PooPrints dog poop DNA tests help clean up North American neighbourhoods
Dog poop DNA matching service helps building managers and homeowners hold non-scoopers accountable
Non pooper scoopers beware, PooPrints technology is catching up to your dog's exploits.
The dog poop DNA matching service is allowing property managers and homeowners to hold dog owners accountable for their pets' waste — and it's gaining popularity across North America.
Maggie Ashley, Operations manager for Poo Prints Canada based out of Calgary, says she's seen poop left on playgrounds, elevators and front entrances.
"You have to wonder what people are thinking when they just walk away from it," said Ashley. "...the average-sized dog produces 272 pounds of waste a year, and if 40 per cent goes unscooped, we are talking a lot of dog poo."
The process is simple. Once owners give their dog a cheek swab and send the sample to the company, they receive a registration number. Each DNA profile is then registered in the BioPet World Pet registry.
When unwanted dog waste is found, property managers can send a small sample to the company and have it matched against the registry and hold offenders accountable.
Poo problem cleaned up
The company says the service is most effective when all owners within a residential complex or community register their pets DNA because it allows for greater accuracy.
Ashley says the feedback from her clients is encouraging.
"Once the DNA swabbing is done, people aren't willing to actually test the system and the waste problem pretty much disappears overnight."
The company says property managers report a 75 per cent decrease in pet waste after using the service.
The services costs around $50, depending on the size and location of community.
To hear the full interview with Poo Prints Canada, listen to the audio labelled Dog Poo