Pooper-Scooper Service

Startup Costs: Under $2,000
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? Yes
Online Operation? No

Believe it or not, you can make a very comfortable living by starting and operating a doggie pooper-scooper service in your community. In fact, this service has really taken off in the past few years and new pooper-scooper services are popping up daily across the country. This is an easy business to start requiring little investment, no special skills, and minimal equipment to operate. Basically, if you can handle a shovel and plastic bags, and can put up with less than aromatic smells, you're qualified to run a pooper-scooper service. If not, you can still cash in on this booming growth business by marketing and managing the service while hiring others to do the dirty work. Spread the word about your pooper-scooper service by advertising in local newspapers, pinning fliers to bulletin boards, and through dog-related businesses and clubs in the community. Most services charge a flat monthly rate of between $30 and $60 to stop by customers' homes or businesses weekly to clean up their yards, which takes no more than ten minutes per visit.

The Market

Pet owners.

Needed Equipment

You will need reliable transportation, a cell phone, garbage buckets, plastic bags, shovels, gloves, and a good pair of rubber boots.

Pooper-Scooper Service Ideas

Litter Pickup

Help keep your area clean with a litter pickup service.

Handyperson

Fix yourself up with a handyman business and start helping others today.

Home Maintenance and Repair

Keep clients' homes in tip-top shape with a home maintenance and repair business.

More from Business Ideas

Leadership

Are You the Face of Your Business? You Shouldn't Be — These 3 Practices Can Help You Change Your Branding

In a smaller organization, the owner is often the "face" of the business. But while it is flattering to be in demand, being the face of the business is also dangerous. It can impact the owner's ability to grow the business and make it sustainable for the long term.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Side Hustle

4 Simple Mistakes That Can Crush Your Creative Side Hustle, From an Expert Who Raised $45 Million to Support Independent Workers

Ben Huffman, CEO and co-founder of Contra, became a "power user" on Elance and Odesk (now Upwork) and realized freelancers needed more support.