13 Tools You Need to Start a Pooper Scooper Business (2026)
Hey guys! Cameron here from Scoop Dog.
If you are thinking about starting your own dog waste removal business in 2026, you might be wondering exactly what gear you need to get started. Do you need a massive truck? Expensive machinery?
Actually, the barrier to entry is pretty low, but having the right tools makes the difference between a struggling side hustle and a scalable business.
Today, I’m breaking down the 13 essential tools I use to run Scoop Dog in Ottawa. From dealing with "poop icebergs" in the winter to the best software for billing, let’s dive in.
(Note: The links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the channel!)
This is your bread and butter. A lot of people start with small kid’s rakes from Home Depot, and those work if you are shorter. However, being 6-foot, I swear by the Corona GT.
Why I like it: It’s retractable. I can break it down easily to fit in my car, and adjust the height so I’m not hurting my back.
Canada: https://amzn.to/4qPYVLb
You can’t have a rake without the pan. I use a standard metal dustpan. It’s durable and pairs perfectly with the rake. You really don't need to overthink this one, but you do need a sturdy one.
Canada: https://amzn.to/3YvQXKU
I switch between two types depending on the season:
Biodegradable (13 Gallon): In Ottawa, we can put dog waste in the green compost bins (mixed with plant material). I use these when possible.
Kirkland/Costco Bags: During the "Spring Rush," the volume of waste is just too high for compost bins. I switch to the strong Kirkland bags because they are cost-effective and don't rip when carrying heavy loads.
Canada: https://amzn.to/3YsdYhZ
4. A 5-Gallon Bucket
This might throw you off—why do you need a bucket if you have a dustpan? Pro Tip: For spring cleanups, I line a 5-gallon bucket with 5 or 6 garbage bags. I scoop into my dustpan, dump it into the bucket, and when the bag is full, I pull it out, tie it, and the next bag is already there ready to go. It saves so much time compared to constantly swapping bags.
Available at any Home Depot, Lowes, Canadian Tire or Rona
5. Steel Garden Hoe
If you live in a climate with snow (like Canada), you will encounter "poop icebergs"—poop frozen into the ice. A rake won't cut it. I use an expandable steel garden hoe (sometimes found at Dollarama) to chip away at frozen waste or loosen messy spots.
Canada: https://amzn.to/4qeguVl
BackEZ is an ergonomically designed auxiliary handle that is "added on" to any stick tool. Adjust along the tool shaft to fit your height and arm length. Utilizing your hands with both wrist positions has proven to reduce strain and carpel tunnel stress. Make every tool IDEAL for those with arthritic conditions or who has suffered a back injury.
Canada: https://amzn.to/3L6EF8V
Designed to make dog waste cleanup faster, easier, and more comfortable. This ergonomic handle attachment upgrades your pooper scooper with a solid, non-slip grip that reduces hand strain and improves leverage, even during long cleanup routes.
You will encounter scenarios (like poop on decorative rocks) where a rake just makes a mess. You need to pick it up by hand. I recommend reusable, waterproof gloves. They protect you and can be rinsed off easily if things get messy.
Canada: https://amzn.to/3NkeTyq
Essential for muddy spring cleanups. You don't want to ruin your sneakers.
Canada: https://amzn.to/3N9JqPA
Boot Covers
In the dry summer months, I don't want to wear heavy boots. I wear my Nikes and slip on reusable boot covers. At the end of the week, I just toss the covers in the wash.
Canada: https://amzn.to/4sGqqsd
You need to clean your rake, pan, and boots between jobs. Don't use those weak hand-pump sprayers—they won't blast off caked-on mud. I use a 12V Car Pressure Washer that plugs into my cigarette lighter. I hook it up to a water jug mixed with disinfectant, and it blasts everything clean.
Canada: https://amzn.to/4qgwZA6
USA: https://amzn.to/4jzSEAT
9. Portable Cordless Sprayer
This portable cordless washer has high pressure to clean your car and house and without plug-in trouble. Two 3.0Ah batteries can support this washer on working for 60 minutes.
Canada: https://amzn.to/4qcSFwV
If you offer deodorizing as an upsell, you need a good enzyme cleaner.
The Product: I use EZClean (Canadian and safe for pets). If you are in the US, many people use Wysiwash or, but I find it expensive and inconvenient to hook up to a client's hose. The alternative option is “REScue”.
Canada - EZ Clean: https://amzn.to/49HoxUB
USA - REScue: https://amzn.to/455fI4h
USA - Whsiwash: https://amzn.to/4qrgEZw
Do not use a manual pump sprayer for deodorizing entire yards—your arm will fall off. Get a battery-powered backpack sprayer (like the one from VEVOR). You just walk the yard, hold the trigger, and spray the patio and grass. It’s a game-changer.
Canada: https://amzn.to/3Yvg6FC
Sanitization is key to preventing the spread of parvovirus and other diseases. I use Prevail.
Spring: I put it directly into my pressure washer tank.
Summer: I keep it in a simple spray bottle to quickly mist my tools and boots before getting back in the car.
Canada: https://amzn.to/3YrDV14
Safety is the most important thing. Even if you text a client you are coming, sometimes a family member doesn't know and lets the dogs out. I keep a canister of dog/coyote spray on a retractable keychain on my belt. I haven't had to use it yet, but having it accessible gives me peace of mind.
Canada: https://amzn.to/49MwgAM
BONUS ITEMS!
Looking to level up your professional look? These custom vests are the easiest way to do it. You can choose from 9 different colorways to stay on-brand, then make it totally yours by uploading your logo, a slogan, or even your name. It’s basically the ultimate power move for your work wardrobe.
Canada: https://amzn.to/4snUuIS
Flying solo shouldn’t mean your content has to suffer. If you’re tired of propping your phone against a water bottle, you need the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. They let you record hands-free POV video, so you can capture high-quality content while you’re out on a walk, meeting with clients, or even handling the messy parts of pet ownership. It’s basically like having a personal camera crew on your face.
Canada: https://amzn.to/49obyFX
Nothing ruins a cleaning session like a trash bag that won't stay put. When you're mid-scoop, the last thing you want is for your liner to collapse into the bucket, creating a mess you definitely don't want to touch.
Canada / USA: https://www.scoopdog.ca/shop/p/bin-clips
