Pet Waste

Pick up after your dog!

Dogs produce a lot of waste, which if not picked up can pose a health threat to swimmers, wildlife, and water quality.

Picking up after your dog is the right thing to do. It reduces the spread of disease and helps the environment.

Pet waste left on the ground doesn’t just disappear—it can wash into rivers and streams, polluting the water with harmful bacteria and creating problems for both people and wildlife.

Every time you walk your dog, remember to:

-Carry waste bags
-Scoop the poop
-Dispose of waste in a trash can

Show your love for clean water—and your dog!

Share a photo of your pup and tag @neprwa on social media. We’ll feature your dog on their best behavior and inspire fellow dog walkers to scoop the poop!

Let’s work together for cleaner parks, healthier rivers, and happier pups!

The Dirty Truth About Dog Poop

Dog poop might seem natural, but it can be worse for the environment than wild animal waste. That’s because dogs eat processed foods with additives and extra protein, so their poop has more harmful bacteria and parasites.

Many people think dog poop just breaks down on its own and isn’t a big deal. But when lots of dogs use the same area, it adds up. Dog waste takes a long time to break down, and while it sits there, it can spread harmful bacteria and parasites into the environment.

You might ask, “Dogs have been pooping for years—why is it a problem now?” In our cities and towns, many dogs live close together, and their waste builds up fast. If it’s not picked up, the bacteria washes into rivers and streams, harming water quality, recreation, and wildlife.

That’s why it’s so important to pick up after your dog—to keep neighborhoods clean and waterways safe.