Many people ask, “How much does it cost to get rid of dog poop?” The price for professional dog poop removal services usually ranges from $10 to $25 per week for one dog. If you have more dogs or need a one-time clean-up, the cost goes up. This guide will tell you all about dog yard cleaning cost, including weekly poop pickup fees, monthly pet waste disposal expense, and how different things change the price.
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Grasping Dog Poop Removal Costs
Dog owners love their pets, but cleaning up after them can be a big job. A clean yard is nice for everyone. It also keeps your family and pets safe from germs. This is where a professional dog waste removal service comes in. They come to your home and clean up all the dog waste. This saves you time and effort. Many people wonder about pooper scooper service prices. These prices change based on many things. We will look at typical costs for different services. We will also look at what makes the price go up or down.
Average Cost of Dog Poop Scooping
The cost to have dog poop removed varies. It depends on how often you need service and how many dogs you have. Most companies charge less per visit if you sign up for regular service. They charge more for a single, one-time clean-up.
Let’s look at some average costs:
- Weekly Service: This is the most common choice. For one dog, you might pay about $10 to $18 per week. For two dogs, it could be $15 to $25 per week. Each extra dog usually adds $3 to $5 to the weekly fee.
- Bi-Weekly Service: Some people choose service every two weeks. This often costs a bit more per visit than weekly service. For one dog, it could be $18 to $28 per visit. For two dogs, it might be $25 to $35 per visit.
- Monthly Service: Less frequent service means a higher price per visit. For one dog, monthly service might be $30 to $50 per visit. For two dogs, it could be $40 to $60 per visit.
- One-Time Cleanup: This is often the most expensive per visit. If your yard has a lot of old waste, it takes more work. A one-time dog poop cleanup fee can range from $50 to $150 or even more. It depends on how much poop there is and how big your yard is.
These are just typical ranges. Your actual cost may be different. Local companies set their own pet waste removal rates.
Deciphering Weekly Poop Pickup Fees
Weekly poop pickup is popular because it keeps your yard clean all the time. It stops waste from building up. This helps reduce smells and germs. Most families with one or two dogs choose weekly service.
How much does weekly poop pickup cost?
For one dog, expect to pay around $10 to $18 each week.
For two dogs, the price goes up to about $15 to $25 per week.
If you have three or more dogs, add another $3 to $5 per dog per week.
Many companies offer small discounts if you pay for a month or a few months at once. This can save you a little bit over time. The weekly poop pickup fees are often the best deal for a consistently clean yard.
Table: Typical Weekly Poop Pickup Fees
| Number of Dogs | Average Weekly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 Dog | $10 – $18 |
| 2 Dogs | $15 – $25 |
| 3 Dogs | $18 – $30 |
| 4+ Dogs | $20 – $35+ |
Note: These are average costs. Prices can change based on your location and yard size.
Monthly Pet Waste Disposal Expense
Some homeowners do not need weekly cleanups. Maybe their dogs use different areas of the yard. Or maybe they just want less frequent service. For these people, monthly pet waste disposal expense might be a better fit.
What is the monthly cost?
Monthly service often costs more per visit than weekly service. But you have fewer visits in total. So your overall monthly pet waste disposal expense might be similar or slightly higher than if you paid for weekly service.
For a single dog, a monthly visit might cost $30 to $50.
For two dogs, it could be $40 to $60 per month.
For three or more dogs, add $5 to $10 for each extra dog.
This service is good for yards that do not get a lot of use or for small dogs that produce less waste. It is important to know that a monthly cleanup means more poop will build up between visits. This can lead to more smell and a less clean yard for a longer time.
Factors Affecting Poop Removal Cost
Many things can change the final price of dog poop removal. Knowing these factors helps you understand why quotes vary. It also helps you get the best deal. Here are the main factors affecting poop removal cost:
A. Number of Dogs
This is a big factor. More dogs mean more poop. It takes more time and effort to clean up after many dogs.
* One Dog: This is the base price.
* Multiple Dogs: Most companies charge extra for each dog after the first one. This extra charge is usually $3 to $10 per added dog per visit.
B. Yard Size and Terrain
A big yard takes more time to cover. A small yard is quicker.
* Small Yards: Often the cheapest.
* Large Yards: Can add $5 to $20 to the price per visit.
* Complex Yards: Yards with lots of bushes, tricky corners, or steep slopes take longer to clean. This can also increase the cost. If your yard has tall grass, it makes finding poop harder. This can also raise the price.
C. Service Frequency
How often you want the service impacts the price per visit.
* Weekly: Often the lowest price per visit. This is because the amount of poop is smaller each time.
* Bi-weekly (Every two weeks): Higher price per visit than weekly. There is more poop to clean.
* Monthly: Highest price per visit for regular service. A lot of poop builds up.
