How to Start a Pet Waste Removal Business

Here are the most important factors to consider when you want to start a pet waste removal business:

1. Cleaning equipment — Invest in high-quality cleaning equipment, including pooper scoopers, bags, disinfectants, and other tools needed for efficient waste removal. Reliable and effective equipment is crucial for providing a thorough service.
2. Vehicles — Obtain suitable vehicles for your pet waste removal business. These vehicles should be reliable, spacious enough to store equipment and waste, and easy to clean. Branding your vehicles can also help with marketing.
3. Scheduling software — Implement advanced scheduling software to manage client appointments, optimize routes, and ensure timely service. Efficient scheduling enhances customer satisfaction and streamlines your operations.
4. Permits and licenses — Obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate your pet waste removal business legally. This may include business licenses, health department approvals, and waste disposal permits. Check with local authorities for specific requirements.
5. Disposal methods — Develop safe and environmentally friendly methods for disposing of pet waste. This includes following local regulations for waste disposal and considering sustainable practices such as composting when appropriate.
6. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
7. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
8. Online presence — Create a professional website and maintain an active online presence. Use your website to provide information about your services, pricing, and contact details. Implement SEO strategies to attract potential customers and increase visibility online.
9. Specialization — Identify and specialize in a niche market within the pet waste removal industry, such as residential services, commercial properties, or parks and recreation areas. Specialization can help you target specific customer segments and differentiate your services from competitors.
10. Ensure timely and thorough waste removal service — Focus on providing timely and thorough waste removal services to build a strong reputation and ensure customer satisfaction.

You May Also Wonder:

Is a pet waste removal business profitable?

Pet waste removal can be profitable since the ongoing expenses are low. You’ll just need to invest in some marketing to let people know about your business.

What is the growth potential of a pet waste removal business?

A pet waste removal business can grow locally or expand to other areas. It’s also a franchise opportunity, which makes the growth potential nearly unlimited.

Can you start a pet waste removal business on the side?

A pet waste removal business could be a great side hustle. You’d just do your weekly clean-ups in your free time. You could start it as a side hustle and eventually grow it into a full time business.

Why is pet waste bad?

Pet waste can contain parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can contaminate the soil or nearby waterways. They can also infect pets and humans.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Pet waste removal industry trends

Industry size and growth

Pet waste removal is part of the pet care industry. 

• Industry size and past growth – The global pet care industry was worth $325.74 billion in 2021 after growing by an astounding 46% from the previous year.((https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/pet-care-market-104749))
• Growth forecast – The global pet care industry is projected to grow 5.6% annually through 2028.

Trends and challenges

Trends 

• Pet waste removal is the fastest growing segment of the pet care industry.
• Demand for eco-friendly pet products, including pet waste bags and deodorizers, is growing.

Challenges

• Local rules for pet waste disposal are tightening, making it necessary for pet waste removal services to keep up.
• Pet waste pickup has some dangers associated with it, making some protective gear necessary.

Consumer spending

• Average consumer spend – Dog owners spend an average of $730 per year on their dogs.((https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/#:~:text=Pet%20Ownership%20in%20the%20U.S.%20at%20a%20Glance&text=In%202022%2C%20Americans%20spent%20%24136.8,a%20year%20on%20their%20dogs.))
• Potential customer base – More than 65 million U.S. households have a dog.

How much does it cost to start a pet waste removal business?

Startup costs for a pet waste removal business range from $4,000 to $8,000. Costs include poop scooping equipment and a trailer to haul the pet waste. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your pet waste removal business, including: 

• Pooper scoopers
• Shovels
• Rakes
• Pet waste containers
• Trailer to haul pet waste

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$100 - $500	$300
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100 - $300	$200
Website	$200 - $400	$300
Poop Scoop equipment	$500 - $1,000	$750
Trailer to haul waste	$3,000 - $5,000	$4,000
Marketing budget	$200 - $400	$300.00
Total	$4,200 - $7,900	$6,050

How much can you earn from a pet waste removal business?

You can generally charge about $12 per week for regular weekly pet waste removal. A one time clean up, such as a spring clean up, will cost your customer about $100. Your profit margin should be about 90%.

In your first year or two, you could acquire 25 weekly customers and do three one time clean-ups a week, bringing in $31,200 in revenue. This would mean $28,080 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. 

As you gain traction, you might have 200 weekly customers and do 10 one time clean-ups a week. At this stage, you’d have a staff, reducing your margin to around 50%. With annual revenue of $176,800 you’d make a tidy profit of $88,400.

What barriers to entry are there?

The only real barrier to entry for a pet waste removal business is breaking into a competitive market and acquiring customers. 

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a pet waste removal business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research could give you the upper hand even if you’ve got the perfect product. Conducting robust market research is crucial, as it will help you better understand your customers, your competitors, and the broader business landscape.

Analyze your competitors 

Research pet waste removal businesses in your area and online to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews.

• Make a list of businesses that offer similar services. 
• Review your competitors’ services – their features, pricing, and quality – and marketing strategies
• Check out their online reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp, and Facebook to get an idea of what their customers like and dislike.
• Identify your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. 

