The majority of cities have a law surrounding your dog’s waste. This is because your dog’s waste is considered an environmental pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency and therefore you will need to pick it up off the ground and dispose of it appropriately. Not only does this ensure you are obeying he law, but it also shows you to be a responsible pet parent and shows respect to the other people in your community. Of course, you can pick your dog’s waste up with your hands, but a pet pooper scooper will make life so much easier.
A dog pooper scooper ensures you don’t have to touch the poop yourself, picking it up easily and quickly so you can dispose of it without any hassle. Below we have compiled a buying guide of all the facts about pooper scoopers, why you need one and which ones we think are best.
Best Pooper Scooper – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1) GoGo Stik The Totally Clean Pooper Scooper | Scoop Pounds of Poop in same bag Contamination Protection Comfort grip and hang up loop | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | 2) Petmate 71034 Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin and Rake Pooper Scooper | Sturdy Swivel Design: Multi Surface Use Extended Reach | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 3) PPOGOO Non-Breakable Pet Pooper Scooper | Foldable Portable Design Ergonomic Comfortable Design High-tech Environmentally Premium Materials | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 4) Dogit Clean Jawz Waste Scoop Dog Pooper Scooper | Practical, easy to use Very convenient dog poop scooper Features sharp, jagged teeth | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 5) Living Express 28” Large Pooper Scooper | Made of Heavy Duty ABS Plastic Long & Comfortable Handle Eco-Friendly | 4.4 out of 5 |
| 6) Petmate 70067 Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper | Durable, rotating bin Includes a plastic rake Lightweight swivel bin handle | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 7) Bodhi Dog Complete Poo Pack | Complete Cleaning Kit Award-winning Quality Strategic Design | 3.9 out of 5 |
 | 8) Arm & Hammer 71036 Claw Scoop | The claw scoop extends to 27-inch Works on all surfaces Available in black/penny color | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 9) TOOGE Pooper Scooper | Extends up to 38" in tray and 36" in rake Easy to Use Strong & Sturdy | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 10) Nature's Miracle Non-Stick Advanced Jaw Scoop | Antimicrobial product protection Non-stick plastic Picks up from all surfaces | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 11) TIMINGILA 28” Long Handle Portable Pooper Scooper | Slide down to lock or unlock and fold Easy to use, carry and store Spring is more durable. | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 12) Four Paws Wee Wee Spade and Pan Set | Makes cleanup quick Easy, and sanitary Rust-resistant | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | 13) Four Paws Outdoor Dog Pooper Scooper | Made of durable plastic A wide, comfortable grip Makes cleanup quick, easy, and sanitary | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | 14) DogBuddy Pooper Scooper | Has integrated waste bag compartment Backside adjusts in size Hooks on a leash | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 15) Pawler Bigger Dog Pooper Scooper | Easy to use, no more bending Holds a lot more Multi-surface & multipurpose use | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 16) Activedogs Best Ever Dog Poop Scooper | Upgraded Hinge System All Aluminum Welded Design Flat Style Scooper | 4.6 out of 5 |
What Is A Pooper Scooper?
A pooper scooper is a device that picks up your pup’s waste for you, so you don’t have to touch the poop with your bare hands. Dog poop can be messy and very smelly and the chances are you won’t want to get too close, so a pooper scooper does all the hard work for you. You can keep one in the garage for cleaning up your dog’s poop around your yard, or you can take one on walks with you to ensure you are not littering the local parks or sidewalks.
Why You Should Use A Pooper Scooper
There are a number of reasons you should use a pooper scooper, other than the fact it makes your life a lot easier!
To Keep Your Pets And Kids Safe
First and foremost, it keeps both you, your kids and your pets safe. Your dog’s waste can carry harmful organisms and parasites that get transferred to the ground, which you could then walk on and they could be transferred to you. This is especially important if your pooch is infected with ringworm or tapeworm, because these diseases can be passed on to you and have nasty side effects such as a fever, a headache or diarrhea.