* One-Time Cleanup: This is often the most expensive per visit. This is because it is a special job. It usually involves a lot of old waste.
D. Initial Cleanup Condition
If you are signing up for regular service, some companies ask for an initial cleanup. This is a one-time fee before regular service starts.
* Very Poopy Yard: If your yard has not been cleaned in a long time, there will be a lot of waste. This “first-time” cleanup can cost $50 to $200. This is like a special one-time dog poop cleanup fee. This covers the extra time and effort needed to clear all the old waste.
* Already Clean Yard: If your yard is already fairly clean, some companies might skip this fee or charge less.
E. Location
Prices change from city to city and state to state.
* High-Cost-of-Living Areas: Cities where everything costs more (like New York, Los Angeles, or big cities in California) will have higher pet waste removal rates.
* Lower-Cost-of-Living Areas: Rural areas or smaller towns usually have lower prices.
* Travel Distance: If you live far from the company’s main area, they might charge a travel fee.
F. Additional Services
Some companies offer more than just scooping.
* Deodorizing: Spraying your yard to get rid of smells. This might add $5 to $15 per visit.
* Yard Sanitizing: Using special cleaners to kill germs. This can be important for pet health. This might add $10 to $25 per visit.
* Washing Patios/Decks: Cleaning areas where pets might leave waste.
* Waste Haul Away: Most services include taking the waste with them. Some might just bag it and leave it in your trash. Make sure you know what they do.
G. Discount Offers
Many companies offer discounts.
* New Customer Deals: Look for first-time customer discounts.
* Referral Programs: Get money off if you tell a friend who signs up.
* Pre-Payment Discounts: Pay for 3, 6, or 12 months at once to save money.
* Senior or Military Discounts: Some companies offer these.
One-Time Dog Poop Cleanup Fee Explained
The one-time dog poop cleanup fee is for a single service. This is perfect for certain situations:
* Moving In/Out: Cleaning a yard before selling a house or after moving into a new one.
* Parties or Events: Getting the yard ready for guests.
* Seasonal Cleanups: Clearing out all the winter or fall buildup.
* Neglected Yards: If a yard has been left alone for a long time and has a lot of waste.
These cleanups are often more expensive than regular service. This is because they take more time. There is much more waste to find and remove. The cost can range from $50 to $150 or more. The final price depends on how much poop there is, the size of the yard, and how long it takes. Some companies charge by the hour for these jobs. Others give a flat rate after seeing the yard. Always ask for a quote before they start.
Residential Pet Waste Removal Pricing Models
Companies price their residential pet waste removal pricing in a few ways. Knowing these models helps you compare services.
-
Flat Rate Per Visit (Most Common):
- This is a set price for each visit.
- The price changes based on the number of dogs and how often they visit (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
- Example: $15 for one dog weekly, $22 for two dogs weekly.
-
Tiered Pricing:
- Prices are grouped into tiers based on yard size or number of dogs.
- Example: Small yard tier, Medium yard tier, Large yard tier. Or 1-2 dogs tier, 3-4 dogs tier.
-
Hourly Rate (Less Common for Regular Service, More for One-Time):
- Some companies charge by the hour.
- This is often used for big, messy cleanups or special projects.
- Hourly rates can be $30 to $60 per hour.
-
Subscription/Package Deals:
- Pay for a few months or a year upfront.
- Often comes with a discount compared to paying week by week.
- Some packages include extra services like deodorizing.
When looking at residential pet waste removal pricing, ask for a clear breakdown. Make sure you know what is included. Ask about any extra fees.
Getting Professional Dog Waste Removal Quotes
Getting quotes is smart. It helps you find the best service and price. Here is how to get good professional dog waste removal quotes:
- Look Online: Search for “dog poop removal near me” or “pooper scooper service [your city]”.
- Ask for Recommendations: Talk to friends, neighbors, or local pet groups. They might know good companies.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least 2-3 different companies. This helps you compare prices and services.
- Be Ready to Share Details: When you call, be ready to tell them:
- Your address.
- How many dogs you have.
- Your yard size (small, medium, large) or how big it is in square feet.
- How often you want service (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, one-time).
- How long it has been since the yard was last cleaned.
- If you need any extra services (like deodorizing).
- Ask Key Questions:
- “What is your base price for my number of dogs and service frequency?”
- “Do you charge an initial cleanup fee?”
- “Are there any other hidden fees?”
- “What do you do with the waste after you pick it up?” (Do they take it or leave it in your trash?)
- “Are you insured?” (Important for your peace of mind.)
- “Do you offer any discounts?”
- “What happens if there’s bad weather?”
A good company will give you a clear quote. They should answer all your questions. Do not feel rushed. Take your time to compare offers.
