Discover 20 Tools & Supplies for Cleaning Up After Your Pets

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Did you know that, according to the American Pet Product Association, around 300,000 households in the US have added a furry friend to their family since 2000? And as adorable as they are, these pets can’t help but leave a little something behind. That’s where the booming Pet Waste Removal business comes in, offering a service that more and more dog owners are opting for.

But here’s the best part: starting your own dog poop pickup business doesn’t have to break the bank. You can begin small, with just a few essential tools, and then expand your equipment as your business grows.

Is it Really Possible to Get Paid for Picking Up Dog Poop?

Believe it or not, it’s absolutely a thing! There are even franchises like Poop911 and Doodycalls that specialize in this important task.

Wanna make some cash? Well, I’ve got good news for you – you can start earning money right now. And guess what? It’s all about scooping poop! Yeah, you heard me right. Most folks who get into this gig start by serving residential customers. But here’s the cool part – you can also expand your business and scoop poop for commercial and municipal establishments.

Now, here’s a not-so-fun fact for you – it turns out that a lot of dog owners don’t bother picking up after their furry friends when they’re out for a walk. Can you believe it? It’s not very nice, but hey, that’s where you come in. As a pooper scooper, you’ll have a steady stream of work thanks to those irresponsible dog owners. So, it’s sort of job security for you.

But can you actually make a decent living from this?

You better believe it! On average, you can charge about $12 to $15 for a weekly poop pickup. And here’s the best part – most clients sign up for a monthly service. So, it’s a reliable income for you. Of course, the exact fees will depend on factors like the number and size of the dogs, the size of the yard, and even the type of surfaces you have to deal with. But don’t worry, you’ll be making good money, my friend.

When it comes to cleaning up after dogs, it’s important to have the right tools for the job. Different dogs and different environments require different equipment. For example, a small dog like a Yorkie needs a small scoop, while a big dog like a Great Dane needs a heavy-duty scooper. And depending on whether you’re dealing with grass, gravel, or concrete, the gear you use may vary as well.

Most scoops are designed with two parts: a rake and a scoop. The rake is used to gather the waste, and then you can use the scoop to lift it up and dispose of it properly.

But it’s not just about having the right tools. If you want to start a business cleaning up dog poop, you’ll also need to think about insurance. A general liability policy is a must, and you may also need commercial vehicle insurance if you’ll be driving to your clients’ homes.

Now let’s talk about the numbers. Say you charge $15 a week to clean up after a single dog in a small yard. On average, a scooper should be able to handle about 4 pickups per hour. So if you can get 20 customers at $15 a week, that adds up to $300. And remember, that’s just based on your minimum charge – you may be able to charge more depending on the size of the yard and the number of dogs.

As soon as you begin to welcome more than one dog or venture into the world of businesses that serve dogs and their communities, the possibilities for earning more money open up before you.

The Best Tools for Removing Dog Poop

When it comes to cleaning up after our furry friends, having the right tools is essential. Let me tell you about some of the best options out there that will make this task a breeze!

First off, we have the long-handle pooper scooper. This handy tool is perfect for picking up poop from both gravel and grass. There are different models to choose from, including lightweight plastic ones and heavy-duty ones. Even though they’re designed for pet owners, you can use them too, especially if you’re dealing with smaller animals.

But that’s not all – you’ll also need a way to transport the poop. Your customers certainly won’t want it left behind on their property. That’s where having small and large waste bins comes in. Use the small one to collect waste from one account, and the large one to store all the poop you’ve gathered from different customers. Just make sure the bins are covered to keep any unpleasant smells at bay.

Now let’s talk about your vehicle. Even if you have a covered bin and scented waste bags, there might still be a strong odor. It’s crucial to have a truck, or if that’s not an option, a rack that fits the back of your vehicle using the tow ball access point. This ensures that the odor doesn’t seep into your car and make the whole experience unbearable.

If you live in a place where it gets really cold and snowy, a regular pooper scooper won’t cut it. You’ll need a tough, heavy-duty spade to dig through the frozen ground.

1. The Awesome Super Scooper Dog Waste Pickup Tool

This scoop is built to last, with a long handle that’s three feet long. It even has a trigger at the top, so you can easily open up the claws on each side of the scoop. This tool is perfect for picking up dog poop in tall grass.

2. Arm Hammer’s Swivel Bin Rake Dog Pooper Scooper

Arm Hammer has designed a whole system for dog poop cleanup. Along with the pooper scooper, they provide a special waste bag that fits onto the scoop. These bags are twice as thick as regular plastic bags, so they won’t break. The handle on this scooper can extend up to 32 inches, giving you extra reach.

3. The Unbreakable PPOGOO Pooper Scooper

I’ve got a favorite pooper scooper that I absolutely love! It’s tough and lightweight, so it’s perfect for those small yards.

4. The Doody Digger Pooper Scooper

Now, this one is great because it comes with a bag attachment. The bag stays securely in place, making it super easy to scoop up and slide the mess right into the bag. It’s only 1.5 pounds, so it’s another great option for small clean-up jobs.

5. The ActiveDogs Best Ever Pooper Scoopers

If you’re looking for a sturdy option, this is the scooper for you. They even claim that it’s the last one you’ll ever need to buy! Made from tough aluminum that won’t rust, you can choose between one with teeth or a flat style. What’s really cool about these scoopers is that they can open up nice and wide, making it a breeze to scoop up any size mess. It’s heavy-duty and perfect for cleaning up after big dogs.

