Our GVLtoday team brings our dogs with us wherever we go (so much that there are usually a few in the office – lookin’ at you, Lyle + Caly). When we stumbled upon New York startup DogSpot, which creates climate-controlled, lockable “sidewalk sanctuaries” for dogs, we fell in puppy love.
Then a reader told us these dog pods are already in Anderson Mall and we saw the chance to make our dream a reality. We think DogSpot would be a perfect fit for our dog-friendly city – and we want you to tell us where they should go. (And then tell DogSpot.)
But first, we’ll answer some of *your* questions:
How does it work, exactly?
To use DogSpot, you’ll need to download their app. It shows you where to find a DogSpot (and lets you reserve it up to 15 min. in advance), and when you arrive, just put your dog inside + the pod will automatically lock when the door is closed. You can use the app to check in with the live Puppy Cam + unlock the door when you’re picking up your pup.
Will my dog be comfortable?
The pods are made of double-walled powder-coated aluminum outside + veterinary-grade plastic inside (to prevent germs), have forced-air ventilation to keep the air inside fresh, and are climate-controlled with air conditioning and heating. There’s an 8 hour backup battery in case the power dies.
Does it cost money?
30 cents a minute. The average stay is 15 – 20 minutes, which would be $4.50 – $6.
Do I have to be a member to use DogSpot?
Yes, but that just means signing up for a free account on their app or website. (According to their site, membership costs $25/year per dog, but that fee is currently being waived.) They’ll also send you a physical member card, which comes in handy if you need someone else to pick up your dog, your phone dies, or you don’t have a smartphone.
Won’t they just be full of disease + germs?
Between each visit, the pods are sanitized with a motion-sensor UV light, which cleans the pod of bacteria, viruses (including parvovirus), molds, and pathogens. If a dog has an accident, each DogSpot is cleaned by hand daily and as needed if there are any issues reported. To be a DogSpot member, your dog needs to be older than 6 months and be current on its vaccinations.
How can we get them in Greenville?
Fill out the request form here – and if you include your mailing address, they’ll send you some pup swag.
What if I want to check on my dog?
You can see exactly how your dog is doing any time (and what the temperature in the pod is) with the app’s live camera. 🐶 👀 DogSpot HQ can also see the feed to notify you if something’s going on.
What happens if my phone dies or the pod malfunctions?
The pod has an 8 hour backup battery to keep it running if power is lost. If the temperature gets outside the 32° – 80° F range, you’ll be notified through the app immediately and you can go get your pup. The pod will go offline + remain out of use until the temperature is back in the safe range. If your phone dies while your dog is in the DogSpot, you can use your member card to unlock it. If you don’t have your member card, you can call DogSpot and they’ll verify your identity and remotely unlock it. And if you were worried about someone hauling the pod into their truck and driving off, each DogSpot weighs 200 lbs. and is secured to the ground.
How long can I leave my dog?
The maximum on most DogSpots is 90 minutes, and the norm is around 15 – 20 min. They aren’t intended to be a replacement for doggy daycare, which is why they charge by the minute (30 cents/min).
Will my dog fit in the pod?
They’re designed to the specs of a German Shepherd crate – 30” W x 33.5” D x 46.5” H. According to DogSpot, they can accommodate dogs up to 110 lbs. Two dogs ~30 lbs. each or less can fit inside the pod if they’re used to being together.
Is it legal to have these pods on the streets?
Regulations depend on each city, and the startup works with the individual location to make sure they’re complying with local guidelines, from getting a permit or license or registering with the city. DogSpots on private property are at the discretion of the local partner.
Still have questions left unanswered? Here’s the DogSpot FAQ.
Where readers would like to see a DogSpot:
“One in West greenville by Kuka Juice. One near spill the beans at falls park. Outside Publix!”
“All up and down Main Street!”
“Outside any grocery store.”
“McBee Station”
“Grocery stores!”
“Outside of Whole Foods!”
“In the new Camperdown project on main and broad! Under some shade!”
“Harris teeter on Augusta! Trader Joe’s and target on woodruff! @strbks on Augusta!”
“I can just take care of the dogs at my house?!”
“Downtown”
“Downtown?”
“Around Richardson street garage”
“The same spot where people walk dogs into hot pavement streets, bacteria dog bars, etc.”
Would you use a DogSpot in Greenville?:
On Instagram, 54% said yes (225 people), 46% said no (190 people).
“Would totally use it!!!!”
“Yessss! 😍😍”
“I just wouldn’t go inside a store if I had my pup with me. I like how most places in downtown off main street let’s friendly dogs wait/walk with their people as they are getting a coffee or picking up a sandwich”
“How cool!!!! But how do you prevent it from being stolen?” – Note: The pods are 200 pounds (about twice the weight of a toilet).
“It’s a good way for your dog to catch a disease or fleas unless someone is cleaning them constantly” – Note: UV lights automatically sanitize the pod, killing bacteria, viruses, and molds after each dog visit.
“Who is cleaning up the bathroom accidents that are bound to happen?” – Note: Each DogSpot is cleaned by hand daily and as needed if there are any issues reported.
“Wow! That’s awesome! I take my dog everywhere with me and it’s hard when it’s too hot to leave her in the car. Would love those in GVL. 😀👍❤🐶”
“Cool! I would SO use this!!!”
“No”
“What’s to stop some sick person from unplugging it?” – Note: The DogSpots have an 8 hour backup battery, so even if the pod lost power, your dog would still be ventilated and climate-controlled.
“Can they make these for humans?”
“More places need to be dog friendly so these stupid things don’t have to exist!!! Dogs are just like kids!!!”
“I’d use them! I love to walk to Panera and Harris Teeter but never have anywhere for my dog to go while I run inside.”
“Do you know how many canine illnesses are spread via airborne transmission? You have no idea if the dogs going in here are healthy or not, will transmit some disease to your dog....nope. It is a neat idea in theory, but I’d rather keep my pets safe, thanks.”
