Be a good neighbor and help keep it off streets and out of local parks, natural areas, streams, rivers and lakes. When you pick up your pet's waste, you prevent giardia, E-coli and other bacteria from reaching our waterways. Do your duty for a healthier river.

Dog waste is the THIRD largest contributor of bacterial pollution in urban waterways. Scientists estimate pet waste may be responsible for 20-30% of harmful bacteria. When you and your neighbors pick up after your pets, our rivers and streams get even healthier. Pick up after your pet and remind others to do the same. Don't expose children to bacteria and viruses by leaving pet waste behind.

Use our posters at home, work or anywhere to gently remind everyone of the hazards of pet waste.

If you are in a park or along a recreational trail, parkshop@fcgov.com or 970-221-6660.

If you are enjoying one of the City's natural areas or trails, naturalareas@fcgov.com or 970-416-2815.

Test your knowledge! How much do you know about pet waste?

1. Dog poop is just like fertilizer. 
False. Dog poop is high in nutrients like fertilizer, but when these nutrients wash into waterways, they promote weed and algae growth and limit the oxygen available for fish and other aquatic organisms.

2. Dog waste has double the bacteria and pathogens as human waste.
True. Dog waste also has 10 times as much bacteria and pathogens as cow waste!

3. Dog waste isn’t a big contributor of bacterial pollution in urban watersheds.
False. Dog waste is the third largest contributor of bacterial pollution in urban watersheds.  Scientists estimate that pet waste may be responsible for 20-30% of the harmful bacteria in our urban waterways.

4. More than half of pet owners pick up after their pets.
True. More than 60% of your friends and neighbors know that picking up their pet’s waste is part of being a responsible pet owner. This leaves lots of room for improvement! With an estimate of 10 million pounds of dog poop generated per year in Fort Collins, we need more protection for local waters.

5. Leaving bagged poop on the side of a trail is just fine.
False. Bagged pet waste should be thrown in garbage cans, not in the grass. Try using a dog waste pouch that attaches to your leash to carry it to the next trash can.