Pet Waste Management

It's important to clean up after your pet, even in your own yard. Pet waste can contain bacteria and parasites that can infect animals as well as people who spend time in the landscape.

These microscopic dangers include E. coli, giardia, and hookworm, which cause uncomfortable symptoms or even severe illness.

Pet waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains, which empty into the nearest body of water and can potentially harm the animals there. The nutrients in pet waste also encourage weeds and algae growth, and use up oxygen in the water.

So when you walk your dog or let him out in your backyard, make sure to pick up his waste, tie it in a plastic bag, and place it in the trash. You can even flush pet waste down the toilet (but don't flush "kitty litter"). Never put pet waste in your compost.

UF/IFAS Sites

• UF Clean Water Campaign: Clean Up After Pets

UF/IFAS Publications

• Aquatic Algae (PDF)
• Being a Good Neighbor

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Dog-Proofing the Landscape
• Gardening for Cats
• Pet-friendly Landscaping
• Protect the Waterfront
• What is Stormwater Runoff?

Other Sites

• Dog Waste Poses Threat to Water--USA Today
• It Doesn't Just Go on the Lawn--Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (PDF)
• Pet Waste--City of Fort Lauderdale (FL)
• Pet Waste Management--University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service (PDF)
• Pooches for the Plants: Scoop That Poop!--Tampa Bay Estuary
• Prevent Water Pollution: Pick Up After Your Dog--Charity Guide
• The Scoop on Dog Poop--Alachua County (FL)
• What's the Scoop on Pet Waste and Water Quality?--City of Tallhassee TAPP Program