Canines for Clean Water - Education - Water Resources - Public Works

You too can "doo" something "pawsitive" for Clark County 's streams and wetlands!

1. Scoop the poop.
2. Bag it.
3. Toss it in the garbage!

Many people do not realize that pet waste left on the ground often gets washed into storm drains, which lead directly to our streams and wetlands. This waste is essentially raw sewage, and carries harmful bacteria which can affect the health of not only aquatic wildlife, but ourselves and our children as well.

You might think "I only have one dog," or "My dog is so little his poop can't possibly do any harm." But think about this: Clark County has almost 110,000 dogs, of all shapes and sizes, and their poop adds up about 15,000 TONS per year! That means it's up to every individual dog owner to take responsibility for your dog's doodoo.

Scoop it, bag it, toss it in the garbage!

See previous months' photos in our photo gallery>>

May Clean Water Canines
	Mocha Winner

See more photos in our photo gallery>>

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Partners:
Thank you to the following organizations and businesses who are helping Canines for Clean Water
spread the word:
Humane Society for Southwest Washington
West Columbia Gorge Humane Society
Clark County Animal Protection and Control
DOGPAW (Dog Owners Group for Park Access in WA)
Second Chance Companions
Watershed Stewards
Southwest WA Veterinary Medical Association
Beastie Boutique
Invisible Fence
Cooperative Dog Training
Yard Sergeant Pet Sanitation Services

Related links:
EPA Pet Waste site
Snohomish County Pet Waste site
Washington State Dept. of Ecology Pet Waste Site
About.com: Cat feces affecting the health of sea otters

Additional Resources
Clark County cannot support or endorse specific products or companies. For local resources, consult your phone directory under "pet" or try a web search for "green dog", "green pet", "biodegradeable plastic pet waste bags", "pet waste collection services", or "pet friendly landscaping"

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Take the Canines for Clean Water Pledge!
(residents of Clark County only, please)

Your Name:
Dog's Name:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
Email:
I grant permission to use my name (only) for county public materials

Canines for Clean Water Pledge
We pledge to help protect our streams by:

Picking up after ourselves
Staying on-leash in wetlands and other sensitive areas
Avoiding contact with streams and wildlife
Spreading this important message to other dog owners in our community!

Show your commitment to keeping our streams clean by filling your name and your dog’s name into the pledge above. We’ll send you a FREE Canines for Clean Water bandanna!

Submit a photo of your dog in their new bandanna and win more fun and useful prizes!
Click here to send us your photo!

Helpful hints from Buddy and his friends!

"Spring is here and that means it's time to get out in the garden! One way to garden with clean water in mind is to use compost as a soil amendment instead of synthetic fertilizer. And remember: never include dog waste in your compost pile. Because of its harmful pathogens, dog poop should always be scooped, bagged, and thrown in the garbage!"