Scoop the Poop

Anchorage has a municipal ordinance requiring pet owners to "scoop up" after their pets, both at home and in public places. Dog droppings are a nuisance and a health hazard. They attract flies, spread disease, and are one of the largest causes of water pollution in Anchorage streams and creeks.

Anchorage has an estimated 65,000 dogs. Dogs relieve themselves every day, producing an average of 3/4 pound of waste per dog. That's over 48,000 pounds or about 24 tons of dog waste each and every day.

It's important for pet owners to "scoop up" after Rover on bike trails, in parks, and wherever Rover goes. Many city parks now have convenient refuse stations, like the one pictured to the left.  But just in case there is not one at your park, or in case it is empty, you should carry a supply of plastic bags to clean up after your dog. Slip a bag over your hand and collect the droppings. Then pull the bag off of your hand so that the droppings are inside (like pulling off a sock cuff-first). Tie the bag shut and dispose of it in a trash can or animal refuse station.

You can be cited for violating care and sanitation laws if the waste is allowed to build up in your own yard, which often creates an unpleasant and unsanitary nuisance to neighbors.