Student hopes to clean up with pet poo project

Faith Jeremiah has set up an unusual new business.

Faith Jeremiah has set up an unusual new business in the Bay of Plenty removing dog and other animal waste from residential and commercial premises.

The University of Canterbury business student, who has relocated to Tauranga and is about to complete a PhD in franchising, has ambitions to eventually franchise her Pet Poo Crew business nationally.

"Most people do a dog poo run around the lawn once a week or so, and all pet owners absolutely hate it," she said.

"I got the idea because I'm a pet owner myself and I don't like it and thought I could make it easier for other people."

The company's services include removing and cleaning pet waste from homes, business premises, gardens and lawns, motor vehicles, pet shows or parades, venues or special events and camping grounds and ex-rental properties.

Ms Jeremiah said in New Zealand pets outnumbered people, with an estimated total of 5 million, including 1.4 million cats and about 700,000 dogs.

The company's goal is to service at least 25 per cent of all households with pets in two years by expanding through franchises. The primary focus is dogs, but the company also offers a cat litter removal service and repellent spray for cats that persistently urinate on carpets.

Ms Jeremiah said she believed there was a significant market opportunity, especially in removing pet waste from events such as parades or from rental properties after someone moved out. "Not only are there health reasons why pet owners and business persons alike should not remove animal waste, it is also imperative to ensure waste is disposed of appropriately to diminish possible infections or diseases while simultaneously considering our environment."

Mount Maunganui resident Tyler Stevens has been using the service over the past month. He said that while he just had one dog, an English bull terrier, and had no problem with cleaning up after it, he was busy with work.

"If I get distracted the next thing you know it's everywhere. And I've got a small child that likes to play outside. It just made sense to have them do it and it's affordable."