Sniffspot for dogs - "Pepper's Pasture" 

Public dog parks are a fantastic resource but are not always the best option for all pets and all purposes. For those with reactive dogs or anyone wanting a private excursion or controlled playdate, Sniffspots like ours exist throughout our region and can be rented by the hour.

Our spot, Pepper's Pasture, is a nearly 2-acre fenced pasture/woods here on the Half-Wild Homestead in Gig Harbor. It is an idyllic portion of the property which we rent for $12/hour for the first dog (plus $6 per additional dog) through the Sniffspot platform. Our spot is named after a recent canine resident of the homestead, Pepper, a sweet black lab. It is well fenced and includes lots of open space and a seasonal creek (flowing in winter/spring, dry in summer/fall) amidst trees. There is a shelter for rainy days and we keep the spot stocked with balls, water, baggies, etc. 

We don't meet guests (except occasionally by special arrangement) because we believe that many clients prefer to let themselves in at their appointment time. 

"Sniffspot" is not our personal business idea but a company running a broad online platform, kind of like Airbnb. Management is currently conducting a trial of a subscription-based business model--new clients are required to sign up for a monthly "Sniffpass" in order to visit any local spots. Although the subscription requirement can be off-putting to some people, it can be a good deal, and it can also be canceled after you try it out.

We love seeing the joy that our canine and human guests get from our spot, and the income has been a fantastic source of funding for our continued work in restoring this landscape that was recently dominated by blackberries and Scotch broom.