Local Scooper First In Houston To Meet New Industry Standards
Local entre-manure Deb Sullivan and Rover's Leftovers Poop Patrol, her dog waste clean-up service, is the first in Houston to step into the future of poop scooping when she joined The Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists {aPaws}.
(PRWEB) January 29, 2003
“Becoming a member of aPaws was a natural fit for us” said Deb Sullivan. “We already met their strict code of conduct and their attitude towards the environment made joining an easy choice.”
President and Founder, Laura Sprinkles, who owns NIMBY Service in Seattle says, “After talking with scoopers from around the country, we felt the need to raise the level of professionalism and public awareness in this relatively new industry.” And new it is! Fifteen year ago there were a handful of poop-scooper companies. Now there are nearly 300 in the U. S. and Canada and the number is growing rapidly. However, with that growth comes a large number of people who think they can start a scooping business and “get rich quick.” “These guys and gals find out that it takes hard work to grow a business and some eventually give up. The greatest fear is not disinfecting their tools or shoes. It’s about time there was a code of ethics for our industry.” Says Eric Riker of Happy Tails Pet Services Inc. in Cleveland and aPaws Vice President.
“Being a member of aPaws should benefit my clients in other ways,” says Deb Sullivan; “we’ll always be up to date as far as educating ourselves and clients, since we have access to pertinent information available on the member’s only web site". "We have tried to remain on the leading edge of our industry,” Deb Sullivan continues, “And aPaws will help guarantee we do”. “Most dog owners usually don’t even think about the impact dog waste can have on them in regards to health issues,” adds Deb Sullivan. “Dog waste can host deadly parasites and viruses, some of which can infect humans, especially children.
Roughly 10,000 people are infected with Toxocariasis each year in the United States. This disease can cause blindness as well as affect the bodyÂ’s organs and central nervous system. To help prevent human infection, the U. S. Center for Disease Control recommends clean up of pet waste at least once a week.
RoverÂ’s Leftovers has been cleaning up after dogs, offering this affordable service in the Houston area since March 2000. RoverÂ’s Leftovers offers discounts for working dogs, seniors, and the handicapped as well as families who have adopted from Greyhound Pets of America, Houston SPCA, Houston Humane Society, and Second Chance Pets.