International Pooper Scooper Week: Dog Waste Health Risks
Author: Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (aPaws)
Published: 2010/04/01 - Updated: 2026/02/06
Publication Type: Awareness, Appreciation
Category Topic: Offbeat News - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information addresses critical public health concerns related to dog waste management, particularly relevant for households with children, seniors, and individuals with mobility limitations who may benefit from professional pet waste removal services. With 77.5 million dogs producing waste daily in the United States, the article explains how dog feces transmit roundworm and other parasites that can persist in soil for years, posing serious infection risks to anyone contacting contaminated ground - especially children who play outdoors and people with compromised immune systems. The Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists provides practical solutions through their nationwide directory of professional pooper scoopers, offering essential assistance to pet owners who face physical challenges in yard maintenance or need help protecting their families from these environmental health hazards - Disabled World (DW).
- Definition: Pooper Scooper Week
Pooper Scooper Week is an annual observance held during the first full week of April that encourages responsible pet ownership by promoting the regular cleanup of pet waste in yards, parks, and public spaces. Created by the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (aPaws) in the 2000s, the week serves both practical and environmental purposes - dog waste left on the ground can contaminate water supplies, spread parasites and diseases, and create unsanitary conditions in shared community areas. During this week, municipalities and pet organizations often distribute free waste bags, host cleanup events, and educate pet owners about local ordinances requiring waste removal. While the concept might seem humorous on its surface, the initiative addresses a genuine public health concern, since a single gram of dog waste can contain up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. The observance has grown beyond its initial scope to include broader conversations about pet etiquette, neighbor relations, and the environmental impact of the estimated 10 million tons of dog waste produced annually in the United States alone.
Introduction
International Pooper Scooper Week - April 1-7, Annually
The Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (aPaws) was founded in February 2002 by a group of pooper scoopers who believe every dog should have its day or in this case, a week. In recognition of a growing problem in our communities, environment and water tables, aPaws has established a special week of educating pet owners on the importance of cleaning up the after their dogs.
Main Content
Dog waste is no joke! According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, there are 77.5 million dogs in the U.S., with nearly half of the population owning at least one dog. And every dog has to poop!
Dog poop is more than just an everyday, natural occurrence - dog waste can pose a serious health hazard. Why? A number of common parasites, including roundworm, are transmitted via dog feces. When infected dog droppings are left on the ground, the eggs of the roundworms and other parasites can linger in the soil for years. As a result, anyone who comes in contact with the soil also comes in contact with the infected eggs.
Children run the greatest risk of infection because they're prone to play in the dirt at the park or playground and then put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes with their hands. But even a group of teens or adults playing Frisbee or touch football in an open area could be in danger. Parasitic infections can make humans extremely sick, and for pregnant women can pose serious harm to their unborn child.
If you can't pick up the dog waste yourself then you can always hire a professional pooper scooper to do it for you! There are hundreds of pooper scooper companies around the U.S. whose sole purpose in life is to make your yard or neighborhood poop-free.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While International Pooper Scooper Week may sound lighthearted, the underlying message carries genuine weight for community health and accessibility. Professional pet waste removal services have evolved into a legitimate industry addressing real sanitation needs, particularly for elderly dog owners, people with disabilities affecting mobility or dexterity, and families with young children at risk of parasitic exposure. The hundreds of certified professionals operating across the country reflect a growing recognition that what goes into our yards and parks ultimately affects our watersheds, playgrounds, and shared spaces - making responsible pet waste management not just a courtesy, but a public health necessity that deserves serious attention regardless of the calendar date it launches - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (aPaws) and published on 2010/04/01, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.