To Keep The Environment Clean
Getting rid of your dog’s poop ensures that the environment stays clean. If these harmful microorganisms in your dog’s waste find their way into the soil, this can end up affecting local wildlife and infecting streams and rivers. If you live in a particularly wet or snowy area, when the rain trickles away or the snow melts it can carry the harmful bacteria with it and end up infecting areas that aren’t even near your house.
Also, dog poop doesn’t smell or look good! You don’t want to live in an area where you are constantly dodging pet waste or smelling it everywhere you go. If everyone picks up their dog’s waste with a pooper scooper then you can leave your environment looking and smelling clean.
To Save Your Lawn
Your dog’s poop does not have natural fertilizing properties like some other animal’s waste does. Your dog’s waste will not help your lawn to grow better — it is actually toxic and will leave your lawn with yellow patches. You will want to get rid of it as soon as possible, especially so the parasites in it don’t infiltrate your soil. Your lawn is also an area where children will want to play, or you want to spend some time with your family. Are you still going to want to do this if there is dog poop lying around?
To Obey The Law
We mentioned above that your dog’s waste is considered an environmental pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency. Because of this, local governments all over the country have imposed laws to ensure that owners pick up their dog poop, especially in public areas. Often you will see signs around when you walk your dog, so you can’t really get out of it! It is your duty as a dog owner to clean up after your pet.
To Stop Your Dog Eating Stools
This sounds disgusting, but it can be true. Dog’s can try to eat their own poop, or another dog’s poop. By ensuring there is no poop left lying around on the ground, you can be sure your dog won’t be trying to eat it!
To Show You Are Responsible
No one wants to be known as an irresponsible pet parent. By using a pooper scooper you can show your community that you are responsible for your dog and you will clean up any messes they make. This also shows you to have respect for your community and shows that you want to keep the area clean and nice to live in. Also, not everyone in your community is going to be a dog lover. By cleaning up your dog’s poop, you are not asking these people to deal with things they don’t want to.
Why Is It Essential To Clean Up Your Dog’s Waste?
The answer to this question goes hand in hand with the reasons why you should use a pooper scooper. The essential reasons why you should clean up your dog’s waste are listed below.
Harmful Microorganisms
As we mentioned above, your dog’s poop has many harmful microorganisms in it that can be dangerous not only to you, but also to the environment. These organisms can include tapeworm and ringworm, which can infect humans and be particularly nasty.
Contamination Of Water
If you don’t clean up your dog’s waste, the harmful bacteria in the waste can infect local water by seeping into the ground or into nearby streams and rivers. This can be particularly harmful for local wildlife who rely on this water to survive. It can also end up infecting your local water utility system, which could mean you end up drinking dirty water.
Plants And Animals
These harmful microorganisms can have catastrophic effects on wildlife. If your dog’s poop is not cleaned up, it can end up infecting the areas that animals live in and plants grow, especially rivers and streams. This can lead to the loss of wildlife and plants that contribute to the environment in certain areas.
Humans And Pets
Humans and other pets can be infected by parasites found in your dog’s waste. Not only is dog poop unpleasant to look at and smell, but becoming contaminated by bacteria in the waste can lead to health problems, especially in other pets and small children. There are many harmful bacteria found in dog waste including hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm, parvovirus and salmonella.
Fly and Pest Control
Flies and other pests are attracted to your dog’s poop. We all know how annoying and pesky flies can be, so by leaving your dog’s poop lying around you are asking for trouble! These flies can land on the poop and then fly off and land on you or your food, transmitting diseases.
Things To Consider When Buying A Pooper Scooper
Now you understand why using a pooper scooper and disposing of your dog’s waste appropriately is so important, we can take a look at the things you should be looking for when buying a pooper scooper to ensure your find the right one.
Construction
You want a durable and sturdy pooper scooper to ensure it is going to last you a long time. You will need to check what material the pooper scooper is made of to ensure it is going to work for you and it isn’t going to break. Aluminum and high-quality plastic are often two of the most popular materials that are used for pooper scoopers.
