Turn a poop scoop side hustle Into a Money-Making business
Let’s be real – when someone says: “I’m starting a poop scoop business,” it usually earns a few raised eyebrows.
But here’s the truth: what others see as messy, you can see as money.
Pet waste removal is one of the most underrated and profitable side hustles out there, and with the right strategy, you can grow it into a thriving business.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty (pun intended!) and see how you can make this happen.
Why a Poop Scoop Business is a Hidden Goldmine
1. Poop = Profit
Pet ownership is on the rise, with millions of households owning dogs – and guess what comes with dogs?
Poop. Lots of it.
Busy pet owners are more than happy to pay someone to deal with it for them. It’s one of those “gross but necessary” tasks that people outsource without a second thought.
2. Low Startup Costs
You don’t need fancy equipment or a big investment to start.
A good pooper scooper, some heavy-duty waste bags, and a pair of gloves will get you started. Oh, and don’t forget a bucket and some sturdy shoes – things can get messy!
3. Steady, Recurring Income
The beauty of this business is its recurring nature.
Pet owners need their yards cleaned weekly or bi-weekly, which means consistent income. Plus, you can upsell additional services like yard deodorizing or dog walking.
How Swoop Scoop Built a Seven-Figure Business Cleaning Up After Pets
Swoop Scoop is a thriving example of how a simple idea can grow into a highly successful business.
Based in the Pacific Northwest, Swoop Scoop was founded by William Milliken and Levi Swartz and has since become a seven-figure company specializing in pet waste removal.
What started as a small operation addressing a practical problem for pet owners, cleaning up dog waste, quickly expanded due to growing demand.
According to Swoop Scoop their average customer pays around $105/month for services.
Their monthly recurring revenue varies based on the time of year. Last year they peaked at over $200,000/month in revenue. And they expect to grow way past that this year.
Employee counts also vary depending on the time of year, over the last 12 months they fluctuated between 15 – 30 employees depending on seasonality.
Here’s how Swoop Scoop got their very first clients:
They got the first 15 – 20 customers by posting in free buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook. And once they got some money, they invested it into marketing, like running Google ads, Facebook ads, and eventually they got their trucks wrapped.
Their most successful marketing channels are:
- FB Ads is number 1 for getting new clients
- Google is 2nd
- and 3rd are their Truck Wraps
They have also started to implement sms & email remarketing campaigns that is also proving to be highly effective.
Swoop Scoop’s success lies in their commitment to quality and innovative operations, such as employing environmentally safe disposal practices, using technology for efficient scheduling, and providing clear communication with clients.
This story demonstrates that even a humble service like dog waste removal can become a lucrative venture with hard work, excellent service, and the ability to meet an overlooked need.
If you’re considering a similar business, Swoop Scoop’s journey shows how far determination and strategic thinking can take you.
How to Get Started: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gear Up Without Breaking the Bank
Here’s what you need to start:
- Pooper Scooper: A durable, lightweight scooper is essential.
- Waste Bags: Biodegradable options are a great upsell and eco-friendly.
- Disposable Gloves: Buy in bulk to save money.
- Bucket or Bin: You’ll need something to transport waste.
- Comfortable Shoes: Trust me, you’ll be walking a lot, and preferably waterproof shoes.
Step 2: Set Your Prices
Pricing is everything.
Start by researching local competitors (if there are any) and see what they charge. Common rates range from $10 – $20 per yard, per visit. Offer packages like:
- Weekly Cleanups: $15 per visit.
- Bi-Weekly Cleanups: $20 per visit.
- One-Time Deep Clean: $50 or more.
You can also charge extra if they have more than one dog.
Make it easy for clients to book recurring services – this is your bread and butter.
Step 3: Market Like a Pro
Here’s how to find your first customers:
- Facebook and Instagram: Post in local community groups, create a business page, and use hashtags like #DogLover and #PetServices.
- Flyers: Hit up dog parks, pet stores, and vet offices. A bright, funny flyer (e.g., “We Scoop the Poop So You Don’t Have To!”) will grab attention.
- Referrals: Offer discounts for every new customer your current clients refer. Word-of-mouth is huge.
- Partner with Pet Businesses: Team up with dog walkers, groomers, and trainers – they can refer clients to you.
Tips for Making Your Business Stand Out
1. Go Green
Offer biodegradable bags and eco-friendly waste disposal.
2. Offer Add-Ons
Upselling is key to increasing your income. Some ideas:
- Lawn deodorizing sprays.
- Seasonal cleanups (fall leaves and pet waste removal combo).
- Kennel cleaning services.
3. Get Branded
A uniform or even a branded cap adds credibility.
Challenges (and How to Handle Them)
- Gross Factor: Let’s not sugarcoat it – scooping poop isn’t glamorous. But think about the money, not the mess.
- Weather Woes: Rain or shine, the poop keeps coming. Invest in waterproof gear like boots and a rain jacket.
- Disposal Regulations: Research local waste disposal laws to make sure you’re compliant. Ensure that you follow proper waste disposal practices. Dog waste can be harmful to the environment, so offer a safe and responsible way of disposing of it. Some businesses even partner with waste management services to ensure eco-friendly disposal
How to Scale Your Poop Scoop Business
So, you’ve got a few steady clients—now what? Time to level up!
1. Hire Help
Once you’ve hit your limit, bring in an extra pair of hands. Train them to deliver the same level of service.
2. Expand Your Services
Add options like:
- Dog walking.
- Pet sitting.
- Yard cleanup for events or seasonal needs.
3. Expand Your Territory
Advertise in neighboring neighborhoods or towns. A simple website with online booking will make scaling easier.
Affiliate Marketing Ideas
Affiliate marketing is a great way to add passive income to your poop scoop business. As a part of your blog or business website, you can include:
- Pet Supplies: Recommend items like poop scoopers, waste bags, and gloves.
- Pet Accessories: Promote dog collars, leashes, or toys.
- Pet Health Products: Supplements, flea treatments, and eco-friendly shampoos.
- Outdoor Cleaning Products: Suggest lawn deodorizing sprays or tools for yard maintenance.
- Books for Pet Owners: Suggest helpful reads like training guides or funny pet stories.
Use Amazon Associates links to direct customers to these products. A blog post on “Essential Tools for Pet Owners” or “How to Keep Your Yard Pet-Friendly” can naturally include affiliate links.
How Much Can You Earn?
Here’s a breakdown for if you’re just starting your poop scoop side hustle:
- 1 Yard Per Day: At $15/yard, you’ll make $105 per week (7 clients).
- 5 Yards Per Day: At $15/yard, you’re looking at $525 per week.
- Add Extras: Offerups like deodorizing sprays or holiday cleanups, and you can easily push your weekly income over $600.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Get Your Hands Dirty
Sure, it’s not the most glamorous side hustle, but the poop scoop business is one of the simplest ways to earn real money. With low startup costs, recurring clients, and room for growth, this could be your golden ticket to financial freedom.
So grab your scooper, toss on those gloves, and start building your empire – one yard at a time. Who knew cleaning up could be so rewarding?
Ready to start? Check out the tools I recommend in this post and get scooping!
