How to Start a Pet Waste Removal Business

A Step-by-Step Guide to Beginning a Pet Pooper-Scooper Service

By Rachel Carpenter (joyful327), published May 06, 2008
Published Content: 91  Total Views: 73,454  Favorited By: 8 CPs
Rating: 4.0 of 5
It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it. That phrase may sound trite, but it's true! And, that "dirty job" could be very profitable for you! Pet owners enjoy playing with their pets, walking them, teaching them tricks and more, but no sane person likes cleaning up their messes. That's what a Pet-Waste Removal Business is for! It could be a part time job to help you finance your future plans, or it could even become a lifelong career. If you are interested in this business, here are some steps and ideas to get you started:

1. Decide If You Are Fit For the Job

The first step is to determine if this occupation is truly for you. Here are some questions to consider:

Do you get grossed out easily? (If the answer is "yes" I think you know the answer to it!)
Are you very motivated?(You need to be motivated in starting any business.)
Do you have some extra money to invest? (It varies, but you need some money to get you started. It will pay for supplies, advertising, and more.)
Do you enjoy being around animals? (This one's obvious.)
Do you have reliable transportation?(You will need an excellent vehicle to get you to your client's homes.)
Can you work outside in hot or cold temperatures?
(The pets don't stop their business in bad weather.)
Can you truly imagine yourself picking up pet feces all day long?
(It's very repetitive, can you handle doing basically the same thing over and over?)
Is there a demand for this business in your area? (If you live in an area with families that are middle class or above, the business will probably do fine.)

If you still enjoy working with pets, but aren't cut out for the pet waste removal business, you might consider becoming a pet-sitter for families on vacation. Read "How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business" for more information.

2. Visit with Other Pet Waste Removal Business Owners

How to Start a Pet Waste Removal Business
How to Start a Pet Waste Removal Business

A Pet Waste Removal Business will create many happy customers, and be extremely profitable for you.

Credit: berent

Copyright: sxc.hu/berent

Takeaways
  • This article lists and discusses 17 steps for beginning a pet waste removal business.
  • Pet Waste Removal Services can be extremely profitable.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
 
 
Good job. You covered all the bases. And well-written, too.

Posted on 06/28/2008 at 10:06:20 PM

 
I've actually thought about this as a way to make extra money. (It doesn't gross me out.) My concerns are: the cost of gas, which might make it prohibitive, and the fact that I don't want to put bags of poop in my trunk. If I had a pick up I'd think more seriously about it. What the heck? It would be an easy way to make a couple bucks!

Posted on 06/10/2008 at 5:06:01 AM

 
Visit 1-800-DOG POOP.com There you will find free advice on compiled online, no download.

Posted on 06/08/2008 at 2:06:43 PM

 
This article is actually very valuable to anyone starting *any* kind of small business, as most of the advice applies. I'm busy enough just trying to keep up with our horses, let alone anyone else's animals.

Posted on 05/13/2008 at 10:05:16 AM

 
Interesting idea for self-employment. With three dogs, I have plenty of experience in pet waste removal!

Posted on 05/13/2008 at 9:05:15 AM

 
And that second photo is cute too!

Posted on 05/09/2008 at 12:05:12 AM

 
What an adorable photo! After reading the article, this is one job I'd avoid but I think you covered the topic very well, from the ground up, so to speak ;) Five stars!

Posted on 05/09/2008 at 12:05:26 AM

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