Weight
You want your pooper scooper to be light, especially if you are going to be carrying it on your walks with you. There is no point in buying a pooper scooper that weighs a lot, because you won’t be able to hold it and control your dog at the same time. Unfortunately, often lightweight pooper scoopers are not as durable, so you may want to look for one that compromises on both of these factors.
Size
Just as with the weight, you are not going to want to buy a pooper scooper that is massive. You want it to be a reasonable size so you can carry it around, and small enough so you can pack it away and store it when you’re not using it and ensure it doesn’t get in the way. However, a larger pooper scooper is better if you have more than one dog, because it can pick up more waste.
Ease Of Use
You want your pooper scooper to be designed so you can use it all the time. It should have an ergonomic design and fit in your hand comfortably, and you shouldn’t have to bend over to use it because this can cause back ache. It should be able to pick up both soft and hard poop too, without getting too dirty. A scooper should also be easy to clean.
If you’re ready to find a pooper scooper that’s right for you, take a look at the top picks for best pet pooper scoopers for dogs we have listed below. These are all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Pooper Scooper Reviews
1) GoGo Stik The Totally Clean Pooper Scooper
GoGo Stik’s The Totally Clean Pooper Scooper comes in a set, including a pooper scooper, an E-Z Wedge and storage clip. Made from aluminum, both of these gadgets come with adjustable handles so you can easily pick up your dog’s poop without having to bend over or hurt your back. The handles are also 25”-36” long and come with a comfort grip and hang up loop to make them extra convenient. Included in this set are also 10 poop bags, although you can use any grocery bags with this pooper scooper.
With the easy design you can scoop a lot of waste into just one bag, saving you money and saving the environment too. There is also the option to purchase just the pooper scooper or just a metal rake, if you feel you don’t need the entire set.
Key Features:
- Scoop Pounds of Poop in same bag
- Contamination Protection
- Comfort grip and hang up loop
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Petmate 71034 Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin and Rake Pooper Scooper
With this Petmate 71034 Arm & Hammer pooper scooper set, you get both a bin and a rake made from smooth, durable plastic that is resistant to mess and easy to clean. The bin rotates for ease of use, allowing you to pick poop up quickly and without any hassle. It also has hooks on both sides to secure bags, and the handle extends up to 32 inches you can pick up the waste with ease. The rake allows you to pick up waste on a variety of surfaces including grass, dirt and pavement, too.
This bin and rake set are lightweight and designed to pick up large quantitates of waste, making them perfect for owners of large dogs or multi-pet owners. Even better, the bin and rake handles snap together for hanging storage when the pooper scooper is not in use, and you get two Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin Waste Bags included in this set. There is also the option to purchase these waste bags on their own.
Key Features:
- Sturdy Swivel Design:
- Multi Surface Use
- Extended Reach
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) PPOGOO Non-Breakable Pet Pooper Scooper
The PPOGOO pooper scooper prides itself on being lightweight, yet extremely durable and unlikely to break. With a foldable design, this pooper scooper is portable and very easy to use. All you need to do is unlock the pooper scooper and fold it in half, making it very convenient to carry and to store, and for those owners who need to take their dog’s out very often. The ergonomic design ensures it fits in your hand easily and the stainless steel spring inside makes picking up your dog’s waste very easy.
The handle is 24.3 inches long so you don’t need to worry about getting close to the mess and it can pick up poop from a variety of surfaces, including grass, concrete and gravel. The large bin area also allows you to pick up more poop at once. It comes in both a green and a blue color.
Key Features:
- Foldable Portable Design
- Ergonomic Comfortable Design
- High-tech Environmentally Premium Materials
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) Dogit Clean Jawz Waste Scoop Dog Pooper Scooper
The Dogit Clean Jawz pooper scooper has serrated edges that are specially designed for picking up waste on grass and gravel. It comes with an ergonomic handle that features a soft, contoured rubber pad for your fingers, providing a comfortable grip. The scooper has two calibrated springs for a safe, durable and reliable pick up, making it extra easy for you. It is 25.5 inches in length, giving you excellent reach and ensuring you don’t have to bend to pick up your dog’s waste.
