We’re a little late on this, but we just yesterday discovered via Twitter RovernightNetwork, an online community of dog owners willing to watch one another’s pets during overnight trips. 

RovernightNetwork has communities in Chicago and here in the Twin Cities. From their website:

Rovernight Network provides members access to fellow dog owners and the opportunity to connect with other members who may be available to provide overnight dog care in their homes.  Members can search for other members using a variety of search criteria, and can view their rating and feedback history provided by other members.

This is a fantastic example of an entirely user-based online community. First of all, joining is free. The goal here is to build community, not profit.

And the creators have built a online community based on real needs: Where can I send my dog when I’m away overnight that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (er…a paw)? How can I find people near me for dog play dates? I want to rescue a dog, but I am afraid I won’t be able to find people to help when I need it. Where can I find like-minded people?

Of course, that doesn’t mean that Rovernight Network doesn’t have opportunities to profit from their community building. There are advertising opportunities, of course, and also possible premium membership opportunities.

But at the heart of RovernightNetwork is simply a desire to solve a problem that so many dog owners face, and an innovative way of building a trustworthy, connected community around that need.