When most people think about side hustles, they picture freelancing, online gigs, or digital content creation. But sometimes, the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places. One such overlooked business is the pet waste removal service—yes, cleaning up dog poop from yards.
It may not sound glamorous, but it’s a surprisingly profitable niche with low competition. Thousands of dog owners across the United States and other English-speaking countries are willing to pay someone else to handle this dirty job. And because few people talk about it, starting a pet waste removal business can be one of the easiest ways to earn consistent income with minimal startup costs.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about launching and growing a successful pet waste removal service—from the tools you need, to pricing strategies, to finding your first customers.
Why Pet Waste Removal is a Great Side Hustle
Low Startup Costs
Unlike many businesses, you don’t need expensive equipment or inventory. A sturdy scoop, waste bags, gloves, and perhaps a small bin are enough to get started.
High Demand
According to the American Pet Products Association, over 65 million U.S. households own at least one dog. With busy lifestyles, many owners prefer outsourcing yard cleaning.
Recession-Proof
People may cut back on luxury spending during tough times, but pet care is rarely sacrificed. Dogs still need daily walks, food, and yes—someone to clean up after them.
Low Competition
Search “dog poop removal service” in your city, and you’ll notice only a handful of local providers. This creates a perfect gap for new entrepreneurs.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before you land your first client, make sure you have the right gear:
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Pooper Scooper or Rake & Pan Set – sturdy tools designed for efficient cleanup.
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Heavy-Duty Trash Bags – for collection and disposal.
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Disposable Gloves – for hygiene and safety.
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Buckets or Bins with Lids – to transport waste securely.
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Protective Clothing/Boots – especially if working in muddy yards.
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Vehicle – optional at first, but useful for scaling your business to multiple clients.
๐ก Tip: Keep your branding visible—custom-printed bags or a magnetic car sign can also serve as marketing tools.
Steps to Start a Pet Waste Removal Service
1. Research Your Local Market
Check if competitors exist in your area. Study their pricing, service areas, and customer reviews. If there are only a few players, you’re in luck—opportunity is wide open.
2. Choose Your Business Model
Decide whether you’ll operate as:
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Solo Entrepreneur (part-time side hustle)
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Small Team (hire part-time helpers as demand grows)
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Subscription Service (weekly or bi-weekly yard cleanups for recurring income)
3. Register Your Business
Depending on your state or country, you may need a simple business license. Operating as an LLC provides liability protection.
4. Set Pricing
Common models include:
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Per Visit: $15–$25 for a single cleanup.
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Weekly Plans: $10–$20 per visit.
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Multiple Dogs: add $5–$10 extra per dog.
Example: One yard with two dogs, cleaned weekly, might generate $80–$100 per month from just one client. With 20 clients, that’s $1,600–$2,000 monthly.
5. Create a Simple Website
A basic WordPress or Wix site with your services, pricing, and contact info will help potential customers find you via Google. Optimize with keywords like pet waste removal service near me or dog poop cleanup in [your city].
6. Market Your Services
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Print flyers and leave them at pet stores, vet clinics, and dog parks.
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Post in local Facebook groups or Nextdoor.
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Offer a first cleanup discount to attract trial customers.
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Collect testimonials and photos (before & after) for credibility.
7. Establish a Disposal Method
Always check local waste regulations. Some areas allow double-bagging waste with regular trash, while others require special disposal.
How Much Money Can You Make?
Your income depends on the number of clients and frequency of service. Let’s look at a realistic example:
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20 weekly clients paying $15 each = $300 per week
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That’s about $1,200 per month working part-time (10–15 hours).
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With 50 clients, revenue can reach $3,000+ per month.
The scalability makes it ideal as either a part-time hustle or a small full-time business.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔ Low startup cost
✔ High demand, low competition
✔ Simple to operate
✔ Recurring income potential
Cons
✘ Physically dirty work
✘ Seasonal demand in some regions (snowy winters may reduce service calls)
✘ Requires good time management if scaling up
Tips for Scaling Your Pet Waste Removal Business
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Add complementary services such as dog walking, lawn deodorizing, or yard maintenance.
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Hire part-time helpers as your client base grows.
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Use scheduling software (like Jobber or Housecall Pro) to manage routes efficiently.
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Franchise opportunity: Some existing companies offer franchise models if you want to expand quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Section)
Is a pet waste removal business profitable?
Yes. With low startup costs and recurring weekly clients, profit margins can be 70% or higher.
Do I need special training or certifications?
No. However, basic knowledge of waste disposal regulations in your area is important.
How do I find my first customers?
Start with friends, neighbors, and local pet groups. Offer discounted trial cleanups to build testimonials.
How much time does it take per client?
A typical yard with one dog takes 10–15 minutes. Multiple dogs or large yards may take longer.
Conclusion
The pet waste removal service may sound unusual, but that’s exactly why it works. With almost no competition, minimal costs, and strong demand, it can be one of the easiest ways to build steady income in 2025.
Whether you’re looking for a small side hustle or a scalable business, this niche offers serious potential. So grab a scoop, print some flyers, and take the first step toward turning dog poop into profit.