The scooper is made of strong yet lightweight plastic, so you can use it with one hand, and the material means that it can be rinsed easily after use. You can also buy this pooper scooper with a pavement design, perfect for picking up poop on sidewalks, or you can purchase a scoop and rake combo.
Key Features:
- Practical, easy to use
- Very convenient dog poop scooper
- Features sharp, jagged teeth
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) Living Express 28” Large Pooper Scooper
There are few things worse than cleaning up after your dog on long walks, but this pooper scooper makes things easier. Made from ABS plastic that is strong and reliable, it can handle picking up after the largest of dogs. While other models can easily snap and break as you scoop, this one holds up to hundreds of scoops without breaking down. As the handle is 28” long, you no longer need to bend and stoop to reach your dog’s poop.
It also helps you keep your hands clean and avoid smelling the feces. You can use it as-is and simply rinse it under water to keep it clean. If you have plastic bags, you can also slide one over the end to make cleaning up after your dog more sanitary. This scooper also features a trigger handle that quickly opens and closes the end when you squeeze it.
Key Features:
- Made of Heavy Duty ABS Plastic
- Long & Comfortable Handle
- Eco-Friendly
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) Petmate 70067 Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper
You can quickly clean up after your pets with this pooper scooper set. It works just as well in your backyard as it does when you take your pet for a walk. You get both a bin and the scooping device. The scooper swivels in different directions to help you pick up poop in seconds. That design also helps you dump the bin just as quickly. Thanks to the included rake, you don’t need to worry about getting your hands dirty because you never need to touch the poop. You can also snap the rake onto the bin for quick and easy storage.
Key Features:
- Durable, rotating bin
- Includes a plastic rake
- Lightweight swivel bin handle
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) Bodhi Dog Complete Poo Pack
The Complete Poo Pack from Bodhi Dog includes a pooper scooper in the color of your choice (either pink or blue) as well as a dog waste bag holder and rolls of bags. The pooper scooper is built with premium grade, lightweight, non-stick plastic and the jaws are controlled by two high tension springs for strong clamping control, ensuring any waste pick up is easy and non-messy. The alternating bucket-teeth pattern leaves space for grass to escape without the waste too, so you are only picking up the waste.
The large bucket scoop is perfect for large dogs or small dogs and can be used on grass, gravel, concrete, dirt and other surfaces. The handle has an ergonomic design with finger slots and an easy hang hole. The handle is also 24 inches long and therefore you do not need to worry about bending down to pick up your dog’s waste.
Key Features:
- Complete Cleaning Kit
- Award-winning Quality
- Strategic Design
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) Arm & Hammer 71036 Claw Scoop
The Arm & Hammer 71036 Claw Scoop is a pooper scooper that can be easily operated with one hand, making every clean-up after your dog very simple and quick. This pooper scooper extends to 27 inches, so you don’t need to reach down or bend over to pick up any waste and worry about any back pain. This pooper scooper works by squeezing the inner handle to open the scoop jaws and releasing it to close it and it is gentle enough for grass and tough enough for harder surfaces, ensuring it works well on all surfaces.
There is also spacing between the teeth that ensures only waste is grabbed and leaves, grass and gravel are left behind. This pooper scooper is made of heavy-duty, durable plastic and the flat bottom stands upright on its own when not in use for easy storage. If this scooper should get dirty, it can be simply cleaned with soap and water.
Key Features:
- The claw scoop extends to 27-inch
- Works on all surfaces
- Available in black/penny color
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) TOOGE Pooper Scooper
Don’t waste time and risk hurting yourself when picking up dog poop because this pooper scooper works great. Unlike other pooper scoopers that have a spring in the center, this set comes with both a dustpan and a rake. Simply slide the rake along the ground to make sure that you get all of the waste and push it into the dustpan. Both pieces expand to reach the length you need.
