VA beach for a vacation and the beaches proved to be a little overwhelming for him so this sniff spot saved our trip and was a great way for our pup to enjoy the sunshine stress free! Alex M.
Alex M.
June 2022
This was our first sniff spot and it was awesome! We took our rescue to VA beach for a vacation and the beaches proved to be a little overwhelming for him so this sniff spot saved our trip and was a great way for our pup to enjoy the sunshine stress free!
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55The yard is huge! It was so nice to have it to ourselves for our dog, Beau. The only thing I’d say is to bring bug repellant. Other than that, we had a great time with our dog here! Michelle A.
Michelle A.
July 2022
The yard is huge! It was so nice to have it to ourselves for our dog, Beau. The only thing I’d say is to bring bug repellant. Other than that, we had a great time with our dog here!
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55This is a great spot in an area where a big open space is hard to find! Fully fence with no worries about getting out. There were tons of fun toys and a play set that we could practice agility with. Pupper loved sniffing all the cool plants! Emma C.
Emma C.
July 2022
This is a great spot in an area where a big open space is hard to find! Fully fence with no worries about getting out. There were tons of fun toys and a play set that we could practice agility with. Pupper loved sniffing all the cool plants!
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Beautiful back yard ! I loved this space and will be back . My dogs had so much fun stretching their legs and running . The back area with the pattern kinda mowed was their favorite and they used it like a race Track. 10/10 recommended . Ivy S.
Ivy S.
July 2022
Beautiful back yard ! I loved this space and will be back . My dogs had so much fun stretching their legs and running . The back area with the pattern kinda mowed was their favorite and they used it like a race Track. 10/10 recommended .
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Great location! My crazy hyper dog is tired within 10 minutes of playing. He loves the huge fenced in yard, there's plenty of room to play and sniff around. Would definitely recommend, 10/10!Erica W.
Erica W.
July 2022
Great location! My crazy hyper dog is tired within 10 minutes of playing. He loves the huge fenced in yard, there's plenty of room to play and sniff around. Would definitely recommend, 10/10!
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55This was our first time using this app and we are so glad we did! Kearsten's yard is so beautiful and we even forgot we were in Norfolk for a bit. Very peaceful place for our dogs to get outside.Madeline R.
Madeline R.
July 2022
This was our first time using this app and we are so glad we did! Kearsten's yard is so beautiful and we even forgot we were in Norfolk for a bit. Very peaceful place for our dogs to get outside.
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55This Sniffspot is a gem! Such a large, beautiful piece of property in a bustling city where there really aren’t too many fenced areas — let alone private places for reactive dogs— to let your dog run off leash. It was a perfect place to take my two pups, who live with me and my husband in a small apartment. It was great to let them run around in the early hours of the morning, as I watched the sunrise and sipped coffee.
CAUTION: Small Dog Owners!
My only concern is that my 13 lbs. Chihuahua mix found a hole underneath the back fence line. He was halfway-squeezed through it before I caught him. Normally, he doesn’t try to squeeze out of enclosures even if he knows he can fit! But the smells on the opposite side of the fence were really enticing to him, and he became obsessed with trying to get to the other side even after I blocked the hole with a shovel. He spent the remaining half hour of our visit trying to find another hole, so I had to keep a really close eye on him and found it much harder to relax as he continued to search for another opening. If you don’t have a small dog, then don’t worry! Other than that one small hole, the rest of the fencing seemed secure.
Other than that, this SniffSpot was gorgeous, clean, well-maintained, with plenty of seating for the humans and toys for the pups! There was even an outlet in the middle of the yard, at the table with all the toys, so that you can charge your phone if needed! Overall, this was a really wonderful spot and I am so grateful to the owner for sharing her space with us!💛Sarah C.
Sarah C.
July 2022
This Sniffspot is a gem! Such a large, beautiful piece of property in a bustling city where there really aren’t too many fenced areas — let alone private places for reactive dogs— to let your dog run off leash. It was a perfect place to take my two pups, who live with me and my husband in a small apartment. It was great to let them run around in the early hours of the morning, as I watched the sunrise and sipped coffee.
CAUTION: Small Dog Owners!
