From One Special Kelpie to 10,000 Dog Lovers: The Next Chapter of Sniffspace
When we first introduced Australian Dog Lover readers to Sniffspace back in late 2020, Tracey Horey and her Kelpie cross Rafferty were just launching their vision for safe, private off-lead spaces. Fast forward to 2023, and as the platform grew rapidly, we shared their callout for everyday Australians to host local spaces.
Now, nearly six years after that ball-obsessed Kelpie cross inspired a whole new way to think about dog parks, Sniffspace is preparing to launch its biggest platform upgrade yet.
It all started with Rafferty
Like many great ideas, Sniffspace started with a problem that needed solving—and one very special dog.
Rafferty, a Kelpie cross and the much-loved inspiration behind Sniffspace, is a clever, energetic, and well-trained dog. He loves agility, comes when called (unless there’s a bird involved!), and believes there’s nothing better in life than chasing a ball.
But Rafferty has never quite understood why strangers want to touch him, or why other dogs insist on playing bitey-face when there’s a perfectly good ball waiting to be chased.
For his owner, Sniffspace co-founder Tracey Horey, visits to public off-leash parks had become increasingly frustrating. Unwanted interactions with unfamiliar dogs, inattentive owners, and unpredictable situations made what should have been an enjoyable outing unnecessarily stressful.
Rafferty wasn’t a bad dog. He simply had his own personality, preferences, and boundaries.
And he certainly wasn’t alone.
That realisation became the foundation of Sniffspace: a network of privately owned, locally hosted spaces where dogs could run, sniff, explore, and play without unexpected encounters with unfamiliar dogs.
Working alongside business partner Jignesh Patel, Tracey set out to create an alternative that would benefit dogs and their owners while giving everyday Australians the opportunity to earn additional income from their backyards, paddocks, and unused land.
Five years, thousands of happy sniffaris
Today, Sniffspace has grown from that original idea into a national community.
With more than 80 privately hosted spaces across Australia, over 10,000 active users, and more than 1,200 bookings each month, the platform is helping dogs of all personalities enjoy off-leash freedom.
While Sniffspace has become particularly valuable for owners of anxious, reactive, and rescue dogs, its appeal extends well beyond them.
|
| Pure off-leash joy: Staffy crosses enjoying secure, stress-free water play at a private Sniffspace location. Photo credit: Ruthless Photos |
From energetic dogs who need room to stretch their legs to families wanting a private outing with their pets, Sniffspace offers something increasingly difficult to find: exclusive use of a space where owners know exactly who will be joining them.
And for hosts, it creates an opportunity to turn an underused backyard or acreage property into an income-producing space while doing something positive for their local dog community.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building and growing a self-funded platform, navigating complex insurance requirements, and operating with a limited advertising budget have required persistence.
But the original mission has remained unchanged: Safe. Secure. Sniffari.
Introducing the new Sniffspace
Now, five years after its original launch, Sniffspace is preparing to introduce a completely rebuilt website and refreshed iOS and Android apps.
The new platform has been developed around feedback from the Sniffspace community, with improvements designed to make finding, booking, and hosting private dog spaces easier than ever.
For Dog Owners:
- ✅ Easier space discovery and booking: Refreshed search, clearer space information, and a simpler journey from selecting a space through to payment and confirmation.
- ✅ Stronger account security: Password-free email sign-in options, two-step verification, and biometric sign-in on supported devices.
- ✅ A better mobile experience: Improved navigation, messaging, and booking management across the website and mobile apps.
- ✅ New eGift Cards: Dog lovers can purchase personalised gift cards for birthdays, Christmas, or just because, with the option to schedule delivery for a special occasion.
- ✅ Greater booking reliability: Behind-the-scenes improvements to help prevent duplicate bookings, double charges, and repeated notifications.
For Hosts:
Hosts will enjoy a simpler listing setup process, improved photo management, and more control over their spaces. New features include:
- ✅ Ability to set minimum advance booking notice
- ✅ Setting buffer times between bookings
- ✅ Dynamic pricing and capacity management
- ✅ Clear, space-specific rules for visiting guests
These changes give hosts greater flexibility to share their properties on their own terms, while helping guests understand exactly what to expect when they arrive.
The redevelopment has also included extensive testing, with more than 1,200 issues addressed ahead of launch. Existing Sniffspace members will have their accounts, dogs, spaces, bookings, and reviews carried seamlessly over to the new experience.