While the rake expands to 36 inches, the dustpan expands to 38 inches. You’ll find small locking mechanisms on the side that lock both pieces to the length that you want. This set is perfect for smaller dogs but also works with larger dogs. As the dustpan uses stainless steel, all of the feces and other waste will simply slide off when you empty it. You can also use this set to rake leaves and clean up around your yard.
Key Features:
- Extends up to 38″ in tray and 36″ in rake
- Easy to Use
- Strong & Sturdy
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) Nature’s Miracle Non-Stick Advanced Jaw Scoop
This pooper scooper from Nature’s Miracle is special in the fact that it comes with a 2-in-1 odor control design. This pooper scooper has antimicrobial product protection that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, as well as odor-blocking technology that prevents odors from being absorbed into plastic, ensuring that even after many uses your pooper scooper stays smelling and looking fresh. This means that this pooper scooper will last you a longer time.
It is lightweight and easy to use, being operated by the handle that controls the jaw scoop. The jaw scoop design ensures that just your dog’s waste is picked up from the ground and grass and dirt are left behind, making it perfect for scooping on all surfaces — including grass, gravel and concrete. The plastic that it is made out of is not only durable but is also non-stick, ensuring you don’t get a nasty mess after cleaning up any waste. Even better, the scooper is 32 inches long, ensuring you don’t need to bend over at all.
Key Features:
- Antimicrobial product protection
- Non-stick plastic
- Picks up from all surfaces
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
11) TIMINGILA 28” Long Handle Portable Pooper Scooper
Keep your hands clean and dry when taking care of your yard or walking your dog with this pooper scooper. If you have a fenced-in yard, you might love letting your dog run free. Every time you clean the yard, you can use this scooper to pick up the dog’s waste and keep it a safe distance from your hands. It’s also great for taking on long walks around the neighborhood. Perfect for large and small dogs, it has a 28” long handle that does not require you to bend over to pick up feces. You simply slide down the handle and lock it in place. When you’re done, push the handle back up to save space. This pooper scooper also has a durable spring in the center for regular pick-ups.
Key Features:
- Slide down to lock or unlock and fold
- Easy to use, carry and store
- Spring is more durable.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
12) Four Paws Wee Wee Spade and Pan Set
The spade and pan set from Four Paws Wee Wee is designed to help keep your yard, garden and the area around your house clear of your dog’s waste. It is very simple to use, all you need to do is use the spade to push your dog’s waste into the pan and dispose of it. This makes cleaning up very quick and easy and you don’t need to reach down and pick it up with your bare hands. It is made of durable materials and has an easy to hold comfortable rubber grip.
The pan is large and can hold a lot of waste, and it is easy to attach a poop bag or grocery bag to dispose of the waste properly. The the spade and pan will also not rust, so they are durable and will last you a long time. You can buy this spade and pan set in either a small or large size, and you can also purchase a rake and pan set to go with it, too.
Key Features:
- Makes cleanup quick
- Easy, and sanitary
- Rust-resistant
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
13) Four Paws Outdoor Dog Pooper Scooper
The Four Paws Outdoor Dog pooper scooper comes in three different sizes — small, standard and large — based on the amount of poop you are regularly needing to pick up, and you can purchase either a hard surface scooper with flat edges, or a grass scooper with claw like teeth that ensure the poop is picked up but any grass or dirt is left behind. This pooper scooper is made from durable plastic with a wide, comfortable grip and it is very easy to use and can be operated with one hand.
The length of the scooper is 24 inches, ensuring you don’t need to bend over to pick up your dog’s waste. Although there is no way to attach a bag to this scooper, the scooper is spring loaded and holds the waste tightly until you drop it into a bag, making it very simple to clean up any mess.
Key Features:
- Made of durable plastic
- A wide, comfortable grip
- Makes cleanup quick, easy, and sanitary
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
14) DogBuddy Pooper Scooper
The DogBuddy pooper scooper is a little different to the other pooper scoopers we have listed here. The unique thing about the DogBuddy scooper is that it is portable and hooks onto your dog’s leash. Although there is no long handle and you do need to bend over to pick up your dog’s waste so it might not be right for every pet owner, this pooper scooper is lightweight and easy to use, collecting your dog’s waste so you can dispose of it.
