Dog Waste Stations - Do I Need Them?
The need for dog waste stations should be considered anywhere dogs are doing their business. This may be anywhere from a designated dog walk area to a dog park or even an open grassy area in a neighborhood. Installing and offering dog waste stations will provide dog owners with dog waste bags while also instructing them as to the importance of cleaning up after their dogs. Many dog owners don’t realize the danger pet waste carries and the harm it does to the environment. The availability of dog waste stations will minimize these risks and help to cut down on the build up of dog waste.
Maybe you’re concerned that pet waste stations will cost too much or that the refilling and supplying of dog waste bags will be too costly. In reality, they are very affordable in today’s market. Also, refill bags are much more affordable.
Dog waste stations and waste bags can be purchased and shipped for as little as $85.40 for a Starter Station with 2000 bags from Bow Wow Waste. Plus, once a dog waste station is purchased, they are fairly simple to install and don’t require any specialized experience or maintenance.
If your goal is keeping your apartment complex, dog park, neighborhood or any place dogs frequent; you’ll want to seriously consider the addition of dog waste stations. They are affordable, simple to install and will help maintain a clean environment.
Why scoop up?
Cleaning up after your dog is part of responsible dog ownership. There are various reasons why it’s important to scoop up after your pet dog. First of all, it’s a matter of community solidarity. Dog feces, like any waste, are unsightly and offensive in and of themselves; they are even more so when they unexpectedly land on our footwear as we are walking down the street or on our hands when we lie back while enjoying a day in the park.
More importantly, scooping up is important for community health. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified dog waste as a pollutant in the same category as oil and grease. Dog feces can be carriers to millions of bacteria, viruses and parasites, which are equally harmful to humans and other dogs. They are especially dangerous for children whose immune system is still being formed.
Finally, cleaning up after dogs should be done in order to comply with the law. Nationwide there are regulations and ordinances passed that require dog owners and those in custody of a dog to clean up after the dog defecates on a public property or a private property other than their own. Fines that go up to $10,000 have been set up across the nation.
How can we make it more convenient?
Even though the majority of dog owners are familiar with some or all of these facts, a number of them still fail to scoop up their pet’s waste. Why? They could be lazy, disinterested, uninformed or they may find it bothersome.
If you are a HOA manager, a property manager, a vet or simply if you are in charge of an area where dogs are present, the easiest way to encourage dog owners to uphold the cleanliness of the place is to install dog waste stations in convenient places. Dog waste stations are simple and easy to use and they stimulate dog owners to scoop up their pet’s feces.
In addition to having an encouraging effect on dog owners, dog waste stations are the most effective way of containing dog waste and disposing of it appropriately. Because they have lids, they prevent dogs, cats and other animals from going through the contents of the can and distributing it.
What are dog waste stations exactly?
A dog waste station is a multi-part unit that provides a means of disposing of dog waste. Fully equipped dog waste stations contain a sign that reminds dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their pets. Next, they have a bag dispenser that contains bags used to collect the waste. The waste is disposed of in the lidded waste can. All of these parts are mounted on a post. There are also mini stations, which don’t usually include the waste receptacle, but only the bag dispenser and sometimes, the sign.
Dog waste stations can be made of many materials, but aluminum and stainless steel are the best bet against the wear and tear of time, the elements and light vandalism. This should be taken into account as sometimes dog waste stations have to be moved.
The bag dispensers, waste cans and bags come in different forms and varieties.
Dog waste stations are placed in parks, residential areas, parking lots, airports, gardens of dog-friendly restaurants and cafés – basically anywhere where there are dogs.
How are dog waste stations superior over other ways?
They are the most convenient and the most effective. Let’s consider what other ways are available and compare them.
Acceptable ways for disposing of dog waste are prescribed by the state, area or township. Some regulations allow dog waste to be flushed, because the sewer system is designed to process waste before it reaches rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. However, that means dog owners have to carry the waste they collect until they get back home. That can be a nuisance.
Burying the waste minimum 5 inches below the ground is also appropriate according to some regulations. Some even see this method as a great way to fertilize plants. Unfortunately, dog waste is not a fertilizer and shouldn’t be used as such. The problem with this method is that it can lead to a build-up of harmful microorganisms like bacteria and parasites. They can contaminate vegetables and plants grown nearby or they can be contracted by children playing with dirt.
Simply throwing the bag with the waste in a regular garbage can makes it possible for cats, dogs and other animals to rummage through the contents and distribute them around. The exposure to dog waste can also lead to them contracting health problems like cramps, diarrhea or kidney issues.
Dog waste stations are undoubtedly the best way to go about collecting and containing dog waste. They are a superior method of promoting cleanliness, health and aesthetics of any area or property.