Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use Sgt Pooper's dog waste yard cleanup service?

dog waste spreads germs Dog poop is not “fertilizer” any more than human waste is fertilizer. Harmful organisms embedded in dog waste persist for weeks and can be transmitted to children and adults. If it’s on your grass, it’s on your carpet and soon on your feet. Sgt Poopers^® cleans up the mess and keeps your Dallas yard clean and beautiful throughout the year.

How does your service work?

We visit your home on a scheduled day. We scoop your yard and bag the waste. City ordinance requires it be disposed of in the trash where it goes to the local landfill where it is contained to protect the environment. We'll notify you if we see anything abnormal in your dog's stool that may be cause for concern (for example, worms, foreign objects, or loose stool). For your pet(s) and family's protection we use veterinarian-approved disinfectants to clean our equipment and shoes prior to and after each service.

Do you use biodegradable plastic bags?

New studies (click here to read) have shown that "biodegradable" plastic bags damage the environment far more than regular plastic. As it degrades without oxygen in landfills, bio-plastic releases large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Just because it is "biodegradable" does not mean it is good or environmentally healthy.

How often should I schedule service?

We clean up doggie landminds There are 1.2 million dogs in North Central Texas — a Dallas-sized city’s worth of untreated raw sewage sitting in our backyards. Just like human waste, canine fecal matter is not “fertilizer.” It should be picked up 1-2 times a week before it is washed into the nearest lake, river or groundwater by your lawn’s sprinkler system or by the rain. Additionally, experts recommend frequent cleanings to minimize the danger from pathogens harmful to humans. Owners of several dogs should give us a call so we can recommend the best service for you.

What areas do you service?

We currently service downtown Dallas (high rises), North Dallas, East Dallas, Uptown, Lakewood, M-Streets, Turtle Creek, Preston Hollow, Bluff View, Highland Park, University Park, White Rock Lake, Lake Highlands, Hollywood Heights, Forest Hills, Swiss Avenue, Richardson and Addison.

Do I need to sign a contract?

No contract is necessary. You are only required to sign a statement that,
1. Gives us permission to come onto your property on service days,
2. Outlines rate structure and billing terms, and
3. States that service is month-to-month and may be canceled any time by either party.

Is there an initial service fee?

There may be supplemental fee for the first service if there is an excessive accumulation of waste. This will be discussed with you before service is rendered.

Can my dog be in the yard while you're scooping?

Pathogens can live for weeks in the grass In most cases, yes. We love dogs and get along well with them. But to ensure the safety of all parties involved we request that if your dog is not good with strangers, please restrain or confine it on service days.

Should I unlock my gate?

Yes, please give us a key, supply the combination, or unlock your gate on the scheduled service day as we do not jump or climb fences.

Can I schedule service for a certain day?

We scoop your dog's poop Our service days are based on location; however, if you have a special event and your yard needs to be in top shape, we can arrange for a regular service day to be changed for that event. Extra charges may apply.

Will the rain affect our service?

We generally work regardless of the weather. However, heavy rain or lightning will force us to postpone our visit until the next day or later that week.

What if I want to skip a day?

We ask that you call us at least 24 hours in advance to notify us. If excessive waste accumulates during skipped days, you may be charged extra when service resumes.

What if I forget to unlock my gate?

This cloud has a silver lining. We have to charge you for any service call. However, the following week we will not charge you extra even though we will be doing twice as much work. So in the end, you will not be penalized.

Are you insured?

Yes, we carry full liability insurance.

What is your schedule on holidays?

Should your service day fall on a holiday, your service will take place on the following week day. Services will resume back to their normal schedule day the following week. We observe the following days: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Sgt Pooper cleans dog waste from yards on a weekly basis

Fido Facts

Fido Facts

The following statistics were compiled from the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA).

Dogs

Ten percent of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter
People own approximately 74.8 million dogs in the United States
Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog
Most owners (63 percent) own one dog
Twenty-five percent of owners own two dogs
Twelve percent of owners own three or more dogs
On average, owners have almost two dogs (1.7)
The proportion of male to female dogs is even
On average, dog owners spent $219 on veterinary visits (vaccine, well visits) annually
Seventy-five percent of owned dogs are spayed or neutered

Cats

Eighteen percent of owned cats were adopted from an animal shelter
There are approximately 88.3 million owned cats in the United States
Nearly 34 percent of U.S. households (or 38.4 million) own at least one cat
Fifty-six percent of owners own more than one cat
On average, owners have two cats (2.3)
More female cats are owned than male cats (73 percent vs. 63 percent respectively)
Cat owners spent an average of $175 on routine veterinary visits
Eighty-seven percent of owned cats are spayed or neutered

Poop Facts 1

Transmission of Disease

Harmful diseases can be transferred to children

Harmful organisms that can be transmitted from pet waste to children and adults can persist for on the ground for weeks. And if it’s in the grass, it’s in your carpet, on your feet and in your bed. Fecal coliform and other bacteria found in dog waste can make people sick. Learn more...

Pet Waste Contamination of Water

EPA findings on the threat of pet waste on our water supply

While livestock are the greatest contributor of animal waste, perhaps the least suspected source of animal waste is man’s very own best friend. Pets, particularly dogs, are significant contributors to source water contamination. Learn more...

Poop Facts 2

What's the Fecal Matter with our Water?

With 1.2 million dogs in North Texas, the dog is now a major source of pollution

In the mid-1990s, scientists perfected methods for tracking the origin of nasty bacteria in streams and seawater. From Clearwater, Fla., to Arlington, Va., to Boise the trail has led straight to the hunched-up dog — and to owners who don't pick up after their pets. Learn more...

Sgt. Poopers Weekly Regimen

Sgt. Pooper will cleans up dog waste and keeps your yard spotless

After you schedule Sgt. Pooper’s cleaning, a service manager will come to your yard on a scheduled day, typically Monday through Friday, to meet your dog and clean your yard. We keep the mess clean and give you a healthier, beautiful yard. Learn more...

Poop Facts 3

Dog Poop is Sewage not "Fertilizer"

If you thought China, Peru or Russia was polluted, perhaps you should first check your backyard. With 1.2 million dogs in North Central Texas, that’s the sewage equivalent of a city the size of Dallas with no toilets. Local dogs produce some 900,000 pounds of sewage per day, much of it contaminating the environment, especially groundwater, area lakes and the Trinity River.

Learn more...

Poop Facts 4

The Open Sewer in your Backyard

Hidden in the midst of North Central Texas is a city with a population of 1.2 million. It’s as large as the city of Dallas itself, but without a single flushing toilet. That’s right. A metropolis equivalent to the 9th largest city in the United States but completely devoid of any sewage system other than “the backyard.”