Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

We know you've got questions, and we've got the scoop. Our FAQ section is your go-to source for all things pet waste management. So, let's dig in and get those questions answered!

Do you provide services for animals other than dogs?

Yes, at this time, our primary focus is providing services for dogs only. However, we offer our Bucket Service for those with cats and/ or dogs.

Do you offer Guaranteed Satisfaction?

We sure do! If you are ever dissatisfied with the quality of your service, we will re-clean your property at no cost to you or may credit you for the service visit.

Do I have to be there when you're there?

No. Most people work during the day and find it difficult to arrange a time to be home. We'll enter through a predetermined entry point, such as a side gate. Just make sure you remember to leave the gate unlocked. We won't attempt to hop gates or fences. If gates are locked, and we cannot access your yard, you'll be charged for that visit. However, if you want to be there the first day, for whatever reason, we can arrange a time to meet you and your dog. Just let us know!

What areas do you serve?

We offer our dog and pet poop scooping services to Kissimmee, Poinciana, Saint Cloud, Dr. Phillips, Davenport, Hunters Creek, and Lake Nona, including all or a portion of the following zip codes: 32819, 32830, 32836, 33836, 33837, 33844, 33845, 33896, 33897, 34741, 34742, 34743, 34744, 34746, 34747, 34758, 34759, 34769, 34770, 34771, 34772, 34773. Don't see your zip code listed here? Contact us!

Why is it important to have dog waste removed?

Dog waste that is left in your yard not only attracts flies that can carry dog waste residue and disease into your home, onto your food, and elsewhere, but your dogs often step in their poop and track residue inside your home, where they then curl up on your couch, jump on your bed, put their paws on your table and countertops, and snuggle up to you and your kids in front of the TV. Dog poop also contaminates drinking water, lakes, and ponds.

Do I have to sign any contracts?

No, but to begin service, we will need a service agreement. Our service agreement simply permits Doody Patrol to be on your property to pick up dog waste and to outline our policies and procedures. There is no minimum service, and you can cancel anytime with a phone call or email. Commercial accounts may require a contract.

What other services do you provide?

We provide a wide array of services, including we hose off patios and disinfecting dog runs; installing and service dog waste stations at condominiums, apartments, homeowner’s associations (HOAs), and parks; cleaning bike and hiking paths, sandboxes, and playgrounds; and even one-time clean-ups.

Do you work in the rain or inclement weather?

It depends on how hard it is raining, but we will usually work if it's just a light drizzle or intermittent rain. In the event of unsafe or hazardous weather or road conditions, we will cancel services until it's safe to resume. Please be patient, as we will make every attempt to scoop your yard at least once every week during even the worst weather to prevent excessive accumulation of waste.

Do I need to secure my dog in the house or tie them up while my yard gets cleaned?

No, unless you know your dog is aggressive or can potentially harm one of our pooper scoopers. This policy protects us and you from being held liable for injuries sustained during the service visit.

Are you licensed, bonded, & insured?

Yes! We are a registered limited liability corporation with the State of Florida, bonded and insured to protect our clients, employees, management, and company. Our employee's vehicles are all insured vehicles, and worker’s compensation insurance covers our employees in case of injury.

How do I pay for your poop-scooping service?

We accept all major credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club. We bill via auto-pay only for reoccurring services. Your credit/bank card will be charged each month every four weeks. All clients are required to have a card on file while receiving ongoing services. Doody Patrol collects your first monthly payment prior to the start of services. Please note that our pooper scoopers are not allowed to accept cash, check, or credit card payments at your home or business.

What if I have a friend or family member that visits with their dog(s)?

Doody Patrol understands that you will have visitors with pets. This isn't an issue for us. An issue can arise if the additional pet(s) are using the same areas as your dogs day after day and increasing the workload on our pooper scoopers without notifying us beforehand.

We ask that you please inform us when other pets will be using your yard, even when it has been only one day. You could either scoop the added dog waste yourself, or we could do it for you for a small fee. The choice is yours. Our pooper scoopers are professionals and can tell if there is more dog waste than usual. Disregarding this courtesy could result in additional fees added to your bill and/ or immediate termination of service.

Does the size of my dogs or yard affect the price?

We typically charge the same for small or large dogs or yards; however, we reserve the option to add an upcharge for unique situations. Sometimes people think that since their small dogs produce small poop, our service should be less expensive; however, small dog poop the size of a Tootsie Roll is often hard to find, especially in a gravel or grass yard. We will advise you on our first visit if we need to modify our pricing prior to starting any service for you.

What day and time can you visit my yard?

