Be a responsible pet owner, Scoop that poop!

As we move into the spring and summer months, many dog owners are looking forward to enjoying parks and other public places with their canine companions. As you venture out with your furry friend, don’t forget to bring along supplies to clean up after your pet!

Pet waste is unpleasant to step in and can contain parasites or bacteria that may be harmful to both animals and people. Be sure to scoop that poop and put it in a garbage can. Pet waste should never be tossed into a storm drain, recycling bin, or compost pile that is not specifically set up for animal waste.

Cleaning up your dog’s poop isn’t just the neighborly thing to do – Washington County code requires it.

If you don’t already do this, you might consider attaching a roll of “poop bags” to your pet’s leash. There are a wide variety of baggies (including scented ones) and bag holders available. There are also self-sealing bags, bags that come with an attached cardboard scooper, and portable poop scoopers if you can’t lean over or prefer a little more distance from your pet’s waste. If you want to avoid single-use plastic bags, you can buy reusable doggy waste bags or use paper bags or old newspapers.

Thank you for being a responsible dog owner who cleans up after their pet!

For more information on these topics and more, please visit www.WashingtonCountyPets.com. The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Ave in Hillsboro.