Pick Up Pet Waste

Pet waste belongs in the trash, not on the ground. Pet waste contains twice as much bacteria per gram than human waste. In your yard, in our parks, in the dog park – wherever you are, pick up the poop and put it in the trash.

Did you know?

• Dog poop can have roundworms, E. coli and other pathogens that can infect people or other dogs.
• Four Mile Run is considered not safe for swimming due to levels of E. coli bacteria. Dog waste is a key source of E. coli.
• Pathogens in dog waste can multiply the longer it sits on the ground. Some can remain in the soil for years.
• Arlington dogs create more than 3000 pounds of poop every day.
• Rain washes over dog poop left on the ground. Runoff carries fecal matter and bacteria into storm drains and to the nearest stream.

Arlington County Code Chapter 2-5 states that “The owner of a dog shall be responsible for the removal of the dog’s excretion from any property other than the dog owner’s property and between the edges or curbs of public streets.” (Even though it’s not specified in the code, make sure you pick it up on your own property too. Our streams will thank you.)