One of the key pet-related challenges cities face is getting pet owners to clean up pet waste when walking their dogs or visiting public spaces. Since 2018, Washington, D.C., a certified city in the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, has managed a creative program to help address this need.

Drawing Attention with Memorable Messages

Working with Humane Rescue Alliance and with support from Mars Petcare, the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs launched educational signs around the city to encourage pet owners to pick up pet waste.

Cheeky language and bright design helped draw attention to messages and make them memorable.

Beyond Educating to Enabling

The city also installed pet waste bag dispensers in 10 neighborhoods around the city, making it even easier for people to make the right choice and pick up after pets. Messages on the dispensers further reinforce the importance of picking up for good health.

Based on data gathered in the first year, the program expanded in 2019 with additional waste bag dispensers in more strategic locations around the city.

The bag stations are maintained by community volunteers and the city provides contact information for questions or reporting maintenance issues.

Providing Tips Online

The program also offers tips online for pet owners, encouraging them to:

• Keep your yard clean by picking up poop every day.
• 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.

In addition, the city offers a downloadable poster that residents can print out to put in their yard.

Learn more about the “Pride is Picking Up” program here.

Want more tips? Check out the Responsible Pet Ownership Communication Toolkit for help spreading the word on topics from local pet ordinances to pet waste cleanup to emergency preparedness.