Pet Waste - Scoop It. Bag It. Put It in the Trash.
Many people don’t realize that the little piles of waste left on the ground by their dogs can add up to big problems for people, animals, and water.
More than 20,000 dogs, of all shapes and sizes, call Kirkland their home. That's a lot of dogs and a lot of dog waste - more than 3 TONS of waste every day! This waste is essentially raw sewage that can affect public health and water quality. That means it's up to each individual dog owner to take responsibility for their dog's waste.
Scoop the poop, bag it and put it in the trash!
Effects on Health
Dog waste contains E.coli, Giardia, and roundworms, which are harmful organisms that can be transmitted to people and pets if not cleaned up. Pets, children who play outside, and adults who garden are at the greatest risk of infection.
Effects on Water Quality
When it rains, dog waste gets washed down the storm drain and into the nearest stream or lake. The organisms in dog waste can harm water quality. Children or pets that drink or play in the water can become sick.
A King County study found that nearly all fecal coliform bacteria in Juanita Creek was of animal origin, with dog waste as a major source. Pet waste also adds nitrogen and phosphorus to the water, encouraging rapid growth of algae and aquatic weeds.
Poop-scooping Tips
Luckily, the solution to this problem is quite simple. All you have to do is: 1. scoop your dog’s poop, 2. put it in a bag, 3. put it in the trash.
Scooping on walks: Keep a supply of bags near your dog’s leash. Use a bag dispenser that can be clipped to the leash. You can also use old newspaper, sandwich or bread bags. Tie bags to the leash if you don’t have pockets.
Use a bag to pick up your dog’s waste. Tie the bag shut and put it in the trash.
Scooping in the backyard: Use your poop-scooping tool of choice and bag your dog’s waste. Tie the bag securely and put it in the trash. Alternatively, you can flush your dog’s waste down the toilet, if you are on a sewer system (NOT septic!).
Helpful Links
Animal Licenses Information on licensing your dog or cat in Kirkland.
Washington Department of Ecology Dog Poop Page
Information on pet waste and water quality.