Dog ownership brings companionship, joy, and physical activity to thousands of residents across the D.C. area. But with more than 200,000 dogs living in the District and surrounding suburbs, there’s a messy problem piling up in parks, sidewalks, and neighborhoods: uncollected dog poop.
“D.C. resident venting moment: why is there so much dog poop throughout the city? Dog owners, us (D.C.) natives have made great accommodations for you— Whole Foods, increased height restrictions on row homes, and [a] yoga studio on every corner,” social media user Damelia wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “All we ask is that you clean up your dogs [poop].”
Many pet owners don’t realize that dog waste isn’t just an unsightly nuisance—it’s a serious environmental hazard.
Unlike manure from herbivores such as cows or horses, dog feces is not compostable. It is highly acidic and loaded with pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, and parasites like roundworms and hookworms. When left on the ground, especially near storm drains, this waste gets washed into local waterways during rainfall.
That means the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers — already under pressure from urban runoff — get a dangerous dose of bacteria and nitrogen, which can deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.
EPA Classifies Dog Waste
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dog waste is classified as a non-point source pollutant, putting it in the same category as oil, pesticides, and toxic chemicals. One study found that just two or three days’ worth of droppings from 100 dogs can contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay to swimming and shell fishing.
The Anacostia River has long struggled with pollution. Decades of stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, and litter have earned it the nickname “D.C.’s forgotten river.”
While recent efforts to clean it up—including green infrastructure projects and the nearly $2.6 billion DC Clean Rivers Project—have shown progress, uncollected dog waste continues to be a stubborn source of contamination. In fact, elevated levels of fecal bacteria regularly trigger swimming advisories, and dog poop plays a measurable role.
The Potomac River, often seen as the city’s scenic escape, isn’t immune either. Although generally cleaner than the Anacostia, it still suffers from stormwater pollution. Every time it rains, the pet waste left behind on sidewalks and grassy areas can be carried directly into the river. This not only threatens water quality but also endangers fish, birds, and the broader ecosystem.
“Just because dog waste isn’t still on the ground after a rain, it didn’t actually vanish,” said Trey Sherard of the Anacostia Riverkeepers. “The watershed is 176 square miles all draining to the Anacostia River, so any dog waste that isn’t picked up in that area will be in the river after a rain.”
He emphasized the dire need to keep water free from dog waste, and the potential dangers of not addressing the issue.
“While DC Water and WSSC have made huge leaps forward in reducing human sewage in the Anacostia River, especially in the last two years,” Sharard continued, “dog waste is still poop and it still brings bacteria and other pathogens into the river that count against the water quality we need to make the river swimmable.”
D.C. Regulates Dog Waste
According to the D.C. government website, District law requires all dog walkers to pick up their dogs’ poop unless it is a registered seeing eye dog.
Beyond the environmental cost, there’s a social cost, too. Neighborhood disputes over unattended pet waste are common, and they damage the sense of community many strive for. Some cases make their way to Small Claims Court for serious or repeated issues.
As for elderly or disabled residents, or even busy professionals, picking up after pets can be difficult leading to more poop left behind.
That’s where professional dog poop removal services come in. These companies specialize in weekly or biweekly cleanups of yards, apartment complexes, and dog parks.
They ensure that waste is properly disposed of and doesn’t enter the water system. Many even offer deodorizing treatments and visual inspections to ensure that spaces remain clean and safe.
The D.C. government offers these tips to pet owners:
- Keep your yard clean by picking up poop every day. Throw your pet’s waste in the trash or flush it down the toilet.
- Carry disposable plastic bags with you on walks, and bring extras just in case. They don’t have to be fancy; old produce, bread, or newspaper bags work just as well.
- Place bagged waste in your own trash can or a public litter can. It’s illegal and not neighborly to use another resident’s can.
- Never throw or leave bags of poop on the ground or in a storm drain
- Set a good example to other dog owners. Carry extra bags and offer them to another dog owner who needs one.
Poop Removers to the Rescue
Jimmy Gifford, owner of DMV Poop Patrol, said he ventured into the dog poop removal business to keep his employees working during the winter when his restaurant business slows down.
He said he launched the company last November, and today he has 65 customers, and the calls keep coming from dog owners in the areas he serves in D.C. and Maryland.
“People are busy,” Gifford said, “and now that they are no longer working from home, their schedules don’t include time to clean their backyards on top of so many other responsibilities.”
He told The Informer he charges affordable prices and his services not only keep backyards clean, but maintain peace in the household as well.
“The price we charge, about $20 per week depending on the number of dogs and the yard size,” he continued, “is worth it over fighting with family members about who’s going to clean up the yard.”
Poop scooping companies, according to the DMV Poop Patrol website, can make a huge difference in quality of life overall.
“Using a pet waste removal company like DMV Poop Patrol means convenience, better hygiene, odor control, and environmental care,” the website says, “all while enhancing the beauty and usability of your outdoor spaces.”