Because it is so much smaller than other pooper scoopers it can be a great way to dispose of your dog’s waste while you are out on a walk or at the local park. With an integrated waste bag compartment so you never run out of bags, the backside of this pooper scooper adjusts so you can scoop all the waste. It is designed best for medium pets. It comes in either a green or gray color.
Key Features:
- Has integrated waste bag compartment
- Backside adjusts in size
- Hooks on a leash
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
15) Pawler Bigger Dog Pooper Scooper
Messes of any size won’t get in your way when you have this pooper scooper set. Thanks to the extended length of the handles, you no longer need to bend over or worry about back pain when cleaning up after your pets. You get both a rake to collect waste and a bin to hold it. The rake has a curved end that slips under the poop to keep your hands clean and ensure that you don’t miss a spot. Due to the flat edge of the bin, it’s easy to slip feces inside. This set is also nice for cleaning your yard and collecting leave or other yard waste.
Key Features:
- Easy to use, no more bending
- Holds a lot more
- Multi-surface & multipurpose use
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
16) Activedogs Best Ever Dog Poop Scooper
This Best Ever pooper scooper from Activedogs has teeth at the bottom of the pan to ensure you can easily pick up waste from all surfaces, including grass and concrete, by scraping the ground until it is all gone. This pooper scooper is made from strong, durable, 1/8″ heavy duty aluminum so you can ensure it will not break over time. The pan and claw are hinged together for easy use, making picking up waste a lot easier. They both have molded rubber handles that fit easily and comfortably in the hand too, and the large pan size ensures that a lot of waste can be picked up at once.
The overall height of the scooper is 38 inches, ensuring that you don’t need to bend over and hurt your back to remove your dog’s waste. You can also purchase a flat headed version of this pooper scooper for use solely on concrete, as well as a disposable bucket for easily getting rid of the waste.
Key Features:
- Upgraded Hinge System
- All Aluminum Welded Design
- Flat Style Scooper
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Pooper Scooper FAQ’s
Is it possible to use the same pooper scooper on all surfaces?
There are actually lots of different designs of pooper scoopers that can be used on different surfaces. Some pooper scoopers are designed solely to be used on grass, while others are designed to be used on concrete. Generally, we advise you to go for a pooper scooper that works on multiple surfaces, just to be on the safe side so you know you can pick up your dog’s waste wherever you are.
How do I get rid of dog waste?
You can get rid of your dog’s waste in a number of ways. Different areas will have different laws, so you should check locally. Firstly, you can put the waste in a plastic bag and tie it tightly, and then put it in your garbage can. You can also buy special waste digesters that break down your dog’s poop for you with special enzymes. If you want, you throw your dog’s waste down your own toilet, but many pet owners do not want to carry it into the house. Another idea is to dig a hole in your yard and put the waste in there, because it will eventually decompose. However, this does allow any harmful organisms in the poop to get into your soil, so it is not always advised.
Can I put dog waste in my yard waste?
Generally, the answer to this question is yes. However, as we mentioned above, every area is different and some waste pickup companies will not accept dog waste. You should always check locally to where you live.
Conclusion
A pooper scooper is a very important gadget to have if you are a pet owner. Not only is your dog’s waste considered to be an environmental pollutant, but by picking up your dog’s poop you are showing to be a responsible and considerate member of the community. Your dog’s waste can contain a lot of harmful microorganisms and parasites that can end up infiltrating the soil and rivers and streams around your house, affecting local wildlife, so it is important you pick it up.
Make sure to look for a pooper scooper that is easy to use and has a comfortable design. It shouldn’t be too heavy and you should be able to carry it with you when you go on walks. Any of the pooper scoopers we have listed above will be a great addition to have around your home, and we know it’ll make life easier for you.