Failing to clean up after your pet is both unpleasant and a nuisance. When poop left on sidewalks and lawns, it is carried into nearby rivers, lakes and streams when it rains, polluting the water and creating a health hazard for people.
What Can You Do?
Picking up after your pet is part of being a good neighbor and responsible pet owner. And in most places, it is the law. Your neighbors will avoid "unpleasant surprises" and you will help protect nearby streams.
Doing the right thing is easy! Pick up after your pet every time. It only takes a minute. Simply SCOOP the poop, BAG it, TIE it closed and TOSS it in the trash.
- When walking your pet, take a bag with you. Tie the bags on the leash if you don't have a pocket or pack.
- Keep a supply of bags handy near your dog leash, by the door, or in your car.
- When at home, long-handled pooper scoopers available at pet stores make it easy to pick up after pets without stooping over.
- Make use of pet waste stations when available.
Help spread the word! Talk to your family and friends about stormwater pollution and picking up after their pets!