6. The Nature’s Miracle Pooper Scooper

Let me tell you about an amazing product called Nature’s Miracle. This incredible tool is made from non-stick plastic and can be used on various surfaces like gravel, grass, and concrete. And guess what? If you have a big pup, there’s even a Jumbo size available!

The next tool on our list is the Four Paws Grass Wire Dog Rake Dog Poop Scooper.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of cleaning horse stalls, you’ll find this rake quite familiar. It works just like a stall rake, sifting through materials like long grass. And here’s a neat fact – it’s also the best rake to use when picking up poop in sand, like on a public or private beach.

Now, if you’re dealing with sand, trust me, a rake is the way to go. It’s the perfect tool for the job!

And last but not least, let me introduce you to Compostable Dog Poop Bags.

When it comes to picking up after your dog, there are a few options available to you. One convenient option is to use disposable bags that come in a roll. These bags are easy to tear off one by one as you need them. You can buy a roll of 60 bags for about $8. You can find them on Amazon or in pet sections of most retail stores, like Walmart or Dollar Store. Some bags even have a built-in tie for easy closure.

9. Heavy Doodie Ultra-Thick Dog Waste Bags

If you’re looking for extra durability, you might want to consider using heavy-duty bags. These bags are made of two-ply plastic and are much thicker than regular ones. They are perfect for picking up after your dog or storing multiple pickups.

10. Grocery Bags

Another option you have is to use plastic grocery bags. However, with more and more stores moving away from plastic bags, this might not be a reliable source in the future.

11. Ties

When it comes to poop bags, some of them have a clever built-in tie that serves as the bag’s handle. These bags are not only affordable but also perfect for handling the mess when you have multiple pets. You simply pick up the mess and then tie off the bag, which helps to minimize any unpleasant odors at the customer’s place.

12. Shovel 1

If you plan on working in a cold and freezing climate, you’ll need two types of shovels. The first shovel, known as shovel 1, should be a regular spade that you can easily find at any hardware store.

13. Shovel 2

The second shovel you’ll need is a more specialized one called the spearhead gardening shovel. Why is this special shovel necessary? Well, if you try to use a regular pooper scooper on frozen ground, chances are it will break. Since you may only be visiting the site once a week, the pet waste can freeze onto the ground. However, keep in mind that your contact with the ground might disturb the soil, so make sure to discuss this with your customer.

14. Hose

Once you’ve finished cleaning up the gravel or concrete, it’s a good idea to rinse the area off. But before you do, make sure you have permission from the customer to use an outdoor faucet. You’ll also need a sturdy portable hose, unless the customer already has one connected to the faucet. These hoses can cost between $40 and $60 for a good quality one.

15. Attachment for the Hose

As an additional service, you can offer an attachment for the hose that allows water to flow through it. This is commonly used by gardeners to add fertilizers or other products. In your case, you’ll use odor-elimination products with this attachment.

16. Portable Waste Bin

A portable waste bin will come in handy for you to dispose of the waste you collect while working. This is especially important for properties with multiple dogs or larger projects like cemeteries.

17. Waste Bin 2

If you’re looking to consolidate the things you’ve picked up, you’ll need a bigger trash can for your vehicle. A 12-liter or larger size will do the trick and hold a standard large heavy-duty trash bag.

18. Stay Clean

Sometimes, you might accidentally get some dirt or grime on your shoes or boots. It wouldn’t be a good idea to bring that into your vehicle or your next job. That’s where a portable mud chucker comes in handy. You can use it on the job to clean off your footwear. And if you want, you can also have a permanent one at home to keep your shoes clean before entering.

It’s important to note that dog poop can contain parasites like whipworms or roundworms. By taking a little extra care, you can prevent spreading these parasites to your next customer.

19. Goodies

Are the dogs gonna be at home while you’re at work? Yep, dogs sure do love treats. But remember, don’t give them any treats without checking with their owner first. Some pets are on special diets, you know.

20. Vehicle (optional)

You’ll need a vehicle that has a separate area for transporting poop. Or, if you prefer, you can drive with all the windows rolled down.

Other Services You Can Offer

You can also offer additional services, like taking the dogs for a walk. But keep in mind that you might have to update your insurance if you do. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered under your general liability.

It totally makes sense to clean up those leaves too. It’s hard to find the targets if the lawn is all covered up!

How do you pick up dog poop without bending over?

No worries! The long-handle pooper scoopers are here to save the day. They make it super easy to pick up poop without having to bend over.

How much should a pooper scooper company charge?

When it comes to setting your fee for pooper scooper services, start with the smallest job – picking up after one dog once a week – and go from there. You can charge more for homes with multiple dogs and larger yards. Additionally, bigger jobs like cleaning up parks or cemeteries deserve a higher fee.

My Final Thoughts

The pooper scooper business has the potential to be as big as you make it. And the best part? You can count on the loveable dogs to keep your business thriving every single day.

• Check out these 10 Pest Control Franchise Opportunities to Consider
• Discover the Best Commercial Carpet Cleaner Machines
• Explore these 50 Unusual Pet Business Ideas

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