One of the Top 15 Service Businesses to Start This Year
It might not be glamorous, but pet waste removal is one of the simplest and most underrated service businesses you can start. It checks all the boxes for a new entrepreneur—low startup cost, recurring income, minimal equipment, and very little competition in most areas. If you’re okay getting your hands a little dirty, this niche offers big rewards.
Ease of Entry
Starting a pet waste removal business is about as low-barrier as it gets. There’s no special licensing required in most places, and startup costs are typically under $2,500. All you really need is:
- A reliable vehicle
- Pooper scoopers, gloves, and waste bags
- A bin or bucket with a lid for transport
- Disinfectants and optional deodorizing spray
- Marketing materials like flyers, door hangers, or a simple website
Many people start this business as a side hustle, servicing neighborhoods near their home. You don’t need to handle the waste yourself—most scoopers dispose of it in the customer’s outdoor trash, while some offer haul-away service for an added fee.
The work is simple: show up on a regular schedule, scan and clean the yard, and move on. Many clients book weekly visits, while others may request bi-weekly or even one-time cleanups. Some operators also offer deodorizing treatments or scoop for commercial properties and apartment complexes.
It helps to be detail-oriented and reliable, but no prior experience is required. If you enjoy working independently and being outside, this is an easy business to launch quickly.
Profit Potential
Profit margins in pet waste removal are high because your costs are minimal. A typical weekly service runs $12 to $20 per visit for one dog, with added fees for multiple dogs or larger yards. Many clients pay $50 to $80 per month, and with enough volume, income can grow quickly.
For example, with 50 weekly clients paying $15 each, you’d generate $3,000 per month or $36,000 annually. With 100 clients, that number doubles. Since operating expenses are low, much of that revenue is profit—net margins of 60 to 80 percent are not uncommon for solo operators.
One-time cleanups and add-on services like deodorizing can boost income. You can also offer prepaid monthly plans to stabilize cash flow.
As demand grows, it’s easy to scale the business by hiring part-time helpers and expanding your route. Some business owners also branch into related pet services like dog walking, pet sitting, or lawn disinfecting.
Market Demand
Demand for pet waste removal is stronger than ever, driven by a growing number of pet owners who are too busy, unable, or simply unwilling to clean up after their dogs. According to the American Pet Products Association, over 65 million U.S. households own at least one dog, and pet ownership continues to rise.
Key factors fueling demand include:
- Busy professionals who want time-saving services
- Seniors and people with disabilities who need physical help
- HOAs or landlords seeking to keep common areas clean
- Environmentally conscious homeowners who want proper disposal
- Parents looking to reduce health risks from pet waste
Many customers appreciate the convenience and are happy to pay for it. Some areas have laws or HOA rules that require regular waste removal, which creates even more opportunity.
Because it’s a recurring service, once a client signs up, they often stay long term. With consistent marketing and referrals, you can build a solid route with loyal customers in just a few months.
Growth Trends
The pet services industry overall is booming, and pet waste removal is riding that wave. As more people view pets as family members, spending on pet care continues to climb. According to Grand View Research, the global pet services market is expected to reach over $50 billion by 2030.
This is a business that thrives on routine. Clients expect weekly or bi-weekly visits, and many happily sign up for auto-billing. The predictability of routes and income makes it easier to manage than some on-call services.
There’s also growing awareness around hygiene, odor control, and environmental impact, all of which support long-term demand. Eco-friendly waste disposal, composting, and yard-safe sanitizers are becoming selling points in some markets.
The competition is often low because few people think to enter this niche, even though it requires almost no training and has high customer retention.
Final Thoughts
Pet waste removal is a low-cost, low-risk business with high recurring income potential and virtually no technical barriers to entry. If you’re dependable, okay with physical work, and ready to build a simple but effective business, this is one of the most overlooked opportunities in the service industry. For those looking to get started quickly and grow steadily, pet waste removal is an excellent choice for 2025.