My only concern is that my 13 lbs. Chihuahua mix found a hole underneath the back fence line. He was halfway-squeezed through it before I caught him. Normally, he doesn’t try to squeeze out of enclosures even if he knows he can fit! But the smells on the opposite side of the fence were really enticing to him, and he became obsessed with trying to get to the other side even after I blocked the hole with a shovel. He spent the remaining half hour of our visit trying to find another hole, so I had to keep a really close eye on him and found it much harder to relax as he continued to search for another opening. If you don’t have a small dog, then don’t worry! Other than that one small hole, the rest of the fencing seemed secure.
Other than that, this SniffSpot was gorgeous, clean, well-maintained, with plenty of seating for the humans and toys for the pups! There was even an outlet in the middle of the yard, at the table with all the toys, so that you can charge your phone if needed! Overall, this was a really wonderful spot and I am so grateful to the owner for sharing her space with us!💛
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55We were super impressed with Kearsten and her backyard. We arrived a little early and messaged Kearsten to see if we could go into the backyard early. She was SUPER responsive and accommodating, which was great. The backyard is massive and there are tons of fun toys to play with. This was Ollie’s first Sniffspot experience and we could tell he didn’t know what to do with himself! He has so much fun. We definitely recommend and will return! Chelsea W.
Chelsea W.
August 2022
We were super impressed with Kearsten and her backyard. We arrived a little early and messaged Kearsten to see if we could go into the backyard early. She was SUPER responsive and accommodating, which was great. The backyard is massive and there are tons of fun toys to play with. This was Ollie’s first Sniffspot experience and we could tell he didn’t know what to do with himself! He has so much fun. We definitely recommend and will return!
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55The yard is a wonderful size with a variety of grasses/plants, nooks/corners to keep the pups’ interest. There are also toys available. The back portion of the yard wasn’t available the day we visited, but it looks wonderful for a leash walk. The host is responsive and communicative. There are a few under fence gaps of a few inches. I think a persistent very small dog might try to leave, but my dogs never noticed or made any attempt. We enjoyed our time and look forward to returning soon.Denise F.
Denise F.
August 2022
The yard is a wonderful size with a variety of grasses/plants, nooks/corners to keep the pups’ interest. There are also toys available. The back portion of the yard wasn’t available the day we visited, but it looks wonderful for a leash walk. The host is responsive and communicative. There are a few under fence gaps of a few inches. I think a persistent very small dog might try to leave, but my dogs never noticed or made any attempt. We enjoyed our time and look forward to returning soon.
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Loved it! This was our first time using the app and it was great! Having a reactive dog is scary sometimes because you have to wary of a lot. We did hear dogs barking but we were able to work past barking if he didn’t see them which made this place a 10/10 especially for training and getting my boy desensitized to barking. sofia r.
sofia r.
June 2023
Loved it! This was our first time using the app and it was great! Having a reactive dog is scary sometimes because you have to wary of a lot. We did hear dogs barking but we were able to work past barking if he didn’t see them which made this place a 10/10 especially for training and getting my boy desensitized to barking.
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Kearsten’s homestead is a respite from the clamor of urban life and an ideal spot for my almost 5 y-o Aussie, my 3.5 y-o GSD mix, and me, for that matter! Area is extremely clean, has both shaded and sunny spots and plenty of all-out running room that is grassy and well-manicured. Even the view at the back fence made me feel like I was somewhere worth jumping it to explore…BUT I didn’t 😬.
We did not observe any people or wildlife, though I imagine rabbits and squirrels frequent the yard at times. My GSD mix has a rough past so encountering random, unknown canines presents issues, and we did not see or hear any.
Unless something prevents it, we’ll be back!!
Kathryn S.
Kathryn S.
June 2023
Kearsten’s homestead is a respite from the clamor of urban life and an ideal spot for my almost 5 y-o Aussie, my 3.5 y-o GSD mix, and me, for that matter! Area is extremely clean, has both shaded and sunny spots and plenty of all-out running room that is grassy and well-manicured. Even the view at the back fence made me feel like I was somewhere worth jumping it to explore…BUT I didn’t 😬.
We did not observe any people or wildlife, though I imagine rabbits and squirrels frequent the yard at times. My GSD mix has a rough past so encountering random, unknown canines presents issues, and we did not see or hear any.