Discover some of Australia's special Sniffspaces
From spacious rural paddocks to dedicated agility spaces, every Sniffspace offers something different.
Kimz Private Dog Park — Mandogalup, Western Australia
Set on a peaceful rural property south of Perth, Kimz Private Dog Park offers dogs a wonderful opportunity to run, sniff, and explore in a secure, private environment.
|
The property features four separate paddocks, providing different spaces for training, playing, and following interesting scents. Shady trees offer relief during warmer months, while a sheltered area makes visits more comfortable when the weather changes. Each paddock has its own water supply, providing a welcome alternative to crowded public dog parks.
For host Kim Taylor, creating Kimz Private Dog Park was about much more than opening a paddock to visiting dogs. Kim had always dreamed of creating somewhere dogs could run freely and explore without unexpected encounters with unfamiliar dogs, while their owners could simply relax. When she discovered Sniffspace approximately three years ago, she turned that dream into reality.
Since then, Kim has watched countless dogs and their families enjoy the freedom and peace of mind her property provides. Kim recalls one owner being brought to tears as she watched her beloved dog running freely around the park—her dog hadn't been able to enjoy off-lead freedom for more than a year. Another pregnant visitor with two Golden Retrievers chose Kimz for a secure, stress-free outing, while one family even returned after losing their dog to scatter its ashes at their pet's favorite place.
Kimz is particularly popular with owners of anxious or reactive dogs who regularly praise the secure fencing, generous shade, and the genuine care Kim puts into making visitors feel welcome.
Karrawe Agility — Bilpin, New South Wales
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Mountains region, Karrawe Agility offers a different kind of Sniffspace adventure.
Hosted by Conina, this private, fully fenced space is designed for small to medium-sized dogs to enjoy off-leash play, exploration, and agility activities. With agility equipment available, Karrawe provides an opportunity for dogs and their owners to enjoy an engaging experience that combines exercise, mental stimulation, and fun.
|
| Rafferty exploring the colourful agility tires at Karrawe Agility in the Blue Mountains. |
Visitors can enjoy activities including fetch, frisbee, sniffing, and agility, while training sessions can also be arranged.
The space has earned enthusiastic feedback from guests who appreciate its secure setting, welcoming host, and the opportunity for their dogs to explore somewhere different. One visitor described how much their tiny Chihuahua, Maple, enjoyed her first Sniffspace experience, while another praised the agility equipment and the many interesting scents for their dog to discover.
Karrawe Agility is a lovely example of how Sniffspace isn’t just about finding somewhere to run—it’s also about discovering new experiences that suit each dog's personality and interests.
More than a place to run
For some dogs, a Sniffspace booking is simply a fun adventure. For others, it can make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.
Owners of anxious and reactive dogs often face challenges that other pet owners may never experience. Finding somewhere to exercise their dogs without worrying about unfamiliar dogs or people can be difficult. Private bookings provide an alternative, allowing owners to choose an environment suited to their dog's individual needs—creating a place where dogs can be free, owners can relax, special bonds can grow, and beautiful memories can be made.
A special Christmas offer for new hosts
To celebrate the new platform and encourage more Australians to open their backyards and properties to local dogs, Sniffspace is introducing a special offer for new hosts.
Sign up as a new Sniffspace host before Christmas 2026 and enjoy your first month's hosting income with no Sniffspace host fees deducted.
Whether you have a secure suburban backyard, a large paddock, or a private dog-friendly property, your unused space could provide a welcome adventure for local dogs while generating extra income. Listing a space on Sniffspace is free, and hosts maintain full control over their availability and booking arrangements.
The next chapter begins
For Tracey Horey and Jignesh Patel, the launch of the new Sniffspace platform represents another important step towards their original vision: a network of private, locally hosted off-leash spaces across Australia, with ambitions to expand into New Zealand.
But at its heart, Sniffspace remains the same idea inspired by Rafferty five years ago. Every dog deserves the opportunity to explore, exercise, and enjoy being a dog—even if a traditional dog park isn't right for them.
And somewhere out there, another Rafferty is waiting for a space to call his own.
Discover Sniffspace
- Find a park or host a space: www.sniffspace.com.au
- Explore the new platform features: www.sniffspace.com.au/meet-the-new-sniffspace
