Pooper Scooper Business?

[FlyingA]

Has anyone looked into starting a pet waste removal (i.e. pooper scooper) business? I keep running across articles that mention it as a high-profit, low-cost venture to start. I'm wondering if there is a market for such a service in our are (pop. 30,000) or if it's too small. Any pet owners on the board who would consider using a service? Or anybody who currently uses one? From what I see it averages around $10 a week. Thanks in advance for the feedback!

[omahamom]

I don't use a pooper scooper business, but I know there are several in my town. The overhead is certainly low, other than advertising and mileage. I think if your price was right, you might find some support in your town. Good luck with your decision!

Stacey
www.petlane.com/staceywatson
Stacey's SnipPETs

[BarbB]

There's a good article at Unusual Pet Careers : Pet Sitting Business Tips - Pet Sitting Coach - Pet Sitting Business Coaching with a link for more information. There are also franchises for this service.

Best of luck in your venture.

[vrchards]

That articles is very informative and after reading I think it can be started in California and my wife is also veterinary doctor so I think It will be helpful for me..But The thing is that How the people will know about this service? Should I go for Internet marketing or should I use local news paper.

[BarbB]

You should market both ways. Any type marketing you can afford will help get your name out there. You have a great resource with your wife being a vet. Make a website. Certainly have magnets on your car. See if you can leave business cards at other vets and groomers offices. Pass out cards at dog parks.

[lesley robertson8]

I have used a service in the past and stopped. They only came twice a week and I hated having the stuff laying in the yard so long. You could pay more and have them come more frequently, however, it was very costly. I forgot the exact cost but with the recession still going on, I wonder if people will pay for this luxury?

Now, when we go out of town, we will just hire a neighborhood kid to do it for a much lower price.

Just my experience with it.

[llcukrowicz]

I live in Indiana and work at a large veterinary hospital. One of our clients has a business and charges $7 per dog per yard, no matter the size of the yard. He also has a separate landscape business that is successful in town, but mostly keeps the businesses separate.

[msuggitt]

Definately seems to be a market as there certainly are a lot of dog owners and even cities are now advertising & catering to dogs (dog friendly cities).
How fun, you really could play up ads with humor to catch attention (theres certainly lots to work with) as Pooper Scoopers like "we're number 1 in a number 2 business"..... you get people to laugh & they'll always remember your name - and who to call!
Your idea is also a great example of a small business type where you could get a lot of free publicity like news articles, radio & such especially if you go in "loud and proud" good luck

[Baya]

I would avail if there is one here in our area. I have 2 adult dogs and 1 puppy and I could certainly use the help.

[ScooperDuper]

Before you start a pooper scooper business you may want to see how much competition you already have.

There are several web directories that scoopers advertise on.

Professional Pooper-Scooper Service Information

Pooper Scooper Index

Pooper Scooper | Dog Poop & Dog Waste Disposal | Business Directory

Plus check craigslist for pooper scooper ads. It's probably not a bad idea to find out what else is out there before you invest a bunch of time and money.