Unless something prevents it, we’ll be back!!
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Kearsten is a great host and has very obedient dogs. We let the dogs play with our puppy and it was great. Lots of space, water stations, and toys. We will be returning soon :-)Ashwini K.
Ashwini K.
July 2023
Kearsten is a great host and has very obedient dogs. We let the dogs play with our puppy and it was great. Lots of space, water stations, and toys. We will be returning soon :-)
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Kearsten was very communicative and friendly! She provided frisbees and toys which was great because we forgot to bring some and a big water bowl for the dogs. Allison D.
Allison D.
August 2023
Kearsten was very communicative and friendly! She provided frisbees and toys which was great because we forgot to bring some and a big water bowl for the dogs.
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Great spot for my girl to run around and let out energy! Kearsten is a great host, communicative and kind! Huge yard, partly shaded which is so nice this summer with this heat. Maggie C.
Maggie C.
August 2023
Great spot for my girl to run around and let out energy! Kearsten is a great host, communicative and kind! Huge yard, partly shaded which is so nice this summer with this heat.
Walden Farm & Homestead **Temp Closed for Maintenence** | Sniffspot
55Dogs had an amazing time. Yard is perfect. House was easy to find. Backyard was easy to access. I will be scheduling more visits. Thank you!Alison C.
Alison C.
August 2023
Dogs had an amazing time. Yard is perfect. House was easy to find. Backyard was easy to access. I will be scheduling more visits. Thank you!
Miranda's Fully Fenced Corner Lot for Dogs to Rent in Ghent, Norfolk, VA. | Sniffspot
55Glad to have found this convenient location so close to me as I’m in Ghent too. Hosts communication was great and I loved the available parking spot. Good sized yard for the city and clean grass! No clutter or any issues at all. In the summertime the small covered pergola will surely be appreciated. We found a tub w toys and a bowl with easy access to water.
There are quite a few people walking their dogs nearby and the fence makes for curious snouts. Not a problem with mine as they listen when I tell them to get away from the fence, but thought I’d mention for those who have very reactive pups. In my case, it’s a good desensitizing exercise.
Overall very pleased and would love to return :)Anna K.
Anna K.
January 2024
Glad to have found this convenient location so close to me as I’m in Ghent too. Hosts communication was great and I loved the available parking spot. Good sized yard for the city and clean grass! No clutter or any issues at all. In the summertime the small covered pergola will surely be appreciated. We found a tub w toys and a bowl with easy access to water.
There are quite a few people walking their dogs nearby and the fence makes for curious snouts. Not a problem with mine as they listen when I tell them to get away from the fence, but thought I’d mention for those who have very reactive pups. In my case, it’s a good desensitizing exercise.
Overall very pleased and would love to return :)
Miranda's Fully Fenced Corner Lot for Dogs to Rent in Ghent, Norfolk, VA. | Sniffspot
55Another great visit! Oddly enough, no other neighbor dogs walking by this time lol. Either way, as in my other previous review, it wouldn’t be a problem for my dogs as they all Ave different reactivity levels. Anna K.
Anna K.
February 2024
Another great visit! Oddly enough, no other neighbor dogs walking by this time lol. Either way, as in my other previous review, it wouldn’t be a problem for my dogs as they all Ave different reactivity levels.
How do Norfolk's private dog parks work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Norfolk dog parks
Are dog parks good for dogs?
It is important for dogs to have off leash exercise to sniff and run. But the free and open nature of public dog parks has drawbacks. There could be aggressive dogs, disease transmission and cleanliness issues. For this reason, many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. Sniffspot private dog parks only allow one guest to book at a time and are not open to the public, which solves many of these issues.
Are dog parks safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks much safer than public dog parks. With Sniffspot all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 97% of reviews on Sniffspot visits in the Norfolk area are 5 stars.
How do I know if a dog park works for my dog?
You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our 124 fully fenced dog parks in the area. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our 9 off leash areas where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can also filter locations to avoid other domestic animals and people. We also recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host with any questions.
Can I rent a field for my dog to run near Norfolk?
There are 19 Sniffspot dog parks that offer fields in or near Norfolk where dogs can be off leash. The most popular field is Rizalle's Private Dog Park In Norfolk.
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