David Adams wanted to find more off-leash places in Fremont and Ballard for his pup to play, and that got him thinking. What if there was an app for dog parks? And what if people could offer their own backyards for a few hours and make a few bucks — sort of like an Airbnb for dogs?
That’s how SniffSpot was born, a new website that lets you find and offer up off-leash play areas.
“People in Ballard and Fremont are crazy about their dogs, even more so than other places in Seattle,” Adams told My Ballard, explaining that our area is attracting the most SniffSpot users so far. “Ballard has a unique combination of a lot of pet owners living in apartments and a lot of homeowners with yards nearby.”
But as more dog owners visit SniffSpot looking to find off-leash areas — in part fueled by a recent story on Q13 — Adams says he needs more neighbors to offer up their backyards for a few hours.
“We are blowing up with demand and don’t have enough listings!” Adams told the My Ballard Facebook group. “I am looking for more hosts to join in the Ballard area.”
Hosts can set their own rates, hours of availability and other ground rules. SniffSpot requires proof of vaccination for visiting dogs, and it offers damage protection for host properties, too.
A former Microsoft employee, Adams is now full-time on SniffSpot, funding it all himself.
“It’s my full time gig,” he told us. “Maybe not a smart career move, but it’s what I’m passionate about and a lot of other people are finding it useful.”
(Photos from @SniffSpots on Instagram)
Off leash at the grocery store!
Thanks so much for using my Sniff Spot in Mountlake Terrace, Q13 and David Adams! Puppy Parkour and Beth Clark, CVA (whose Grandma is from Ballard, dad lived in Fremont)
The 25 year old in me see some num-nuts 25 year old millennial woman, carrying her dog everywhere and thinks, she’s got baggage, along with neurosis.
Huh. Anybody else remember when urbanites didn’t need to take their doggie num num living teddy bears everywhere? Ever heard of obsessive compulsive disorder? The pet freaks in Seattle put trailer park hoarders to shame.
Gosh, everybody is just so darn busy these days that they need lots of help. Help from Amazon, delivering goodies. Help from every other home freaking delivery service out there. Seems there’s just never enough time in a day for so many. Yet there are more dogs in Seattle than kids. My neighbors dogs are treated better than many kids are, even when they leave, the dog nanny arrives right on cue. Priorities. Such a nice word. Fred Meyer has signs in their front windows informing the world “service dogs only”. Seems everybody here is special, and their mutts fit whatever they want them to. Situation ethics, sweet.
@Scott
” Yet there are more dogs in Seattle than kids. My neighbors dogs are treated better than many kids are, even when they leave, the dog nanny arrives right on cue.”
Look, if you’re a war vet (as in actual combat vet not just a millennial enlistee calling herself a “vet”)with PTSD then yes by all means take your support animal, but these self indulgent dog “parents” make responsible dog owners look bad. Yes, having children is now “declasse” for people too busy programming their life for sweatshop merchants. Sure, bring your dog to the office and annoy the other commuters with your precious num nums. Have we reached peak narcissism yet?
Awesome, nice work David!
Can’t wait to bring my 3 dogs and watch some butt sniffin’!
Kids? Gross!
Personally I thought this article was a little one-sided. We heard the dog’s point of view, but what about the cats? Cats are people too!
I do not have yard to give in but the idea is very good, congratulations!
I’ll spread the word.
Cool!! Nice Idea.