This should identify areas where you can strengthen your business and gain a competitive edge to make better business decisions.

Why? Identify an opportunity

You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a pooper scooper business that does dog park clean up or that also offers cat litter changing. 

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services

In addition to yard pet waste removal, you could offer cat litter changing and disposal or even rabbit or rodent cage clean up. You could also expand your business to offer other pet care services like pet sitting or grooming. 

How much should you charge for pet waste removal?

Your prices will depend on market prices in your area, but also on your costs, including labor costs. 

Once you know your costs, use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market is pet owners, which is a broad group. You should spread out your marketing to include TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office.  You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Pet Waste Removal Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “pet waste removal” or “pet clean up”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Waste Wizards” or “Clean Sweep Pets” over “Pooch Purge” or “Kitty Klean”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead and reserve your business name with your state, start the trademark registration process, and complete your domain registration and social media account creation. 

Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick a name, reserve it and start with the branding, it’s hard to switch to a new name. So be sure to carefully consider your choice before moving forward. 

Step 4: Create a Pet Waste Removal Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Summarize the core concept of your pet waste removal service, emphasizing the problem it solves and the market opportunity.
• Business Overview: Provide an overview of your pet waste removal business, including the service areas, types of pet waste removal (e.g., residential, commercial), and any specialized services.
• Product and Services: Detail the range of services your business offers, such as one-time or subscription-based pet waste cleanup, eco-friendly waste disposal, and yard deodorizing.
• Market Analysis: Analyze the local market for pet waste removal, including the demand for such services, the target demographics (e.g., pet owners), and any seasonal variations.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify existing competitors in the pet waste removal industry, their pricing models, service quality, and any gaps in the market you can fill.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategies for acquiring customers, including online advertising, partnerships with pet-related businesses, and customer referral programs.
• Management Team: Introduce key team members, emphasizing their experience in the pet care or service industry and their roles in running the business.
• Operations Plan: Describe the day-to-day operations of your pet waste removal service, including scheduling, waste disposal methods, equipment, and employee training.
• Financial Plan: Present financial projections, including startup costs, revenue forecasts based on projected clients and pricing, expenses for marketing and equipment, and your path to profitability.
• Appendix: Include supporting documents, such as service agreements, insurance policies, marketing materials, and customer testimonials.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to pet waste removal businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your pet waste removal business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts. Here’s how to form an LLC.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation. Read how to start a corporation here.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have. 

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a pet waste removal business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.  

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a pet waste removal business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your pet waste removal business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Sweep&Go, or DoTimely, to manage your scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payments. 

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Create a website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism. You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

Your customers are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. 

Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Schedule Now”. This can sharply increase purchases. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Local Partnerships and Sponsorships: Establish partnerships with local pet stores, veterinary clinics, and dog parks to offer exclusive discounts or sponsor pet-related events, fostering community engagement.
• Door-to-Door Flyers and Coupons: Distribute flyers and coupons in residential neighborhoods, emphasizing the convenience of your service and providing a limited-time discount to encourage sign-ups.
• Social Media Challenges and Contests: Leverage social media platforms by creating fun challenges or contests that encourage pet owners to share their experiences using your services, increasing brand visibility and engagement.
• Customer Referral Programs: Implement a referral program offering discounts or free services to existing customers who refer friends or neighbors, creating a word-of-mouth marketing network.
• Educational Workshops: Host workshops at local community centers or pet-related events to educate pet owners about the importance of regular waste removal for the health of pets and the environment, subtly promoting your services.
• Mobile App Integration: Partner with pet-related mobile apps to feature your service, making it easy for users to schedule pet waste removal directly through the apps they already use for pet-related activities.
• Seasonal Promotions: Introduce seasonal promotions or themed packages, such as “Spring Clean-Up” or “Holiday Specials,” to attract attention and drive business during specific times of the year.
• Testimonials and Reviews: Collect and showcase positive testimonials from satisfied customers on your marketing materials and online platforms, building trust and credibility in your service.
• Fleet Branding: Advertise your business by prominently displaying your logo and contact information on your service vehicles, turning them into mobile advertisements as they move around the community.
• Community Events Participation: Attend local fairs, markets, or community events to set up a booth, engage with potential customers, and distribute promotional materials, fostering a direct connection with the community.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your pet waste removal business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your pert waste removal business could be:

• Relax while we scoop the poop
• Keep your yard safe – reliable weekly pet clean up
• Eco-friendly pet waste removal solutions

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a pet waste removal business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in pet waste removal for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in pet waste removal. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a pet waste removal business include:

• Pooper Scoopers – perform yard clean up
• Dispatcher – dispatch workers to jobs
• Marketing Lead – create and implement marketing strategies
• General Manager – accounting, scheduling

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Pet Waste Removal Business – Start Making Money!

A pet waste removal business isn’t glamorous, but it provides a valuable and necessary service. It can also be your avenue to getting a share of the massive pet care market. You can make a good living, and even grow your business into a franchise like Pet Butler. 

You’ve got the business part mastered, so now you’re ready to get on the road to poop scooping success!