Deciding Between DIY and Professional Dog Yard Cleaning Cost
You might wonder if you should clean up poop yourself or pay someone. Let’s look at the pros and cons for each. Think about the dog yard cleaning cost for both options.
Doing It Yourself (DIY)
Pros:
* Free (mostly): You only pay for bags and a scoop.
* Flexible Schedule: You can clean whenever you want.
* Good Exercise: It gets you outside and moving.
Cons:
* Time-Consuming: It takes time out of your day.
* Unpleasant: It is dirty and smelly work.
* Inconsistent: You might miss spots. You might not clean as often as needed.
* Health Risks: Contact with dog waste can spread germs and parasites.
* Storage: You need a place to keep the scoop and bags.
Hiring a Professional
Pros:
* Saves Time: You get your time back.
* Convenience: Someone else does the dirty work.
* Consistency: Your yard stays clean all the time.
* Thorough Cleaning: Pros are good at finding all the waste.
* Health Benefits: A clean yard reduces germs and smells.
* No Equipment Needed: You do not need to buy or store scoops.
* Peace of Mind: Your yard is clean and safe.
Cons:
* Cost: It is an added expense.
* Scheduling: You rely on their schedule.
* Access: You need to give them access to your yard.
When is professional service worth the cost?
- If you have a busy life and little free time.
- If you do not like cleaning up poop.
- If you have a large yard or many dogs.
- If you want your yard to always be very clean and safe.
- If you have health issues that make cleaning hard.
For many people, the convenience and health benefits of a professional service make the cost worthwhile. It frees up your time for other things you enjoy.
Maximizing Value: Tips for Cost Savings
While professional service costs money, there are ways to get good value and save a bit.
- Choose Weekly Service: For most homes, weekly service offers the best price per visit. Less poop builds up, making each cleanup quicker. This lowers the cost per visit.
- Ask for Discounts: Always ask about discounts for new customers, seniors, military, or pre-paying for service. A professional dog waste removal quotes might include these, but it is good to ask.
- Refer Friends: Many companies have referral programs. If you send them a new customer, you might get a discount on your next service.
- Compare Quotes: Do not just pick the first company you find. Get a few professional dog waste removal quotes to compare prices and services.
- Know Your Needs: Do not pay for services you do not need. If you only need a basic scoop, say so. Avoid extra services like deodorizing if you do not want them.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep your grass cut short. Clear away leaves and debris. This makes it easier for the scooper to find poop. An easier job can sometimes lead to better pricing over time, especially for flat rates.
- Consider Bi-Weekly for Low-Waste Homes: If you have a small dog or your dog spends little time in the yard, bi-weekly service might be enough. This can save you money compared to weekly service. But remember, the yard will be less clean between visits.
Conclusion
Keeping your yard clean of dog waste is important. It helps keep your family and pets healthy. It also makes your outdoor space enjoyable. The cost of dog poop removal services varies a lot. It depends on how many dogs you have, your yard size, and how often you need service.
Weekly service for one dog is often $10-$18. A one-time cleanup can be $50-$150. These are just averages. Always get professional dog waste removal quotes from local companies. Compare their pooper scooper service prices and services.
While paying for this service is an added cost, many pet owners find it very valuable. It gives them back time. It keeps their yard clean without them doing the dirty work. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a pro, a clean yard is a happy yard for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should I get dog poop removed?
A1: Most people choose weekly service. This keeps the yard cleanest and prevents smells. If you have only one small dog or your dog is rarely in the yard, bi-weekly or monthly service might be okay.
Q2: Do I need to be home when the service comes?
A2: No, usually you do not need to be home. Most services just need access to your yard. Make sure your gate is unlocked or provide a key/code if needed.
Q3: What happens to the dog poop after it’s picked up?
A3: Most professional services bag the waste and take it with them for proper disposal. Some may bag it and leave it in your outdoor trash bin. Always ask the company their policy.
Q4: Do these services work in all weather conditions?
A4: Most services work in light rain or snow. Heavy storms, deep snow, or extreme heat might cause delays. Companies usually have a plan for bad weather, like rescheduling or skipping a week. Check their policy.
Q5: Is professional poop removal better than doing it myself?
A5: Professional removal saves you time and effort. It ensures a thorough and regular cleaning. It also reduces exposure to germs. If you are busy or do not like the task, it is often a better choice. Doing it yourself saves money but takes time and effort.
Q6: Can professional services handle large amounts of waste?
A6: Yes, they are set up for it. For very messy yards, they often charge a higher one-time dog poop cleanup fee. This covers the extra work needed to clear old buildup.
Q7: Do companies offer a guarantee for their service?
A7: Many reputable companies offer a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with a cleaning, they might come back to fix it at no extra cost. Ask about their guarantee when you get a quote.