Our service days are from dawn to dusk, Monday through Friday; however, our routes vary by geographic area. We will try to accommodate special scheduling requests, but that is not always possible. Call us, and we can share what days of the week we will be in your area. The exact timing of our visits is not common since each scooping visit is unpredictable.

We don’t know what we will encounter each week. One week, all dog waste may be found in one small geographic area in the yard; the next week, it may be spread out across the entire yard. Some weeks the dog waste may be solid and dry, and other weeks your dogs may have had digestive issues causing loose stool, so cleaning and sanitizing may take much longer. We would ask that you be flexible and allow us to visit as time permits on your assigned day, and if you have a need for more specific timing one week, just ask. You will receive a text when a pooper scooper is on their way and after the yard has been scooped.(Text and data rates may apply to texts you receive.)

When you visit my yard, what exactly do you do?

We scoop your dog’s poop weekly using a grid method of searching – north to south and back again, so we don’t miss any hidden piles. After scooping, we bag up the dog waste, seal the bag airtight, and take it with us for proper disposal. We then exit and ensure that all gates have been closed to prevent a pet escape, and finally, we text you a photo of your closed and locked gate for your convenience.

What do you do with the dog poop after you pick it up?

We bag your dog waste, seal the bag airtight, and take it with us for proper disposal.

What holidays do we observe?

We work year-round but observe the following major national U.S. holidays and take time off at certain times of the year; New Year's Day, Juneteenth, MLK Day, A select week during the summer (May - July / Date announced at least a month prior), Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Weekend (Thursday thru Sunday), and Christmas Week (if Christmas Day falls on a weekend, we will take the following week off).

When a holiday falls on your regular service day, you will be charged as usual, as we will make up for it on your next visit. However, if you decide to scoop your yard yourself, you will not be charged and will be credited for the missed visit. Simply inform us of your decision before your next renewal period. Ultimately, we reserve the right to alter service visits as we see fit during certain times of the year.

How much does my dog poop?

On average, your dog poops twice a day, equating to approximately 1/2 their body weight in poop weekly. To put this in perspective, a 10 lb Chihuahua generates approximately 260 pounds of poop a year!

How do I cancel my services?

If you need to cancel service for any reason, you have a few options on how to do so. Notify us via the website's contact form, send an email to admin@doody-patrol.com, or call 407-392-3458. If possible, we'd appreciate at least a 24-hour notice on service cancellations.

Should I unlock my gate?

Yes. Since Doody Patrol pooper scoopers are not to climb or jump over fences, please have your gate unlocked on your service day. Unfortunately, we have to charge for missed service calls due to a locked gate. (The first time is on us). Most people leave a spare key in an envelope and in a location for us to retrieve it. If you like, you can give us the combination to your lock, or we can lend you one of ours for your service at no cost. No keys, please. They are too confusing to try and remember which one goes where.

What if I want to skip a service day?

You will not be charged if you call the office in time for us to tell our pooper scooper to skip your yard for that day. If the dog will be gone from the yard for a couple of weeks, or you want us to skip your yard for a day or more, we can hold service, and you will not be charged. (extended periods of time may require an extra fee) However, if your gate is locked or the dog will not allow us to clean the yard when we do our work, we will still charge for the service call that could not be completed. If, for instance, you get to work and remember that the gate is locked, call us early to tell us to skip that day so that you won't be charged.

Do you have a customer referral program?

Yes, when you refer a new customer to us, you will get 50% off your service for one month. All the new client has to do is mention your name when they sign up for service, and Doody Patrol will credit your account. (Not for one-time services)

Do you offer any kind of discounts on services?

Yes! We offer an annual prepayment discount of 15% on any recurring service. We also offer 10% off the cost of services to clients that are members of the armed forces and veterans alike. Discounts can not be combined.

Is there anything I need to do before your visit?

Yes, there in fact is!

  • Mow all grass to a reasonable length and cut back weeds.
  • Trim vegetation at fence lines in areas which dogs have been known to use.
  • Rake or blow leaves off the lawn, and pick up and remove all storm debris.
  • Remove all toys and sports equipment from the general areaIf any areas may be accessible to pets but not to people, such as under a shed or a deck, block them to prevent pets from using these areas. If we can't get to it, we can't remove it.
Are your chemicals safe around animals and people?

Of Course! We use a disinfectant and cleaner to sanitize our equipment, dog runs, patios, and more. A broad-spectrum germicidal cleanser and deodorizer, effective against all pathogens, including canine parvovirus, leaves a faint but pleasant wintergreen scent. For use in zoos, kennels, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters. It is also safe for use around all animals and humans."